Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why has your pricing increased in October 2026?
A: We have increased the pricing to £18 per social session and £115 per private session from 1st October 2026. We have put the prices up because we our costs have increased across staffing, wood and materials and this is the first price increase since January 2024. Our membership prices have stayed the same, so for £38 you can still get 4 sessions per month which is an amazing saving. please check our memberships here https://wildscottishsauna.com/memberships/
Q: Which sauna location is best for me?
A: It depends on the experience you’re looking for! West Sands in St Andrews is our flagship beach sauna and is perfect if you want a classic Scottish seaside sauna experience. Kingsbarns offers a beautiful, more wild coastal setting, while Shell Bay in Elie combines sauna with lovely beach surroundings. Our lochside locations at Eden Springs, Forbes of Kingennie and Kinross offer a different experience away from the coast and don’t have a tidal draw like the seaside saunas. If you want invigorating waves, choose Kingsbarns! If you want still water, choose a lochside sauna.
Q: What happens if it is low tide?
A: West Sands at St Andrews, Shell Bay at Elie and Kingsbarns all have beaches which obviously have varying sea levels depending on the tide. If it is low tide, you can still walk out and get in the sea though it will be a longer walk than high tide. Please check the tide times for your session so you know what to expect.
Q: Which sauna is closest to me?
A: Tell me your town or postcode and I can help you work out which Wild Scottish Sauna location is most convenient.
Q: Which location has the best sea view?
A: Our coastal locations all offer beautiful Scottish seaside settings. West Sands gives you the iconic St Andrews beach experience, while Kingsbarns and Shell Bay offer their own stunning coastal surroundings.
Q: Which sauna is best for a first-timer?
A: Any of our locations are suitable for first-timers. If you’re new to sauna, start with a comfortable amount of time in the heat, take breaks whenever you need to and listen to your body.
Q: Which location is most private?
A: Whilst we aim to keep our saunas a calm uninterrupted space, some are more public than others. Kinross, Forbes and Eden Springs are particularly off the beaten track.
Q: I’ve never been to a sauna before. What do I do?
A: Don’t worry — sauna is easy! Arrive, get comfortable, enjoy the heat for as long as feels right for you, then cool down and take a break. You can repeat the cycle as many times as you like during your session. There is no need to be an experienced sauna user.
Q: How long should I stay in the sauna?
A: There is no need to stay for the whole session in one go. Take breaks whenever you need to and listen to your body. If you’re new to sauna, shorter periods in the heat are a good place to start.
Q: Do I have to go in the cold sea or the cold loch?
A: Absolutely not! Cold-water dipping is completely optional. You can enjoy the sauna without going into the sea or cold water.
Q: Can I go in the sea after using the sauna?
A: If you choose to cold-water dip, take care and know your limits. Cold water can be challenging, particularly after being in the heat. You don’t need to dip to enjoy your sauna experience.
Q: What is an Aufguss?
A: An Aufguss is a sauna ritual where water infused with essential oils is poured over the hot sauna stones, creating a burst of heat and fragrance. A sauna host may use a towel to circulate the hot air around the sauna.
Q: Is the sauna very hot?
A: Sauna temperatures are hot- we aim to keep the sauna between 85-95 degrees, but you can always step outside or take a break if it feels too much. There’s no prize for staying in the longest!
Q: Can I leave the sauna and come back in?
A: Yes absolutely we encourage you to do multiple cycles moving between the heat of the sauna and the cold water.
Q: What should I wear to the sauna?
A: Bring swimwear and something warm to put on afterwards. We also recommend bringing a towel and drinking water.
Q: Do I need to bring a towel?
A: Yes please bring a towel and sit on it when in the sauna.
Q: Do I need to bring water?
A: Yes please bring a water bottle and hydrate!
Q: Can I wear a swimsuit in the sauna?
A: Yes, swimwear is suitable for your sauna session.
Q: Can I wear a wetsuit in the sauna?
A: No please do not wear anything made out of neoprene in the sauna, even a shortie or arms only wetsuit. They are made out of plastic!
Q: Can I wear jewellery in the sauna?
