Seaweed, Smoke, and Soul: A Wood-Fired Sanctuary.

Forget the clinical perfection of modern spas, where everything is white, sterile, slightly intimidating and costs £200. Last weekend, I found myself in a different kind of spa sanctuary than I have experienced before - one where the luxe came from the crackle of firewood rather than the sterile hum of climate control.

I’ll admit, I arrived with a bit of scepticism: a spa with a natural ethos was a world away from the gold-plated trims I was used to. But as it turns out, when you strip away the polished marble, you’re left with something far more valuable.

My experience began with an infrared sauna; a sleek, cedar-lined sanctuary that promised a deep, quiet intensity. Almost as soon as I sat down, I felt like I was being hugged by the sun from the inside out; it was a penetrating warmth that felt less like an environment and more like a presence.

Image from Unsplash

I learned that unlike traditional saunas that rely on sweltering air to heat you from the outside in, these systems use radiant light to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue, warming the body at a much more comfortable temperature. This allows for a longer, more relaxing session without the intensity of a steam room, triggering a vigorous sweat that aids in muscle recovery, improved circulation, and skin rejuvenation. Because the process is so efficient at purging fluids, prioritising hydration is essential; drinking plenty of water before and after ensures the body can effectively flush out toxins while keeping energy levels steady.

Beyond the physical perks, I was impressed to find that infrared technology is also the clear front-runner for sustainability. By primarily heating the occupant rather than the air, these units operate on a fraction of the power required by traditional heaters. This efficiency, combined with shorter pre-heating times and a lack of plumbing, significantly shrinks their environmental footprint. The lower temperatures even reduce the risk of wood rot or mould, creating a low-maintenance sanctuary that can easily be powered by renewable energy like home solar panels.

As much as I enjoyed my time in the light, I soon discovered that the real magic waited outdoors where the air was perfumed with a faint hint of wood smoke from the hot tub. Tempting though the heat was, my first stop was the plunge bath.

There was no tiled pool here - just a charming, old-fashioned roll-top bath filled with cold water and swirls of seaweed extract. The trick, I was advised, is to acclimatise to the icy water slowly - step by step, focussing on my breath. It was a shock to the system when I first stepped in, but it was surprising how quickly that icy sensation transformed into a feeling of pure freshness. While I didn’t get as far as fully submerging, I was very brave and felt triumphant lying back and allowing the water to seep up to my chest.

There was, I learned, some heavy-duty science happening in that seaweed-filled roll-top bath whilst I merely lolled. Seaweed is a natural powerhouse of magnesium, iodine, and potassium. When added to a bath, it releases a gel-like substance called mucilage. In a warm soak, this acts as a humectant, locking moisture into your skin. However, in a cold plunge, like the one I experienced, the seaweed works in tandem with the cold shock response to tackle inflammation. The cold constricts your blood vessels to reduce swelling, while the seaweed’s antioxidants and minerals are absorbed to soothe the skin and joints. I left the tub feeling tingly, refreshed, and strangely invincible as I moved towards the aesthetically pleasing wood-fired hot tub for my next experience.

I can honestly report that there’s a primal satisfaction in soaking in water heated by an actual fire; it feels more ‘real’ than a standard electric heater and is a completely different experience. While electric tubs are about convenience, this was more about a connection to the elements. Because the water was being heated by a live fire, the temperature had slight, natural fluctuations that I somehow found more relaxing and penetrating than mechanical bubbles. And there’s another thing, wood-fired tubs are blissfully silent, save for the occasional crackle of the logs. It is a full sensory experience – even for the nose. Instead of the sterile smell of ozone or plastic, I had the nostalgic, earthy scent of wood smoke. This shift in scent points to the biggest bonus of all: the total absence of chemicals. Unlike electric tubs that require heavy doses of chlorine, this used the ‘dump and fill’ method. Without complex internal pipework where bacteria can hide, I was able to enjoy fresh, chemical-free water.

But that icy cold plunge bath was beckoning me back and after a respectful 15 minutes, I braved the cold once again before heading this time into the wooden sauna - where hot coals had been laced with water and menthol.

