Plenty of Water in Scotland for Hot & Cold Water Therapy!
We’re incredibly fortunate in Scotland to have lots of water. Whether it’s falling from the sky, in waves for surfing or lapping the shores of a loch. We have plenty and it’s notoriously cold! Many a brave soul has felt the benefits after taking to the waters for a dip or paddle. The increasing popularity of wild swimming, has seen like-minded people come together to take advantage of our fresh, clean waters. The balance of a cold plunge is a hot immersion and the rise of sauna culture in Scotland is growing momentum. We took the time to pick the brains of some experts about this ever-popular past time.
Nowhere Sauna: A Sanctuary for Reconnection with Nature
Susie and Lauren are the owners of Nowhere Sauna based at Comrie Croft. The Croft itself is a perfect place to overnight on a trip with Nomadic Scotland with the bonus of some hot-cold therapy. While I was chatting about the newness of Sauna culture in Scotland, Susie was quick to inform me that the tradition goes way back. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of a 4000-year-old sauna on the island of Orkney. The tradition crosses cultures and continents in one form or another. Most of us will think of Scandinavia but you have onsens in Japan; the hammams in the middle east and Native American sweat lodges all using heat as a form of therapy.
Disconnect from the Modern World
For Susie and Lauren, the vision behind the Nowhere Sauna was simple. Create a space where people can disconnect from the fast-paced modern world. It’s a place to immerse yourself in a nurturing environment with others, fostering a sense of community and connection. The importance of being in nature, unplugging from technology, and giving yourself the time to pause and reflect is at the heart of the sauna experience. The heat of the sauna helps release physical and mental tension, while the cold plunge offers a rejuvenating reset.
In Scotland, sauna culture is a growing, supportive movement, focused on nature, soul connection, and digital detoxing. At Nomadic Scotland, we share these values and are proud to support this ethos. We’d like to thank Susie and Lauren for taking the time to share their insights with us.
The Power of Sauna, Cold Plunge & Digital Detox
We are also thankful to Charlie Watts, CEO and founder of Manor Gyms, a keen wild swimmer and fan of combination therapy for giving us his take on this new trend. In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, we’re constantly overwhelmed by notifications, emails, and the demands of modern life. Our screens capture our attention from morning to night, often leaving us feeling stressed and disconnected from nature. The pressures of work, family, and social obligations can make it difficult to find time for self-care or mental clarity. Many are turning to nature as the solution to this growing disconnection.
One of the most effective ways to restore balance is through wellness practices that promote a digital detox. Allowing both the mind and body to reset. Saunas and cold plunges are time-tested traditions that offer remarkable physical and mental health benefits. These natural wellness experiences can help you reduce stress, reclaim your health, and reconnect with both your body and the world around you. Charlie sees plenty of enthusiastic and driven individuals coming through the doors of his gyms looking to find a moments reprieve from the daily grind. Sometimes you need to take a deeper dive into the world of digital detoxing and nature connection through a wellness retreat. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and using the time to truly reconnect with what is important to you.
Find solace in Scotland with Nomadic Scotland
Charlie knows that Nomadic Scotland is well placed to offer such experiences and sees the burgeoning Sauna scene in Scotland as an added reason to visit. He explained that the sharp contrast of hot and cold triggers a surge of blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster recovery after exercise. Cold exposure boosts the immune system and enhances mental alertness, while also stimulating the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, which improve mood and focus. Combine this with nights under the stars, cooking over a fire and finding places with no phone signal to help unlock real positive mental change. From someone so heavily involved in improving people’s physical well-being, Charlie understands the importance of the mind-body connection.
We believe in this too at Nomadic Scotland. Our trips are curated to your goals. If you want to find solace in Scotland, escape the every-day and experience something extraordinary we know where you should go. Call us on 07540 358191 or email us today for more information.