Could saunas become the ‘new pub’ when it comes to socialising?
Could saunas become the ‘new pub’ when it comes to socialising?
Sauna culture is expanding rapidly in the UK, including in Wales, leading some proponents to compare them to pubs as social hubs. The UK now hosts over 600 public saunas, with many situated along coastal areas, lakeside views, and tranquil countryside. While users often highlight the therapeutic and mental health advantages of sauna sessions, the scientific backing for these claims is more complex. Experts caution that sauna use requires attention to hydration and should complement other healthy practices.
Growth and Trends
The British Sauna Society (BSS) reports that nearly 640 saunas are listed on their platform, a rise from 540 at the beginning of the year. A recent report suggests the UK could surpass Europe’s sauna markets by 2033. Gabrielle Reason, director of the BSS, remarked:
“The continuing growth suggests that the peak has still yet to come – if there is one.”
A Personal Health Journey
Kathryn Donavan, 40, established Môr A Sawna in Jackson’s Bay, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, in June 2024. Her decision stemmed from personal health challenges, including premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and endometriosis. After surgery to remove parts of her womb, she noticed her symptoms worsened, often leaving her bedridden. “I was in so much pain,” she said, adding that she began developing flu-like symptoms. Seeking alternatives, she started visiting a sauna an hour and a half from her home. Inspired by the lack of local access, she opened her own outdoor facility. “I don’t get pain anywhere near as intense as I used to,” she noted.
Social Connection and Wellness
Donavan observed that visitors used her sauna for diverse reasons, such as escaping isolation or building a sense of community. “We’ve got quite a few people who use it regularly because of various health conditions and it helps them sleep better and move easier,” she explained. She views saunas as a way of life, emphasizing their role in unwinding and fostering social bonds.
William Jenkins, 34, worked in the tech industry for 15 years before experiencing a mental health crisis. While traveling, he discovered sauna culture, visiting 70 establishments across 14 countries in nine months. The experience helped him manage stress and improve his wellbeing. Returning to Wales, he opened Hikitalo Sauna in Porthcawl. “I class saunas as the new pub. A sober way of getting together and you don’t wake up with any hangovers,” he said. Jenkins believes saunas provide a unique platform for social connection, free from social hierarchies.
Scientific Perspective
Dr. Geoff Combs, a lecturer in sport and exercise science at Bangor University, highlighted that sauna benefits must align with broader healthy habits. “If someone is telling me that they feel it improves their mental health, that’s great, keep doing it,” he said, though he stressed that further research is needed. “Listen to your body and be aware that you could overheat – make sure you’re hydrating before, bringing water with you and just start slow. I mean, go in for a few minutes, see how you feel, take a break. I think it’s important to have scientific evidence,” he added.
