Outside Spa | Barrel Saunas and Cold Dips at Divers Cove

Are you looking for a wellness experience with a difference? If you’re based in Surrey or the surrounding areas, then you’re in the right place! At Divers Cove, as well as our open water swimming lake, we also have our warming lakeside wooden sauna pods for those looking to unwind and relax.

Find out more about our handcrafted wooden sauna pods, and discover the benefits of combining cold dips in the water with time spent in the heat of the sauna. 

What outdoor spa amenities are available at Divers Cove?

Looking for an outside spa experience in Surrey? At Divers Cove, guests can enjoy cold dips or swims in our sandy-bottomed lake, ideal for feeling refreshed after a long week at work. In addition to our classic wild swimming offering, we also have our handcrafted wooden sauna pods available, providing the perfect opportunity to unwind and experience contrast therapy by alternating between the warmth of the saunas and cold plunges in the lake. Our serene setting and crystal-clear waters make for a peaceful and rejuvenating outdoor wellness experience. 

Alongside our open water swimming and sauna sessions, we also have heated changing rooms and our cafe serving fresh baked goods, hot and cold drinks and, on selected days, our artisan pizzas. 

How do barrel saunas and cold dips work at Divers Cove?

Our inviting outside saunas are hand-built wooden pods located conveniently by the lake, designed to allow our visitors to try the popular Finnish tradition of sauna and cold plunge right here in the heart of Surrey. 

After a refreshing cold plunge or wild swim in the lake, guests can warm up and wind down in our beautiful sauna pods. Our sauna sessions include dips in our lake, but for those looking to try a full wild swimming session, a separate booking is required. 

Each of our wooden sauna pods accommodate up to 8 people, and can be hired for £10 per person. So, if you’re searching for an affordable and revitalising wellness experience with a difference, look no further than Divers Cove!

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What are the benefits of using barrel saunas and cold dips at Divers Cove?

Combining the dry heat of our wooden sauna pods with cold dips in our lake boasts numerous benefits for both physical and mental health - which is why this tradition has only grown in popularity in recent years. 

The contrast between the intense heat of the sauna and the cool temperatures of natural waters provide a powerful boost to blood circulation. When our bodies are exposed to extreme heat, like in our sauna pods, our blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin and muscles. When this occurs, this can help to flush out toxins, relax muscles and reduce stress. Then, when you switch to the cold water, the blood vessels constrict, redirecting this blood flow to your core and vital organs, improving your cardiovascular health. Making this tradition part of your regular routine can improve circulation, reduce inflammation and ease muscle soreness, which is why it’s popular amongst athletes. 

Wondering what mental health benefits contrast therapy offers? Alongside being a great way to aid your physical health, sauna sessions and cold dips also offer significant mental health advantages. Spending time in the intense heat of the sauna promotes relaxation and reduces stress, whilst the shock of the contrasting cold water invigorates the mind, helping to increase alertness and release endorphins. 

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Regularly combining sauna sessions with cold dips is also linked to better sleep, as it helps to regulate body temperature and reduces overall tension. Additionally, this practice can also boost immune function by strengthening the body’s natural defences, making it a holistic way to boost well-being. 

All in all, alternating hot and cold is a deeply rejuvenating experience for both your body and mind!

Is combining sauna and cold dips good for your skin?

If you’re searching for natural ways to improve your skin, then saunas and cold plunges may help!

Because the intense heat of saunas opens up pores, increases blood circulation and promotes sweating, toxins are flushed out from the skin. By following this with a cold dip or wild swimming, you then rapidly cool your body temperature, tightening your cleansed pores and stimulating your skin’s surface. It’s important to remember that if you wear makeup to remove this ahead of time in the sauna, as this can clog your pores when they expand in the heat. 

The contrast between the hot and cold boosts blood flow and enhances skin elasticity, giving a more refreshed appearance. Because the heat encourages the release of natural oils, saunas can also help to moisturise the skin, whilst the cold dip can help to calm irritation, reduce inflammation and soothe conditions like acne or eczema.  

Alternating hot and cold can improve the overall texture and appearance of your skin, and can also help to promote collagen production, which keeps your skin looking healthy and youthful. 

So, if you regularly use saunas and cold plunges as part of your routine, you may find that your skin starts to feel smoother and firmer. However it’s important to avoid extreme temperatures for prolonged periods to protect the skin barrier from any damage. 

Can contrast therapy improve muscle recovery?

Yes, contrast therapy can improve muscle recovery, which is why many people choose to try it after workouts. 

Combining heat and cold promotes better circulation, which is key to reducing muscle soreness and speeding up recovery. The heat helps to increase blood flow, relax muscles and reduce stiffness, whilst also encouraging removal of metabolic waste products from muscle tissues. On the other hand, the cold helps the blood vessels to constrict, reducing inflammation and swelling, which can alleviate soreness and prevent further muscle damage. 

These alternating temperatures create a flushing effect, where blood is rapidly drawn to and from the muscles, enhancing oxygen delivery and waste removal, which can help to repair micro-tears in muscles and reduce recovery time. 

Sauna and cold plunge at Divers Cove

Want to try an outside sauna in Surrey? Come and join us for a sauna session at Divers Cove! We’re open year-round for sauna sessions for both members and non-members, and each session includes a cold dip in the lake.