A sauna weekend for a group in Suffolk: how to plan it

A sauna weekend works best when everyone knows the plan. Here is how it can work for a group staying at The Firs, a retreat of six lodges in Cratfield, Suffolk.

Choosing how to use the spa

• Community sessions: guests can book a seat at 8.30am for £20, or four seats for £60. Seats are limited to six per session.

• Private sessions: for your own party. Prices are being confirmed, and sessions open in November.

• Whole-site spa hire: if you take over the whole site, the spa can be hired for exclusive use at £80 a day for up to 16 people. No more than 8 can be in the spa, and 4 in the hot tub, at once.

What the spa has

An electric sauna, comfortable for six, or eight for a whole-site group. A gas-heated hot tub, comfortable for four and a maximum of six. A plunge bucket, a warm outdoor shower, an indoor shower, a toilet and changing space. It has its own entrance and is self-led and unstaffed.

A simple plan for a weekend

• Friday: arrive from 4pm, light the lodge hot tubs early and settle in.

• Saturday morning: a community session at 8.30am, then breakfast.

• Saturday: walk, cook together, rest. Book the evening private session if one suits.

• Sunday: check out by 11am.

Good to know

• Sessions are 90 minutes, with a 30 minute gap.

• Everyone needs to complete the induction video and waiver before their first session.

• The minimum age for the spa is 7, and children aged 7 to 16 must be supervised.

• Towels are not supplied. Ask everyone to bring their own.

• Lodge hot tubs are wood-fired and need lighting three to four hours ahead.

Tell us the size of your group and the dates, and we will suggest how to fit the spa around them.