Sea, steam and serenity: the best outdoor saunas in south Devon
Sauna culture has been growing at pace in the UK, drawing on wellbeing lifestyles that are firmly embedded in Scandi countries, and sitting firmly alongside the growing penchant for wild swimming.
Hailed by Vogue as the new way to socialise, it brings together a love of nature with spa inspiration, boosting mind, body, and soul. The contrast therapy experience is very much at its finest when it combines sea swims and soothing steams by the beach, and there’s nowhere finer to embrace the feel-good-factor than South Devon.
So, if you’re looking for a seaside escape that boosts wellbeing in hot new ways, here are some of our top recommended outdoor saunas in South Devon.
The sauna at Blackpool Sands
Blackpool Sands is well known as a private beach that’s open to the public near Dartmouth. Blue Flag-awarded, it’s famously well maintained and was named England’s best beach by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024. It’s a real beauty spot for swimming, and is complete with its own Café, Lounge and Restaurant for post-swim sustenance.
Adding to this haven of seaside bliss, it’s home to one of the best outdoor saunas in the South Hams, located right on the beach where you can warm up after a bracing swim, and steam away all your stresses. A cabin-style space it’s infused with aromas of eucalyptus and lavender to help you breathe deep and embrace the best of beach life.
Stay at The Lodge, Strete
Just four minutes away from the beach by car, The Lodge is the stuff that holiday dreams are made of. With spectacular sea views, it’s flooded with natural light and hosts up to 14 people, making it a blissful beachside getaway destination at any time of the year.
Steamworks Sauna, Bigbury on Sea
Tucked just behind the dunes at Bigbury-on-Sea, Steamworks Sauna brings a touch of Nordic calm to one of South Devon’s most iconic beaches. Overlooking the tidal island of Burgh Island, this handcrafted wood-fired sauna is all about slow living and sea air.
Guests move between the warmth of the sauna and the cool Atlantic shallows for an invigorating contrast, before relaxing on the deck with panoramic coastal views. Steamworks hosts regular sessions, from sunrise sweats to evening socials, all celebrating the simple pleasure of connecting body, mind and coast.
Stay at Langston House
Discover this seven-bedroom haven nestled in the rolling hills just a short drive from Bigbury-on-Sea. When you stay in the Grade II-listed Georgian farmhouse, you’ll realise everything has been catered for. From an indoor heated swimming pool to a beautiful private lake and orchard, and even a cinema room.
Find out more about Langston House
The Somewhere Sauna in Dartington
The Dartington Estate is a little world of its own near Totnes – a magnificent centre of heritage, culture, entertainment, hospitality and innovative sustainability, where art, music, theatre, outdoor pursuits and activities take place around a medieval Great Hall, Courtyard and Grade II* Listed Gardens.
Within this unique wonderland, The Somewhere Sauna is where you can enjoy the magic of wood-fired wellness, whether you’re dropping by between activities or hanging around in the summer months for pizza and beer in the sunshine while the kids play in the parks.
Stay at Serenity
A delicious little haven in Totnes, Serenity is the perfect place to settle in for a cosy stay. With two bedrooms and soft, earthy tones, it’s a memory-making retreat within easy reach of the best that Totnes has to offer when it comes to coffee spots, bakeries, markets, and more.
Hálogi Sauna and Ice Baths at Royal William Yard, Plymouth
If you’re heading into Plymouth, don’t forget to stop off at Royal William Yard – a former Royal Navy dockyard turned stylish city quarter on the water. Brimming with shops, restaurants and places to enjoy the view, it’s full of entertainment and award-winning experiences.
Amongst the unique things to do, head to the Hálogi Sauna and Ice Baths – a cleverly converted horsebox, heated by a Finnish stove that maintains a constant 90°C temperature, and with space for up to six people. Enjoy contrast therapy as you move from the heat to three cold water tubs, or head straight into the sea for a refreshing dip.
Stay at The Piggery
For those looking for time to pause, The Piggery is the place to be. Nestled into the South Devon Hills it’s an enchanting barn on the outskirts of Plymouth. Dog-friendly and perfect for two, it’s somewhere to slow down and step outside to breathe in the fresh air first thing while you savour your morning coffee.
Find out more about The Piggery
The Somewhere Sauna at Mothecombe
Mothecombe is a historic estate in Holbeton, where the eponymous beach is one of the quieter destinations in Devon. Nature lovers delight in its tranquil beauty, complete with fine sand stretching into the distance and plenty of opportunity for swimming in shallow waters.
Here, The Somewhere Sauna brand has another of its unique thermal experiences, set right on the Erme Estuary. It’s actually the first in their mini collection, tucked away on the shore, making it a dreamy location for a sunrise or sunset swim and sauna.
Stay at Mulberry House
A Grade II listed mansion in the heart of the Flete Estate, Mulberry House looks out across the Pamflete valley, delivering a holiday experience that movies are made of. Sleeping up to 12 people, it’s perfect for summers with the family, Christmases with friends, and celebrations all year round. Furthermore, Mothecombe Beach is just a 10-minute stroll away.
Find out more about Mulberry House
Apatheia Sauna & Shoalstone Seawater Pool in Brixham
Brixham is a picture perfect seaside town – the kind that should appear in children’s storybooks thanks to its multicoloured houses. Home to an array of historic sites and things to do, it’s a working harbour where you can see the catch of the day being brought into the famous fish market, or spend time exploring, from the Marina to Berry Head Nature Reserve.
A top attraction is Shoalstone Seawater Pool, an impressive 53-metre tidal pool, built on the site of a natural rock pool. It is free to use and open in the summer months. Alongside it is a Apatheia Sauna, offering wood-fired, therapeutic warmth with coastal views for the ultimate in tranquillity and rejuvenation.
Stay at Austiger House
In nearby Torquay, Austiger House is a four-bedroom escape on the coast, with its own pool and plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy – dogs included. Take in views of Maidencombe bay and enjoy time and space that’s made for leisurely lunches and lengthy afternoon strolls.
Find out more about Austiger House
At Finest Stays we aren’t just experts in where to stay – we also know all the best things to do on a holiday in South Devon, from outdoor saunas in the South Hams to the best beaches for swimming, and the cosiest pubs for warming up afterwards. When you book with us, you get the inside scoop on the best locations in town, coast, and country.
