Sauna Etiquette
AMBERWAVE SAUNA is a shared space for heat, cold and rest. A few simple guidelines help keep the experience safe, comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Aim to arrive 10 minutes before your session and be ready to be collected 5 minutes before your start time outside the main SWG3 building on Eastvale Place, by the pink lamppost.
We collect the group and bring everyone into the garden together. Late arrivals may need to wait until a host is available.
Clean swimwear is required for the sauna and plunges. Underwear is not permitted as swimwear.
No wetsuits, neoprene, thermal water-sports gear or outdoor clothing. These retain heat and water, can cause overheating, and may transfer odours, sand, algae, detergent or other residue onto the sauna benches and into the plunge water.
Footwear is not permitted inside the sauna.
Please rinse thoroughly under our cold showers before entering the cold plunges, especially after using the sauna. Please do not use soap, shampoo or other wash products.
Avoid oils, heavy moisturisers, fake tan, glitter and strongly fragranced products.
This is standard German sauna etiquette that we adopt in our space.
Always sit or lie on a towel, with your body and feet on it where possible. It protects the timber and keeps the sauna hygienic for everyone.
Keep conversations quiet, respectful and to a minimum inside the sauna so everyone can enjoy a calm and relaxing atmosphere. This is a restorative, phone-free zone. Please leave phones in the changing area.
Always listen to your body. We do not use sauna timers deliberately, so take the heat at your own pace and step out whenever you need to.
Please do not use the sauna if you feel unwell, dizzy or intoxicated. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted.
Enter slowly and listen to your body. No “who can stay in the longest” contests, breath-holding challenges or attempts to beat a Wim Hof record.
Cold exposure is not a competition. Please keep each plunge to a maximum of 3 minutes.
Give others privacy and personal space when changing, resting, using the sauna and entering the plunges.
We are an inclusive space. Behaviour that makes others uncomfortable will not be accepted.
Please take all belongings with you, place used cups or rubbish in the bins provided and leave the changing areas tidy for the next guests.
Thank you for helping us keep AMBERWAVE SAUNA clean, calm and welcoming for everyone.
If you have any questions ahead of your session, please contact us: hello@amberwavesauna.com