Last Sunday, Brikk’s founder, Nykky, embarked on a refreshing adventure that combined the bracing chill of the North Sea with the comforting warmth of a Finnish sauna, plus an energising breathwork session—all courtesy of Wild Scottish Sauna at their St Andrews location.
Having won a competition with We Are The Helpful, Nykky joined six friends for an exclusive two-hour experience led by Jamie from Wild Scottish Sauna.
The Experience
We arrived on a windy, rainy day—an ideal backdrop for embracing nature in its rawest form. Welcomed by the friendly hosts, we quickly changed into swimwear and braced ourselves for the freezing north sea! Jamie introduced the session by explaining the history and benefits of the sauna, as well as the plan for the day.
We kicked things off in the Finnish sauna, where the heat is cranked up high, and the experience is all about throwing water onto hot stones to create a burst of steam, known as “löyly.” This quick blast of steam makes the heat feel even more intense, setting it apart from a standard sauna, which tends to have a lower temperature and doesn’t focus as much on this traditional ritual.
A Finnish sauna isn’t just a relaxing experience, it comes with loads of benefits for your body and mind. Here are some of the key perks:
🔥 Boosts Circulation – The heat causes your blood vessels to expand, improving circulation and helping muscles recover faster.
💦 Flushes Out Toxins – Sweating deeply helps your body get rid of toxins, leaving you feeling refreshed.
🛌 Improves Sleep – The heat relaxes your body, making it easier to drift off into a deep, restful sleep.
🧘 Reduces Stress – The combination of warmth and a quiet space helps lower stress levels and promote relaxation.
💪 Eases Muscle & Joint Pain – The warmth soothes aches and pains, making it great after exercise or for those with joint issues.
🦠 Boosts Immune System – The heat increases white blood cell production, helping your body fight off colds and other illnesses.
🌬️ Clears the Airways – The steam can help with congestion, making it great for your respiratory system.
After settling in, Jamie outlined the schedule, helping everyone set their intentions for the day. Soon, we moved into a guided breathwork and movement practice with Lauren Anderson from Elevate With Lauren. This grounding routine prepared us, both mentally and physically, for the shock of plunging into the freezing water.
A wee while later, we ventured to the beach. Standing in a circle, our group performed a powerful breathwork exercise, attempting a connection with the elements and each other. From a distance, nine women inhaling and exhaling in unison on a deserted beach might have looked like a scene from a scary movie—or even a bit of modern-day witchcraft! We then slowly waded into the icy North Sea, feeling the numbing water rush around our feet and the exhilaration of pushing beyond our comfort zones. There is nothing quite like attempting to walk into freezing water above ankle level, but, there you have it, we all managed to get in and after the first attempt, it wasn’t really too bad!
Emerging from the sea, we returned to the sauna’s restorative heat. The ambience in the sauna with the backdrop of St Andrews beach is really quite lovely. Nice essential oils filling the air with soothing scents. A real lovely peaceful experience and, despite the rain, the view from the sauna was still beautiful and added a certain magic to the day.
Our journey didn’t end there: two more invigorating (baltic) dips followed. When the session wrapped up, we enjoyed a complimentary lunch of fresh sandwiches, pastries, and even received a souvenir mug. These wee simple, delicious treats capped off a morning that left everyone feeling grounded, uplifted, and buzzing with plans for future cold-water and sauna visits. I would definitely recommended and will be planning another visit very soon.
Regardless of the weather, a visit to one of Wild Scottish Sauna’s three locations—St Andrews, Eden Springs, or Kingsbarn—is a must for anyone seeking a day of sea, sauna, and breathwork bliss. It’s an experience that nourishes both body and spirit and is not to be missed.
Pricing
- Per-Person Rental: £16 per person for a day, where you can share the sauna with others and soak in Scotland’s spectacular scenery.
- Private Booking: If you prefer a more exclusive atmosphere, private sessions are available upon request, allowing you to tailor the experience for your group’s needs.
A Variety of Experiences
- Shared Social Session (1 hour): Enjoy a warm, social setting for up to eight guests.
- Sauna & Sea Experience (90 minutes): Combine a rejuvenating sauna session with an invigorating dip in the North Sea.
- Luxury Sauna & Sea Experience: Upgrade to a hot drink on arrival, a guided sage cleansing and breathwork session, and a rustic breakfast or lunch—perfect for a truly indulgent day.
My Final Thoughts
What began as a rainy, uncertain morning soon transformed into a day of exploration and fun, leaving seven revitalised women ready for the day ahead. It was truly an unforgettable experience—one I’m sure we’ll be repeating soon.
“I’ll also be recommending this to our short-stay guests, and anyone else who fancies something a bit different that leaves you feeling inspired after!”
A huge thank you to Jamie at Wild Scottish Saunas for her warm hospitality, Lauren at Elevate With Lauren for her wonderful breathwork session, and Kate at We Are The Helpful for putting the competition together. This was an incredible adventure from start to finish, so be sure to follow along with all three to see what exciting plans they have in store!