Adding menthol to the sauna coals is a classic technique common in both rustic and traditional saunas to elevate the experience without using synthetic perfumes. Menthol activates the cold receptors in your skin and mucous membranes. Even though the room is 80°C, the menthol tricks your body into feeling a sharp, icy breeze. This makes the heat feel less oppressive and allows you to stay in the sauna longer and more comfortably.

Furthermore, menthol is a powerful natural decongestant. As the crystals melt on the hot rocks and turn into vapour, they clear the sinuses making every breath feel crisper and more efficient. I found the scent of menthol invigorating, and while the heat of the sauna softened my muscles, the menthol kept my mind feeling mentally sharp and alert.

Unbeknown to me, this ‘Fire and Ice’ routine I had adopted - alternating the wood-powered tub and sauna with the cold seaweed plunge, is technically known as Contrast Therapy. It acts as a vascular workout, pumping blood through your system to flush out toxins and trigger a massive rush of endorphins. It’s the reason I left feeling both physically relaxed and mentally razor-sharp.

I could have stayed longer, but I had two perfectly timed sessions to attend. First was a 30-Minute Facial which included a shoulder massage to die for. The genius was in the timing of this facial and I’d like to say that having my facial after the hot and cold cycle was something I had knowledgably planned. It was just a happy accident, but I learned that it was actually the perfect scientific sequence for my skin as I had in fact already ‘prepped the canvas’. Spending time in the wood-fired hot tub and the saunas had acted as a deep-cleansing prep. The heat and humidity had softened the outer layer of my skin (the stratum corneum) and opened up my pores. By the time I laid down (well flopped is probably more accurate) for my facial, any dirt or oils were already loosened, allowing the therapist to cleanse much more deeply without being abrasive. And there’s more - because my circulation was pumping from the ‘Fire and Ice’ (tub, sauna and seaweed plunge), my skin was active with increased blood flow, leaving my skin cells more receptive. Instead of the facial oils just sitting on top of dry, cold skin, my warm, hydrated skin drank them up. Essentially, I got 60 minutes of benefit out of a 30-minute treatment.

My second and again perfectly timed session was a 30-Minute Relaxation Session. A dedicated window of forced do-nothingness that ensured my brain really caught up with my newly detoxed body.

I have to of course, also mention the refreshment station which mirrored the spa’s grounded vibe. There were no tiny, overpriced cucumber sandwiches. Instead, it was an honest, self-serve spread that felt like a hug in a kitchen; rich, chewy chocolate brownies and hearty granola bars alongside fresh fruit, chilled water, and hot teas. There is something deeply comforting about wrapping yourself in a gorgeous robe and eating a brownie while your hair is still damp from a seaweed bath.

So here’s my verdict: by choosing the more affordable, rustic option, I didn't lose out on luxury - I just traded the artificial version for the real thing. This natural ethos spa offered a refreshing shift toward a cosy, rustic environment that prioritised a genuine reset over a mere treatment. By swapping out glossy, commercial spas for the deep heat of infrared and primal 'Fire and Ice' , this elemental escape provided me with a high-value, affordable experience that left me feeling deeply grounded.

And the best part? This well-hidden secret isn't in some far-flung corner of the world. It’s right here where I live, tucked away close to home. I know exactly where I’ll be heading the next time I need to find my soul again.

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Experience for yourself at The Lodge Retreat: Spa, Sauna & Wellbeing.

Top Tips for Your Visit

To make the most of the rustic, outdoor nature of the retreat, I recommend:

• Take Your Own Towel: To keep the ethos sustainable and grounded, visitors are encouraged to bring their own – though there are spares available if needed.

• Robust Footwear: Flip-flops are fine, but a pair of sturdy outdoor sliders or waterproof slippers are even better for moving around outside.

• A Woolly Hat: If you’re visiting in the cooler months, I’m told that wearing a beanie while soaking in the wood-fired tub is the ultimate Scandi-chic way to keep your temperature regulated while your body melts into the heat.

• Hydrate: Between the dry heat of the sauna and the steam of the wood-fired tub, your body will need a little extra fluid. Keep a reusable water bottle handy to stay hydrated throughout the day - not only does this support the retreat’s eco-friendly spirit, but it allows you to soak and sweat for longer.