Local Spotlight on Sea Scrub Sauna: Kent’s Wild Sauna Experience Blending Heat, Cold, and Community

Sea Scrub Sauna is reimagining relaxation across Kent, offering a mix of wood-fired and electric saunas set in stunning coastal and countryside locations. Whether you're stepping into the heat or plunging into cold water, each session is designed to help you reconnect—with yourself and with nature. Founded by Robin, Sea Scrub is all about slowing down, tuning in, and enjoying the elements. We caught up with him to hear how it all began, how he chooses each location, and what first-timers can expect.

Can you tell us how the idea for Sea Scrub Sauna came about?

Sea Scrub Sauna is a uniting of passions between my cousin Luke and I. I started cold water swimming in lockdown and was amazed by the physical and mental health benefits as well as the social side. At the same time, Luke, who lives in Oslo, was getting passionate about the floating saunas on the fjord there. We met up in Oslo for his 40th birthday and putting the hot and cold together blew my mind… and we talked about how we need them in the UK. Sea Scrub Sauna was born in that moment between the heat of the sauna and the iciness off the fjord. 

How do you choose a location for a new sauna site?

Getting a location is probably the trickiest part of finding a site. We look for places that have a certain feeling, somewhere you’d want to stand outside and connect to in the middle of winter. Cold seas and wild water, with expansive views. 

Which is your favourite location so far and why?

I’m a sea swimmer, so my answer depends on the tide! It’s an impossible question to answer… sauna experience depends on the company, the weather, the tide, the light, and your own mood. If I wanted privacy and greenery I’d go to Macknade, if I wanted the sea and sunsets with a bit of buzz I’d go to Whitstable or Margate. 

Have you got any upcoming locations in the pipeline? Can you share any details?

We are constantly working on finding new sites, and bringing sauna culture to new communities. We see the UK joining the other countries around the world that have real sauna culture, with public saunas on most beaches. We’re focussing on the SE for our next locations, and especially where people are asking us to go. We have an exciting agreement with Folkestone Harbour Arm, that is currently in planning procedures with the council and promises to be our biggest site yet. It’s exciting to design a new site from scratch, using all of our hard won experience and learnings from the last 3 years. We’re also working on a ‘Deal’ for another new site, which we expect to announce soon ;)

For someone new to sauna culture, what should they expect from a session at Sea Scrub?

Some people can find it a daunting prospect on their first visit, but what they’ll find is a big warm welcome and as much help and advice as they need to make sure they get the most out of the hour. We pride ourselves on all our saunas being properly managed and tended, which equates to hot, clean and supported experiences. I think the biggest surprise for newbies, is the way it makes you feel… expect to find a new level of relaxation, for stress to melt away, to have a weird or wonderful conversation, and meet a new friend, and finally a sense of accomplishment and newfound energy.

What’s your own personal ritual when using the sauna - any tips or must-dos?

Research shows you get more health benefits by starting on cold and finishing on cold (cold water immersion). For me the cold part is the addictive part, I always make sure the back of my neck is in the water - to stimulate the vagus nerve and get the dopamine hit. Inside the sauna, I’m really just recharging for my next cold plunge! I like it hot, and I love the loyly (hot steam), which I add different essential oils to depending on the time of day. For special sessions, I love the full moon rituals we do, and anything involving Aufguss.

How has the local community responded to Sea Scrub Sauna?

The local community has been amazing and supportive. It feels like we have become a community hub for a lot of people, and it feels like we fulfill a vital role in the long winter months, when people get cold and lack for sunlight. What I love about our community is how engaged they are - they tell us if something isn’t perfect, or give us ideas of what to do next and evolve.

What is your favourite hidden gem or local business in Kent?

I live in Whitstable, and have 2 young girls and a dog. We are all at our happiest when we’re outside combing the beach for sea glass or exploring footpaths and just chatting and exploring. I’m a sea lover, and having the boats in the harbour to do the same thing on the sea on the Greta or on the Vintage Lifeboat is not only fun but a privilege.

How can people find out more or book a session?

You can find out everything you want to know about our sauna experiences as well as book on our website - seascrubsauna.co.uk you can also follow us on Instagram for special news and events - @seascrubsauna