Sauna stays in Suffolk: what to look for before you book

A sauna stay can mean very different things. For some places it is a barrel in the garden that only you use. For others it is a shared spa with timed sessions. Knowing which you are booking makes the difference between a quiet evening and a disappointment.

Three kinds of sauna stay

• Private to your stay: a sauna attached to your cottage or lodge, used only by your party. Simple and flexible, but usually the most expensive way to do it.

• Shared spa on site: a sauna and often a hot tub run as timed sessions. Cheaper per person, and you will meet other guests in community sessions.

• Day hire: a sauna you book by the session without staying overnight. Good for a taster before you commit to a weekend.

What to check before you book

• Type of heat. Electric, wood-fired and infrared saunas feel quite different. Wood-fired is more atmospheric but needs lighting well ahead.

• Capacity. Ask how many people the sauna is comfortable for, not the most it can hold.

• Session length and changeover. A set session with a gap before the next is calmer than a rolling slot.

• Whether it is included or an extra. Many places charge separately, and some charge per session rather than per stay.

• Towels. Do not assume they are supplied. Ask, and pack your own if not.

• The cool-down. A plunge bucket, outdoor shower or cold water makes the sauna far better. Ask what is on offer.

• Rules and supervision. Check the minimum age, whether sessions are staffed, and what is expected of you.

A few Suffolk sauna stays, as listed elsewhere

These are drawn from third-party listing sites and we have not stayed at them. Check current details with each property.

• Tuddenham Hall House, near Ipswich: sleeps 10, listed with a traditional Finnish sauna.

• Enkel, Reydon near Southwold: sleeps up to 6, listed with a sauna.

• Honeystone, Southwold: sleeps up to 14, listed with a sauna.

The sauna at The Firs

The Firs is a retreat of six lodges in Cratfield, in the Suffolk countryside. Each lodge has its own wood-fired hot tub and a wood-burning stove. Alongside the lodges, a separate spa building has an electric sauna, a gas-heated hot tub and a plunge bucket, with a warm outdoor shower, an indoor shower and changing rooms.

Spa sessions are 90 minutes, with a 30 minute gap between them. The sauna is comfortable for six people, and the hot tub for four. The spa is self-led and unstaffed. You book a session, watch a short induction video, sign a waiver and give an emergency contact.

• Guest community sessions run from 8.30am to 10.00am every day. A seat is £20, or £60 for a bundle of four.

• Day visitors can book community sessions on Wednesdays to Sundays, at £25 a seat or £50 for both morning sessions.

• Private sessions are being confirmed and will be added when the spa opens in November.

• Towels are not supplied. Please bring your own.

Lodge hot tubs are wood-fired and need lighting three to four hours before you want them. Check-in is from 4pm and check-out is by 11am.

Questions people ask

Is a private sauna worth the extra cost? If you want to go in whenever you like and keep it to your own party, yes. If you are happy with a timed slot, a shared session costs far less.

Do I need to book a sauna session in advance? At most places, yes. Sessions are timed and seats are limited, so book before you travel.

What should I bring? A towel, a swimsuit, flip-flops and water to drink. Leave jewellery in the lodge.

To plan a stay, see the lodges at The Firs and our sauna page, or get in touch and we will help you choose.