A: It’s best to remove jewellery before entering the sauna, as metal can become very hot.
Q: Can I bring my phone into the sauna?
A: We recommend leaving phones outside the sauna. High temperatures and moisture aren’t ideal for electronic devices, and it’s also important to respect other guests’ privacy.
Q: Is the sauna wheelchair accessible?
A: No sadly at the moment our saunas are not suitable for wheelchair users. We are planning on building a wheelchair accessible sauna soon so watch this space!
Q: Can I bring someone to help me?
A: If you need a carer to come with you into the sauna they will need to purchase a session. If they are simply helping outside that is not a problem.
Q: Can I bring a walking stick into the sauna?
A: Yes
Q: Can children use the sauna?
A: Children between 8 and 16 can attend private sessions with a ratio of one child per adult. Children aged 12-16 can join social sessions again with one child per adult.
Q: Can I bring my baby?
A: No. Children under 8 cannot use the sauna
Q: Can teenagers use the sauna?
A: Yes, under 16s must be accompanied by one adult per child
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes our saunas are pet friendly.
Q: Can I book the whole sauna for a group?
A: Yes, private sauna sessions are available.
Q: Can I book a sauna for a hen party?
A: Yes of course though we don’t offer any specific hen party packages at this stage! Please remember not to drink alcohol before or in the sauna.
Q: Can I book for a birthday?
A: Yes of course though we don’t offer any specific birthday packages at this stage!
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Your sauna is still on! Scottish weather is all part of the experience. 🌧️🔥 Unless we need to close for safety reasons, sessions continue in wet weather.
Q: What happens if it’s really windy?
A: We are open in all weather – rain or inclement weather does not merit a cancellation unless it unusually extreme. In these rare cases where there is a danger or another issue we will email or call you to make changes to your booking.
Q: What happens if there is a storm?
A: Safety comes first. If weather conditions mean we need to cancel or change a session, we’ll contact affected customers with the relevant information.
Q: Is it actually nice to sauna outside when it’s cold?
A: That’s one of the best bits! 🔥 There’s something particularly special about stepping out of a hot sauna into the fresh Scottish air.
Q: Can I sauna in winter?
A: Absolutely. Our saunas operate throughout the year, subject to location availability and weather conditions.
Q: Is the sauna still open when it’s snowing?
A: Yes. We have known there even to be ice in the water! We are open in all weather – rain or inclement weather does not merit a cancellation unless it unusually extreme. In these rare cases where there is a danger or another issue we will email or call you to make changes to your booking.
Q: Where do I park?
A: Parking arrangements vary by location. Tell me which sauna you’re visiting and I can help with the relevant parking information.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Parking is free at all our sauna locations
Q: How do I find the sauna when I arrive?
A: Please use the what3words codes to find the exact pin locations.
Q: How far is the sauna from the car park?
A: West Sands, Shell Bay and Kingsbarns have the public car parks right next to the sauna. Forbes of Kingennie, Eden Springs and Kinross have free public car parking about a 2- 5 minute walk from the sauna.
Q: Is the sauna on the beach?
A: Our coastal saunas are West Sands in St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Shell Bay and they are located at beautiful Scottish beaches. The access route varies by location. Eden Springs, Kinross and Forbes of Kingennie are freshwater lochside saunas.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: We offer shared and private sauna sessions. Current prices are shown on our booking pages and vary depending on the location and session.
Q: What’s the difference between a shared and private sauna?
A: A shared session means you’ll enjoy the sauna alongside other guests. A private session gives you exclusive use of the sauna for your group.
Q: Can I book the whole sauna?
A: Yes, private sessions are available at selected locations.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: We recommend booking in advance, particularly at busy times, as sessions can sell out.
Q: Can I just turn up?
A: Please do not just turn up, all booking must be made in advance online using our booking link. You can book a session up to 30 minutes before it starts if there is availability.
Q: Can I change my booking?
A: A minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required to reschedule or cancel your Social Sauna Sessions. Simply select ‘change booking’ in your confirmation email.
Q: Can I cancel my booking?
A: You are able to rebook your session through your confirmation email if it falls within the cancellation rules. Simply select ‘change booking’ in your confirmation email.
