A slight departure from our usual topics today, but I do hope you will find it of interest.
You’ve probably noticed it too: saunas are having a moment. They’re officially on-trend. From converted horseboxes on beaches to chic rooftop spots in the city, people are finding new and inventive ways to sweat it out.
But here’s the thing: as a Brit, this new craze felt a little foreign. For most of my life, the only “sauna” on offer was a tiny cubicle the size of a broom cupboard at the municipal swimming pool or some fancy overpriced hotel spa. British sauna culture was virtually non-existent until fairly recently.
My own love for a good sweat comes from a friend who used to run a Russian bathhouse. I was a frequent visitor and grew to love the ritual. But I realized that without that exposure, there was a real lack of understanding. People had so many questions! What’s the difference between a Finnish sauna and a Turkish hammam? What’s the proper etiquette? And the big one: what to wear—or whether to wear anything at all?
I felt there was a need for a simple, beginner’s guide.
And that’s why I ended up writing Sauna for Beginners: A Pocket Guide.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A tour of global heat-bathing traditions, from Finnish saunas to Korean jjimjilbangs.
- Quick, no-nonsense tips on sauna etiquette.
- A clear answer to the ever-pressing question: to get naked or not?
- Simple ways to maximize the health benefits and make the most of your session.
I was also incredibly lucky to have Colin Gordon—the brilliant illustrator behind the Stephen Glass books and Miniten: Rules of the Game—provide the wonderful illustrations that bring it all to life.
I hope you enjoy it. And with Christmas just around the corner, it makes for a perfect stocking filler for the wellness enthusiast in your life!
