Liverpool will be the home of the UK’s first public ‘floating sauna’, moored in a dock close to the city’s waterfront. Tony McDonough reports
A ‘floating sauna’ is set to be opened in Liverpool docklands this summer.
Peel Waters, owner of the Liverpool Waters development, has agreed a deal with WYLD Sauna to bring the traditional Nordic sauna experience to Princes Dock. A planning application has been submitted to Liverpool City Council.
WYLD Sauna was established by outdoor swimming and sauna addicts, and having seen first-hand the explosion of floating saunas across Scandinavia, they are bringing the experience to sites across the UK, starting with Liverpool.
In Liverpool the facility will comprise a floating pontoon containing a 30-person sauna complete with ice baths, waterfall showers, outdoors seating, changing rooms and direct access to the water for the ultimate swim-sauna experience.
Traditional dry saunas are restorative, comforting spaces that are said to promote a deep sense of calm and offer numerous mental and physical health benefits – many of which are amplified by moving from the heat and plunging into cold water.
Jon Miller, Co-Founder of WYLD Sauna, said: “We are thrilled to be launching this UK-first in such a perfect location.
“There really is nothing better than being able to dip into cold, fresh water after a sauna. Princes Dock is the ideal site for us, where we can contribute to the thriving community of local swimmers, runners and scuba divers.
“We’re big believers in the health and social benefits that come with saunas, and want to make sure it’s available to as many people as possible. That’s why we’re making sure access to this high-quality wellbeing experience will be possible at an affordable price.”
WYLD Sauna will be open from early to late, Monday to Sunday, and sessions will be on a pay as you go basis starting from £5 an hour. Bookings will open two weeks before launch.
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Liza Marco, senior asset manager for Liverpool Waters, added: “We are all very excited to see this remarkable addition to the waterside in what will be a UK first.
“The WYLD Sauna will fit right in at Liverpool Waters, with the docks already alive with open water swimming, canoeing and scuba diving, alongside the occasional dragon boat race and international canoe polo tournaments.”