LONDON (AP) — Despite the biting chill of winter, a dozen enthusiastic individuals have filled a small sauna room in East London, blissfully sweating in their swimwear. The temperature exceeds 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit), and it is about to rise even further.
As ice blocks infused with lavender oil slowly melt over sizzling stones, they release fragrant steam into the air. Oliver Beryl, the "sauna master," enhances the atmosphere by playing ambient music and vigorously waving a towel in circular motions, distributing waves of dry heat throughout the room. Beryl encourages participants to connect, either by sitting back-to-back or maintaining eye contact with the person next to them. Initially hesitant, most attendees embrace the challenge for a few minutes.
Sauna-bathing has become increasingly popular in London and the broader UK, particularly among trendy 20- and 30-somethings who seek healthier alternatives to traditional nights out in pubs and bars. The communal experience of sweating together serves as a form of relaxation, social therapy, and mental or physical rejuvenation — practices that have been integral to many cultures around the world, ranging from Scandinavian saunas to Japanese onsens and Turkish baths.
Modern sauna experiences in the UK increasingly emphasize community and "connectedness." Many facilities also offer unique twists, such as sauna club nights with DJs, poetry workshops combined with sauna sessions, or "aufguss" rituals — a German term meaning "infusion." These sessions blend intense heat therapy with music and scents for an enhanced experience. Many facilities complement their saunas with open-air ice baths, allowing guests to alternate between hot and cold for an invigorating effect.
Jess Carmichael, who recently participated in her first "aufguss" session at the Community Sauna Baths in Stratford, East London, described it as a delightful detachment from her everyday life. The exhilaration she felt was reminiscent of running into the sea during a community New Year’s Day swim. She emphasized the importance of shared experiences, stating, "I think people need this right now — this warmth and togetherness."
Charlie Duckworth, a co-founder of Community Sauna Baths, recounted the origins of this growing phenomenon, dating back to 2022 when he and fellow enthusiasts established two small saunas, including one in a converted horse box, in a disused parking lot in the Hackney area. This initiative received overwhelming support and has since expanded to four locations across London, with plans for two more. Duckworth noted that saunas have emerged as "a place of communion," akin to pubs or churches, stressing that saunas not only lower inhibitions but also induce a mild euphoria reminiscent of social drinking. He added, "I think it’s an excellent place to socialize."
Data from the British Sauna Society indicates a significant increase in public sauna venues, rising from 45 in 2023 to 147 thus far in 2024. This sharp growth reflects the demand and interest in sauna culture across the UK.
Compared to other countries where sauna traditions are deeply rooted, the relatively recent introduction of sauna culture in the UK allows providers to innovate and be creative. For example, Peckham Sauna Social in South London hosts relaxed ambient sauna nights with resident DJs, along with a non-alcoholic cocktail bar. One popular event is the "creative writing sauna," which begins with a poetry reading followed by a chai tea and writing workshop in a lounge area. Carolina Druitt, a writer who leads the workshops, remarked on the challenge of writing while hot and sweaty but acknowledged how sharing ideas among semi-clothed strangers unexpectedly fosters openness.
Aside from socializing and sparking creativity, saunas are often touted for their health benefits, including stress reduction, joint inflammation relief, improved heart health, and enhanced sleep quality. Some studies even suggest a link between regular sauna use and reduced risk of psychosis among middle-aged Finnish men. Gabrielle Reason, secretary of the British Sauna Society, highlighted the importance of regular sauna practices, equating their benefits to that of maintaining a gym routine. However, individuals with high blood pressure or heart issues are advised to consult medical professionals before engaging in sauna use or cold plunges.
Many participants report positive mental health effects from sauna sessions. Callum Heinrich, who enjoys the contrast of sauna and cold immersion, described how the experience helps reset his mind. He aims to attend twice weekly, claiming, "For your mental health, it is the best thing in the world."