Social Sessions
A minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required to reschedule or cancel your Social Sauna Sessions. Please note that cancellations made within 72 hours are non-refundable. For Private Hire we kindly request a minimum of 7 days’ notice if you need to reschedule your session. Please note that we are unable to provide refunds for cancellations made within 10 days of the booking. We require 10 days notice to cancel or reschedule an experience such as yoga or soundbathing. All cancellations within this period are non refundable. All payments for Retreats are non-refundable. We understand that plans can change, but due to the nature of this retreat, we are unable to offer refunds under any circumstances.
Q: I booked the wrong date — can you change it?
A: The best way to correct a booking mistake is to cancel the booking and start again. Please note we are unable to change mistakes if your booking falls within the restrictions of our refund policy
Q: I haven’t received my booking confirmation.
A: Please check your junk/spam folder first. If you still can’t find it, contact us with the name and email address used for your booking and we’ll help you locate it.
Q: Can I buy a gift voucher?
A: Yes, our sauna gift cards are very popular! Please click here to buy a gift voucher
Q: Do you offer a student discount?
A: Yes! Students can use code WSS20STU for the current student offer.
Q: How do I prove I’m a student?
A: You will be asked to show your student card if you have booked using the student discount code.
Q: Can I use my student discount at every location?
A: Yes the student discount can be applied at all of our six saunas.
Q: Can I sauna if I’m pregnant?
A: Sauna during pregnancy isn’t something we can advise on. Please speak to your midwife or doctor before using a sauna.
Q: Can I use the sauna if I have a medical condition?
A: If you have a medical condition, take medication that affects your response to heat, or have any concerns about sauna use, please speak to your doctor or healthcare professional before booking.
Q: Can I sauna if I’ve been drinking alcohol?
A: We don’t recommend using the sauna while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol can increase the risk of dehydration and overheating. Do not drink alcohol in the sauna.
Q: Are there showers at the sauna?
A: No we do not offer showers at our saunas.
Q: Can I sauna after exercising?
A: Many people enjoy sauna after exercise, but make sure you’ve cooled down, rehydrated and feel well before entering the sauna.
Q: Can I eat before going in the sauna?
A: It’s generally more comfortable to avoid a large meal immediately before sauna. Make sure you’re hydrated and listen to your body.
Q: Can I use the sauna if I have a cold?
A: If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to rest rather than attend a shared sauna session. This also helps protect other guests and it is never nice to share germs in a small space!
Q: Can I bring my own essential oils?
A: No. The use of essential oils in the sauna is restricted to sauna hosts only as they can cause a fire hazard. We do run aromatherapy sessions in which we add our essential oils.
Q: Can I pour water on the sauna stones myself?
A: Yes you can ladle water from the bucket provided but please be aware that the more cold water you pour, the cooler the stones become which will result in a lower heat in the sauna.
Q: Can I take photos in the sauna?
A: Please be considerate of other guests’ privacy. Whilst it is ok to take photos of yourself and friends please do ask others first if there is a chance they will be caught in your photos.
Q: Can I listen to music in the sauna?
A: We do not play music in our saunas.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi?
A: We do not provide wifi at our saunas. Use this time to put your phone away and relax offline.
Q: Is there somewhere to change?
A: There are changing rooms available at Kingsbarns and Forbes of Kingennie. There are no private changing facilities at West Sands, Eden Springs, Kinross or Shell Bay.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: There are public toilets available nearby at all our saunas.
Q: Can I leave my belongings somewhere safe?
A: Yes each sauna has waterproof lockers and outside hooks for coats and towels. These are not locked and we cannot be held responsible for the loss or theft of your personal items.
Q: What if I forget something?
A: We are careful to check the sauna and surrounding area after each session and will safely keep items we find. Please return to the sauna during the hours it is open (you can check the calendar via the booking button). We cannot post anything by mail.
Q: I left my swimsuit/towel/phone behind!
A: We are careful to check the sauna and surrounding area after each session and will safely keep items we find. Please return to the sauna during the hours it is open (you can check the calendar via the booking button). We cannot post anything by mail.
