A new woodfired sauna and ice bathing wild spa opens to the public this weekend at Elkins Boatyard in Christchurch.
It’s part of Bestival co-founders Rob and Josie da Banks’ expanding wellness brand, Slomo.
The contrast therapy hub is home to a Slomo Temple Sauna that can seat and heat up to ten people, a Slomo Box Sauna accommodating up to eight, as well as three ice baths (one communal) with parasol shaded seating and lounging areas.
Designed and curated by Josie, who is Creative Director of Camp Bestival, the Nordic spa inspired space is situated between the rivers Avon and Stour.
It has views across the water that can also be enjoyed while ‘sweat bathing’ through the saunas’ panoramic mirrored windows, installed with the purpose of bridging the gap between inside and out.
DJ and wellness guru co-founder Rob da Bank, pictured left, said: “We are thrilled to open Slomo Christchurch at such a beautiful spot with our goal of making hot and cold contrast therapy accessible to all.
“Step into the soothing heat and let the sauna cleanse your body and calm your mind, with the ice baths giving you the headspace to conquer the day.
“Our Slomo wellness wild spas are designed to help people relax, rejuvenate, recharge and reconnect.
“Slomo is about stepping back and slowing down, disconnecting from digital to allow connection with a community of like-minded people in real life instead.”
Celebrated for numerous health benefits, including relaxation, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, enhancing immune and neurological functions, reduced joint pain and boosted mood, the popularity of contrast therapy in the UK has soared.
Slomo (formerly known as Slow Motion), was set-up by the da Banks, dedicated to offering wellness solutions that counter the stresses of 21st-century living.
It has sauna and ice bath sites across the UK, including pop-ups at festivals and wellness retreats in Portugal, as well as yoga, meditation and sleep workshops.
Slomo Christchurch is open Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am to 6pm, for six weeks from 20 July (not including August Bank Holiday weekend).
Prices start from £15 an hour per person.
It’s also available for private group sessions as well as corporate bookings for a half or full day.
Slomo is supported by the British Sauna Society, a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to promote and develop sauna culture for physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.