On Scotland’s east coast, four wood-fired seaside saunas invite you to leave stress behind and reconnect with nature, community, and yourself. In the world-renowned golf town of St Andrews, in the village of Cellardyke, and in the charming coastal town of Elie, sauna sessions come with stunning views and a warm welcome.

When asked why one should embrace the ancient tradition of saunas, the founder of Scottish Seaside Saunas, Judith Dunlop, has a simple answer: “It’s about losing the stressors of life, getting outdoors, and remembering what it’s like to have fun. A sauna is a space where you connect with yourself and other people, without devices or distractions. It creates empathy, conversation, and a sense of balance.”

Photo: St. Andrews Seaside Sauna | Elie Seaside Sauna: Unwind in the heat by the Scottish Sea

Photo: St. Andrews Seaside Sauna

Her newest sauna sits on East Sands beach in St Andrews, a city famed for its university and golf. Seating up to 18 people, it is the largest in the Scottish Seaside Saunas family, fully wood-fired and designed to be accessible. Guests can book a space or reserve the whole sauna, with sunrise sessions offering a particularly magical start to the day.

All locations deliver the same quality and care: trained sauna hosts, high-spec design, and beautiful views of Scotland’s coastline. “People leave feeling calmer and more connected,” says Dunlop. “Saunas offer somewhere to gather, talk, and share something healthy.”

A qualified sauna master trained in Aufguss and inspired by her time in the Nordic countries, Judith also runs sauna tours, with the next heading to Helsinki in October.

Elie Seaside Sauna: Unwind in the heat by the Scottish Sea

Photo: Elie Seaside Sauna

Web: scottishseasidesaunas.com

Elie Seaside Sauna has been awarded:

• Number 1 Sauna by The Sea in The Times
• Best UK & Ireland Waterside Sauna shortlist, British Sauna Society 2024
• The Sunday Telegraph Top 10 Places to Sauna in the UK

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