Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I'm new to saunas - what should I do? The key thing is to relax and enjoy it, and only stay in as long as you feel comfortable. Remember to stay hydrated before, during, and after your session. The basic cycle is: heat - cold - rinse - rest - repeat. Get warm (usually 5-10 mins). Your first cycle is likely to be your shortest as you acclimatise. You may then go slightly longer for subsequent cycles. Get cold - use the cold water shower or dip in the Lake to cool off. Rest - allow your body to reach equilibrium. Repeat. Top tip: Listen to your heart. Your heart rate will naturally speed up during the sauna process, and then come back down during your cold plunge before settling when at rest. When it gets back to normal, it's time to return to the sauna - and when it gets too high it's time to get out!
Q. What do I need to bring? The only real essentials are your swimwear, a towel to sit on, another towel to dry yourself afterwards, and some drinking water! We also recommend bringing some flip flops or sliders when walking outside the sauna, and some warm, easy to put on clothes for afterwards. If you have a changing robe then this can be a good addition for our site in Weston-Super-Mare, as we don't provide private changing facilities there. There are however changing facilities at The Lake in Cromhall.
Q. What is good sauna etiquette? Please follow some simple rules when using the sauna: Arrive clean for your sauna. Always sit on a towel. Never touch the stove. Keep swimwear on at all times. Ask other bathers before adding water to the rocks. When pouring water on the rocks only use the ladle provided, and pour gently in a steady motion moving from the back to the front to avoid burning yourself on the steam. NEVER DROP THE WATER ON IN ONE GO! Only use our essential oils, and never put oils directly on the rocks, only add them to the water. Listen to your body, not a timer. Don't get competitive! SHUT THE DOOR. Rinse your feet in the freshwater buckets provided every time you enter the sauna to avoid tracking sand and dirt in.
Q. When should I arrive? Please arrive 10 minutes before your booking to allow time for a quick briefing. We recommend arriving in your swimwear and ready to sauna.
Q. Do I have to combine swimming with sauna? Absolutely not! We find that most of our users like combining their sauna sessions with a dip, but you are just as welcome if you only want to sauna. At both our sites there is a freshwater shower next to the sauna to cool off mid-session or rinse off afterwards, and at The Lake, Cromhall we have cold-water plunges. The key thing is to do what YOU want to do, not what others say that you should - and we will make you feel welcome and part of the community whatever your preference.
Q. Are your saunas staffed? Yes, there will always be a sauna host to greet you, answer any questions you may have, keep the sauna nice and hot, and ensure everyone is ok.
Q. Where can I change? At our site in Weston-Super-Mare, we don't have private changing facilities. There is an area cordoned off for our users, which offers some screening, but expect to get changed under a towel or a robe. We also provide hanging hooks for clothes whilst you're in the sauna. There are changing facilities at our site at The Lake in Cromhall - both private and communal.
Q. How hot does the sauna get? We generally run it between 75 and 90 degrees centigrade. This will vary due to outdoor temperatures, wind direction, and of course how long the door is left open.
Q. Can I control the temperature of the sauna? The sauna is heated by a wood-burning stove for the most authentic experience, and will generally run between 75 - 90 degrees centigrade. If you would like to change the temperature of the sauna, always check with other users before acting. If the sauna is too hot, simply open the door until the temperature drops. If you would like the sauna hotter, you can gently add water to the volcanic stones on top of the heater (taking care not to add too much too quickly) and/or ask us to put more wood on the fire. DO NOT PUT TOO MUCH WATER ON AT ONCE, AS THIS WILL CAUSE THE TEMPERATURE TO FALL.
Q. Do I need to remove my watch and jewellery? Yes, it is advisable to remove your watch and as much jewellery as you can, especially anything metal from sensitive areas, as it will get hot and can burn. Likewise, avoid swimwear with metal clasps for the same reason. We don't have secure storage spaces, so bear this in mind when removing jewellery and watches. It's best to leave what you can at home or locked in your car.
Q. What are the different ways I can book Embers Sauna? At both our sites we offer communal sessions throughout the week where you can pre-book a space in the sauna with other members of the community. We also offer the option to book the entire sauna privately, so you can have exclusive use for your friends and family. This can be booked via the website for our @Weston site, but for those wishing to book a private sauna @The Lake in Cromhall you will need to email us.
Q. What is your cancellation policy? You can cancel any communal booking up to 24-hours before your session, either for a full refund, or to reschedule your appointment free of charge. Private bookings can be cancelled up to 48-hours prior to your session. If you need to cancel within these periods you will be charged.
Q. Where is the sauna located, and is there parking? Embers @Weston is situated right on Marine Lake Plaza, Weston-Super-Mare, with a view over the water. There is no parking onsite, but there is plenty of street parking nearby. Embers @The Lake is situated on the edge of the swimming lake at the old Cromhall Quarry site, and there is ample free parking there.
Q. Do you close in bad weather? We are open throughout the year, and in (nearly) all weathers! However if a big storm comes in then we may need to cancel your booking, as storm surges can mean the sauna would be underwater! High winds can also make the sauna dangerous to use. We will contact you as soon as we can if we need to change your booking because of weather warnings. We will not cancel if the weather is forecast to be wet, but please come prepared as we have little shelter from the rain. However don't be put off by the rain - after a hot and steamy sauna session, a cooling rain can be just the ticket!
Q. Can anyone use the sauna? The lower age limit for the majority of our sessions is 16 years old. However we plan to offer specific family sessions where users as young as 13 years old can use the sauna, as long as they are accompanied by an adult in a 1:1 ratio. People with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before booking with us - this includes if you are pregnant. People suspected of being under the use of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to use the sauna, even if they have booked, and refunds will not be given in this instance. Please see our waiver for full terms and conditions.
Q. What happens if I start to feel unwell in the sauna? If you feel unwell at any point during your session please leave the sauna immediately and sit down outside. Inform your sauna host that you are feeling unwell and make sure you have some water to drink. Light-headedness will generally pass quickly when you cool off and rehydrate.
