A unique wood-fired experience with Rising Embers Sauna
Penned on the 26th July 2023
On a sunshine-filled Friday morning in mid-July, we were kindly invited to experience the magic of Rising Embers Sauna in Penzance, Cornwall. Rising Embers is a unique wood-fired sauna that sits within its own little garden of Eden, with views out to the enchanting island castle of St Michael’s Mount in Marazion. After a morning of swimming in the sea and soaking up the goodness of the sauna, we left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for the weekend ahead…
Nestled in a pocket of St Anthony Gardens in Penzance, the location of the sauna is truly unique. Upon arrival, the lovely owner Jenny talked us through the benefits of the sauna and how best to use it, to ensure we made the most of this wood-fired experience. We had the sauna booked for an hour, so decided to go for a quick swim to cool our body temperatures, which often allows you to spend more time in the sauna. We left our bags and belongings with Jenny and crossed the road to one of Penzance’s most popular swim spots, Battery Rocks. The tide was high and flat calm, and as the sun was shining, the water looked so inviting. Without a second thought, we jumped in and enjoyed bobbing about for a little while, embracing all the goodness of a ‘blue mind’. If sea swimming isn’t really your thing, the sauna is positioned opposite The Jubilee Pool which makes for a great alternative (they also have a lovely little café that serves delicious coffee and cake, which we thoroughly enjoyed after our sauna experience).
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Feeling refreshed and ready to warm up, we headed back to Rising Embers and stepped inside. Setting the wall timer for 15 minutes we sat back and relaxed, all while taking in the spellbinding view of St Micheal’s Mount. Fueled by a wood-fire, the heat within the sauna is truly dreamy: it’s a strong dry heat that really gets deep into the muscles. Easing both the body and mind, the warmth fills your soul. Jenny recommended that after 15- 20 minutes we step outside to cool down, with the option of a cold bucket of water to be chucked over our heads - which we highly recommend! The transition between one extreme temperature to another is an ancient restorative tool traditionally practised in Finland to help support the overall function of the mind and body. Not only does hot and cold therapy have many health benefits, but it was also very entertaining watching each brace for the cold water hit!!
Once cooled, we hopped back inside and enjoyed the heat of the sauna for a further 15 minutes, adding water and essential oils to the coals as we wished, for an extra boost! Jenny also provides almond oil for your hair, drinking water, and deck chairs next to the sauna.
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The benefits of using a sauna
Saunas have been used for centuries and traditionally come from Nordic nations. Here are a few of the benefits from regular use of a sauna:
- Pain relief and quicker recovery after exercise
- Good for blood pressure
- Improved cardiovascular health and lower cholesterol
- Boosts your immune system
- Relaxes, destresses, decreases anxiety, and benefits overall mental health
- A great way to practise self-care
- It’s a unique and fun activity to enjoy as you socialise with friends
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We cannot recommend Rising Embers Sauna enough! We all left feeling calm and content and ready to make the most of the weekend ahead. Thank you Jenny, for giving us the chance to enjoy your incredible set-up in a special corner of Cornwall, we will definitely be back! To find out how to book, head to Rising Embers' website and Instagram.