Scotland’s Sauna & Wellness Trend: A Hotspot for Foodies
Scotland’s wild sauna culture is transforming outdoor exploration and wellness, offering unique opportunities to connect with nature while promoting mental, emotional, and physical health. Rooted in ancient sweat bathing traditions and modern wellness philosophies, these rustic retreats are becoming communal spaces for relaxation and inclusivity, accessible to all fitness levels. The movement, which includes cold water immersion for added health benefits, mirrors Nordic traditions while carving a distinct identity in Scotland. With nearly 100 wild saunas now mapped across the country, this trend fosters mindfulness and appreciation for nature. Malta, with its scenic coastlines and emphasis on healthy living, could embrace similar wellness experiences, pairing saunas with locally sourced meals to elevate its wellness tourism offerings. This development highlights the growing demand for accessible, nature-centric wellness practices across Europe, aligning with Malta’s Mediterranean lifestyle and culinary focus.
Discover Scotland’s Wild Sauna Revolution: A Wellness Journey for Body and Soul
Imagine this: from a clifftop perch, you gaze across the sparkling expanse of the Firth of Forth to the picturesque seaside town of Elie. Below, the waves roll rhythmically onto the rugged shoreline, their soothing cadence syncing effortlessly with your breath. The crisp autumn breeze brushes against your skin, yet you feel cocooned in warmth, enveloped by the dry heat of an 80°C sauna. You contemplate the invigorating plunge into icy waters that awaits, knowing it will leave you refreshed and revitalized. This magical experience is part of a growing wild sauna movement sweeping across Scotland, transforming the way people immerse themselves in nature and wellness.
Scotland’s wild sauna culture is redefining outdoor exploration and self-care, offering unique opportunities to connect with nature while nurturing mental, emotional, and physical health. From the Borders to Shetland, these rustic retreats are emerging as sanctuaries of balance and wellbeing. The concept blends ancient traditions of sweat bathing, which date back to prehistoric Scotland, with modern wellness philosophies—an evolution that resonates with Malta’s own growing interest in holistic living, healthy dining, and self-care.
A Wellness Experience Rooted in Nature
Escape Sauna in North Berwick exemplifies this trend, inviting visitors to “sit on the bench” and surrender to the calming heat while overlooking infinity views of the North Sea. Dolphins occasionally frolic in the distance, adding a sense of wonder to the experience. Jo McNicol, co-owner of Escape Sauna, initially anticipated hosting cyclists and hikers eager to soothe their muscles after strenuous activity. Instead, she discovered a broader audience, drawn by the sauna’s holistic benefits. “It’s people that genuinely understand how good a sauna is for your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing,” she explains.
The McNicols, farmers by trade, embraced the sauna business as part of a government-supported agritourism initiative. By welcoming locals and visitors to their land, they not only diversify their income but also promote the health benefits of spending time in nature—a sentiment that resonates with Malta’s increasing focus on eco-conscious tourism and sustainable dining experiences.
A New Way to Connect
Saunas are more than relaxation; they’re becoming communal spaces for connection and inclusivity, filling the void left by traditional gathering spots like pubs and churches. Unlike demanding physical activities such as trail running or climbing, sauna culture requires no technical skill or high fitness level. Anyone can enjoy its benefits, as highlighted by Jayne McGhie, co-owner of Wild Scottish Sauna. “If you can manage to get up a couple of steps to get into the sauna, you're going to experience so many health benefits,” she says. Stripped down to swimsuits, visitors leave behind social status symbols, finding themselves on equal footing, united by the shared pursuit of wellness.
McGhie herself integrates cold water swimming into her sauna offerings, encouraging visitors to embrace the invigorating practice of plunging into icy waters before retreating to the welcoming heat. Cold water immersion, much like the Mediterranean tradition of swimming in cooler waters during Malta’s mild winters, is celebrated for its ability to boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve mood—making it a perfect complement to the sauna experience.
A Rising Wellness Trend: From Finland to Fife
This renaissance of wild saunas in Scotland mirrors the Nordic and Baltic countries’ deep-rooted sauna traditions, while also carving out a distinct identity. Kim Robertson, an Edinburgh resident, has become an unofficial chronicler of this movement, creating a digital map to track the growing number of wild saunas across Scotland. From just a handful in 2018, the map now lists nearly 100, representing almost half of the UK’s wild saunas. Robertson’s map serves as a wellness travel guide, enabling enthusiasts to plan scenic detours and explore the countryside while indulging in the restorative benefits of sauna sessions—a concept that could inspire similar initiatives in Malta, where scenic coastal trails and wellness retreats flourish.
A Symphony of Nature and Wellness
For Dave Girling, founder of WildEmber Bothy, wild saunas are a continuation of his work as an ecotherapist and outdoor educator. Nestled on the banks of Loch Tay, his mobile sauna features large windows framing views of red squirrels darting through the trees and chaffinches flitting about. Visitors are drawn not only by the warmth but by the chance to witness the subtle seasonal changes in the surrounding landscape—an experience that fosters mindfulness and appreciation for nature. Girling sees this connection as integral to the sauna’s appeal: “People are coming weekly and they’re noticing that the rosebay willow herb is changing, they’re noticing that the insects that are around are changing. It piques an interest.”
This connection between nature and wellness aligns beautifully with Malta’s emphasis on healthy living, where the Mediterranean lifestyle encourages outdoor dining, fresh produce, and mindful experiences. The Scottish sauna movement offers a reminder of the importance of simplicity—where natural landscapes, shared moments, and accessible wellness practices create lasting benefits for both body and mind.
Bringing Sauna Culture to Malta
Could Malta embrace elements of this wild sauna trend? The island’s rugged coastline, tranquil bays, and serene countryside offer the perfect backdrop for similar wellness experiences. Combined with Malta’s rich culinary scene, there’s potential to create holistic retreats that pair saunas with nourishing, locally sourced meals. Imagine spending a winter afternoon in a clifftop sauna overlooking the Mediterranean, followed by a comforting bowl of fresh fish soup or a vibrant salad featuring seasonal produce. Such experiences could elevate Malta’s wellness tourism offerings, providing a unique blend of relaxation, health, and gastronomy.
Scotland’s wild sauna revolution is more than a fleeting trend—it’s a testament to the growing desire for accessible, nature-centric wellness experiences. Whether you’re exploring the windswept shores of Scotland or the sun-kissed coastlines of Malta, the message is clear: reconnecting with nature, embracing simplicity, and prioritizing health can transform the way we live, dine, and explore.