Saunas in Devon to beat the ‘January Blues’

From Scandinavian heritage to modern spa inspiration, contrast therapy, mixing hot and cold exposures, is having a moment in the UK as we all seek to feel like the best version of ourselves. 

However, taking that holistic tradition to new heights is the opportunity to swim and sauna in the great outdoors, with beach views and wild swims framing immune-boosting and invigorating experiences that nurture mind, body, and soul. Devon is uniquely placed to offer this contrast therapy, with Devon saunas near the beach twinned with an ice cool dip in the sea. 

Inviting you to beat the January blues and boost your wellbeing at the same time, here’s what, when, and why beachside saunas in Devon are the perfect way to set your wellbeing intentions for 2026.

Understanding the ‘January Blues’ 

We’ve all heard of the ‘January Blues’, and to a greater to lesser extent we all know what they are. 

For some, it’s simply feeling a bit deflated after the excitement and excesses of the festive period, but adding to it, the cold, the dark, reduced social connection, and pressure to be a ‘new you’ in the New Year, can cause a dip in our mood. In more extreme situations, some even suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a type of seasonal depression. 

So prevalent is the ‘blue’ feeling, that the third Monday in the month is known as ‘Blue Monday’ – aka, the most depressing day of the year. For those heading to Devon in January, however, there’s plenty to smile about – not least a little contrast therapy to leave you feeling energised and enthused. 

Why winter wellness matters

Lots of us associate the New Year with resolutions intended to get us into the gym to become the ‘best’ version of ourselves. Nature, however, teaches us that these chilly, dormant months are for nurturing – leaning into the season and perhaps being a little gentler with ourselves and those around us. 

Holistic wellness encourages us to follow suit, recognising that these shorter daylight periods are not for raw salads and 5am workouts, but for energetically warm foods, nourishment, gentle movement, and connecting with the rhythm of the natural world as it moves back towards abundance once again.

In a period where anxiety is high, mental health is at its most fragile, and our bodies crave being cared for, it’s access to fresh air, quiet routines and the calm of nature that help us find our way back to ourselves. This is how we transition from hibernation to restoration in anticipation of spring.

The health benefits of sauna therapy

In many cultures, sauna therapy has been a staple part of wellbeing with a history that spans millennia. From Finnish pit saunas to Roman bathhouses, they have offered places for relaxation, spiritual purification, socialisation, and cleansing for thousands of years.

Simply experiencing saunas is enough for most of us to know that we feel better for it, especially when we feel as though the cold has permeated our bodies right to the bone. However, documented wellbeing benefits span the mental and physical, from activating the sympathetic nervous system to improving mood, detox, reducing pain, and improving circulation. 

Cold plunges and wild swimming: Mind over matter

So-called ‘wild swimming’ has had a renaissance in recent years, with more of us seeking to connect with nature and enjoy time outside. It ties in with the beauty and benefits of cold plunge therapies – famously popularised (and taken to extremes) by Wim Hof.

You don’t need to plunge into an ice bath, however, to get the benefits of jumping into the cold. In fact, it’s decidedly more pleasant not to do that. Cold water swimming alone has its benefits – it’s a beautiful way to exercise, breathing in the fresh air and, in our case, the beauty of the Devon seascapes.

Getting into the sea is, in itself, therapeutic, known anecdotally for being stimulating and mood boosting, while research also talks about ‘blue health’ – connecting blue spaces (outside water habitats) with better general and mental wellbeing as well as more physical activity. The salt water also has its merits, from soothing the skin to reducing inflammation.

Meanwhile, the concept of the cold plunge has documented benefits including:

• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced stress
• Improved immunity
• Better sleep quality 
• Overall feelings of a better quality of life

The power of contrast: Saunas and cold water combined

While saunas and cold water plunges have their individual pluses, the real magic happens in the contrast. Moving from hot to cold on a cycle is not only invigorating but supercharges the feel-good-factor. 

Benefits include: 

• Reduce pain
• Enhance function
• Alleviate muscle soreness
• Manage swelling
• Improve blood circulation 
• Boost mood 

Crucially, one of the bits of the process that people miss, is the importance of rest between the heat and the cold. That’s a very good excuse to sit on the beach for a minute and take it all in when you visit a Devon beach sauna. 

Wellness with a view: Sea air and coastal calm

Where saunas on the beach, combined with sea swims, really have the edge on contrast therapy in a swimming pool, is the landscape and connectivity with nature. While we may be biased, there are few places in the world quite as beautiful as South Devon, and speaking from experience, there’s nothing quite like having the beach (almost) to yourself on a cold winter morning, and breathing in the view.

It’s well known that coastal environments help us feel better. Being around nature, taking the time to notice it, the fresh air, perhaps some sunlight if you’re lucky, the sounds of the seagulls and the rhythm of waves lapping the shore – it’s all a recipe for improving our mood and helping us unwind. Even the sea air’s negative ions are linked to alleviating depression. 

With Devon saunas located at the likes of Blackpool Sands (a Blue Flag-awarded beach and real beauty spot), the iconic Bigbury on Sea, overlooking the Erme Estuary at Mothecombe, and flanking the Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham, saunas in Devon leave you spoiled for choice.

Making it part of a Finest Stays winter break

Building these wellbeing experiences into a holiday, so you can enjoy them as an individual event or as a regular feature during your getaway means you can turn a mini break into a really unique retreat. Think of it as a spa ritual designed by nature – even better if it’s just a short distance from where you’re staying so you can start or end the day with a mindful ritual. Alternatively, stop along one of the beautiful walks in Dartmouth the area has to offer – a long hike is a particular highlight of Devon in January.

At Finest Stays we are lucky enough to work with some of the most beautiful and exclusive properties across the South Hams, whether you’re looking for a boutique hideaway for two or somewhere you can hunker down with a whole group of friends. Amongst them, is a treasure trove of destinations within easy reach of a Devon sauna or two. For example, we love The Lodge for a celebratory gathering just moments from Blackpool Sands or the magical Mulberry House – a Grade II listed mansion in the heart of the Flete Estate, just a 10-minute stroll from The Somewhere Sauna at Mothecombe.

Discover a Devon sauna near your dream holiday home