St Ives Beach Sauna - Saltings on Porthmeor, St Ives

The cornish sea is much more welcoming when you know you can jump into a steaming sauna straight afterwards.

There is no feeling better, in my opinion, than getting out of a sauna and running down the beach into the sea. The body tingles, the stunning setting, the sheer natural high. If you do anything on your St Ives holiday I recommend Mor Holan Sauna on Portminster Beach.

This December, we braved the grey skies and light rain and headed to the sauna for a morning session. It's about half way along Porthminster beach right next to the path that leads towards Carbis Bay. There are changing rooms next door and there is an attendant keeping watch, so you can leave your things there while you sauna. Once we entered the woody thick heat of the sauna we immediately forget all those fleece layers and raincoats. Our muscles relaxed, and we took deep breaths of hot dry air. We sat there chatting, baking ourselves and admiring the view: There are windows looking out over the water to St Ives Harbour in one direction and Virginia Woolf's lighthouse in the other. We were even graced with a rainbow that arced over the town and straight down into the water.

After 15 minutes of building heat we were ready: we discarded our sauna hats (provided by the venue) and ran across the sand down to the sea. I recommend going at high tide because we did not and it was quite a long way! But it was entirely worth it as we splashed into the waves screaming and whooping. If you don't fancy the sea there is also a cold shower and tin baths of cold water provided for that delicious freezing immersion. Then straight back into the sauna to warm up again. Not shivering in the wind, while trying to pull clothes onto your damp body makes winter wild swimming a much more attractive proposition.

The sauna is £12 per person and if you book six spots you can have the whole place to yourself.

Afterwards, I recommend doing as we did and going for a delicious lunch at The Cornish Deli.

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Read what our guests are saying about Saltings on Porthmeor

Firsthand accounts of the unforgettable experiences at Saltings on Porthmeor.

Read More 5 Star reviews

This is the place from an early coffee throughout the day to talk life and the universe. Watching the changing light on the giant day bed hanging over the sand, is completely addictive. As dusk darkens reflections of friends making dinner get stronger in the glass and finally you turn from the sea to the nights festivities. Both living space at Old Saltings and Upper Saltings are the biggest rooms I have had the chance to enjoy. This means there is room for everything to happen all at once without friction. It’s like living in a film.

Cany

It’s rare a place exceeds expectations, but Upper Saltings does just that. A stunningly, magical apartment directly overlooking the beach with astounding views, incredible sunsets and the sound of the ocean which lulls and comforts. We were two families and there was enough space for everyone - yet it was also homely and super comfortable, with everything one could possibly need provided. The beds, mattresses, bedding and towels were of a superior quality and the place was spotless when we arrived. The kitchen has obviously been fitted out by foodies, and is super well equipped. Beautiful artwork featuring Cornwall's best artists adorn the walls and children will love the bunk bed room. We are totally smitten, this apartment is an absolute jewel.

Lana

Tranquil break in the most beautiful place- looking out over the sand and sea. This is the most special place. Makes your heart sing. Spacious and well set up with everything you could need for a Cornish retreat. We love it here! Thank you for having us again.

Josie Wood