The Isle of Wight turns up the heat with its first beach sauna – thanks to celebrity DJ Rob da Bank

The Isle of Wight’s first beach sauna has opened in Freshwater Bay, providing an opportunity to indulge in heat therapy alongside invigorating swims on one of the Island’s most picturesque beaches.

Wightlink Ferries carried this unusual cargo across the Solent for its owner Rob da Bank, a celebrated DJ, music promoter and festival mastermind. The mobile wood-fired sauna for up to eight people is the latest addition to the Slow Motion wellness brand, which he runs with his wife Josie.

Stunning views of the sea are on offer through a panoramic mirrored window. The beach itself is covered in a mixture of grey flint and chalk pebbles that make a unique sound as the waves rise and fall onto the shore. Saunas are said to promote relaxation, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, improve the immune system, reduce joint soreness and improve mood. To enjoy the full benefits of contrast therapy, Rob suggests spending time in the sauna, before dipping in the sea and repeating.

From autumn, the sauna will travel from place to place, popping up at festivals and charity events over the year.

Rob said: “Leaving your worries (as well as your mobile phone!) at the door is a liberating and truly relaxing experience that can often result in a spiritual high and recharge of the batteries.

“We’ve been running Wim Hof breathing workshops, meditation courses, and rejuvenating sleep retreats at our home on the Isle of Wight for several years. The mobile sauna perfectly complements our wellness offering and we’re delighted to share the experience with visitors.”

The sauna is now open on Saturdays and Sundays between 7am and 6pm throughout July and August 2023. Prices start from £10 per person. Sessions should be booked in advance and 45-minute slots are available at www.slowmotionretreats.net


About Rob da Bank

From a teen behind the Technics at beach parties, graduating through clubland and the UK’s most iconic radio station BBC Radio 1, to booking the likes of Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Missy Elliott and the Beastie Boys for 50,000 festivalgoers at Bestival with wife Josie, and providing music supervision for films & TV, Rob has the kind of tastemaker music knowledge that few can match.

About Wightlink

Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator, carrying 3.8 million passengers to and from the Isle of Wight every year. Eight ferries complete over 32,000 sailings a year across three routes. With over 140 crossings a day, we have more ferries on more routes running more often than any other Isle of Wight service.

British Travel Awards Winner – Best Ferry Company (Silver) 2022

Green Tourism Award – Silver

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