CANDLESTON WOODS
The Outdoor Sauna
A wood-fired sauna and hot tub in the heart of Candleston Woods, available for communal and private sessions year-round.
About
Heat, cold water, and 100 acres of woodland
The Outdoor Sauna operates within Candleston Woods on the Merthyr Mawr Estate — a 100-acre ancient woodland adjoining the Merthyr Mawr National Nature Reserve. It is run as an independent business by a third-party operator, with sessions available to book directly through their website.
The setup is simple: a Lithuanian-made, wood-fired sauna with a panoramic window facing the trees; an off-grid wood-fired hot tub a few steps away; and cold water facilities alongside for contrast therapy. Sessions run year-round. The site remains open in most weather conditions — rain and wind included.
There is ample free parking on site. All bookings and payments are made online in advance.
What’s included
The facilities
Wood-fired sauna
Made in Lithuania, the sauna is heated by a wood-fired stove and has a panoramic window looking out into the woodland. Sessions in the heat are typically 3–15 minutes at a time, depending on your experience and what your body tells you.
Outdoor hot tub
Off-grid and wood-fired, the hot tub sits a few steps from the sauna among the trees. Sit back, look up through the canopy, and listen. Deer occasionally pass through.
Cold water therapy
Every session includes access to cold water facilities: a cold shower, a drench bucket, and a cold plunge tub. You choose how far you go. Hot and cold contrast therapy is widely recognised for its effects on circulation and recovery.
The setting
Off the beaten track in the peaceful surroundings of Candleston Woods.
The woodland is a stone’s throw from the sand dunes and village of Merthyr Mawr. After a session, the nature reserve and coast are within easy walking distance.
What’s available to book
£148
up to 10 people
90-minute private session
Exclusive use of the sauna, hot tub, and cold water facilities for your group. The longer format gives time for multiple rounds in the heat and proper recovery between them.
£92
up to 8 people
55-minute private session
Exclusive use for a smaller group or when a shorter slot fits your day. All facilities included.
£34
per person
Sunday Reset — yoga and woodland spa
A Sunday morning session combining yoga with use of the woodland spa. Runs weekly.
£20
per person
55-minute communal session
Book an individual spot and share the spa with other bathers. A quieter, more contemplative format.
£13
per person
Monday Melt communal session
A reduced-price communal session at the start of the week. Sauna, hot tub, and cold water included.
Before you arrive
What to bring
Arrive wearing your swimwear under your clothes — changing time counts as part of your session. Swimwear should have no metal fastenings, which can heat up in the sauna. Remove metal jewellery for the same reason.
- Swimwear (wear it under your clothes on arrival)
- Two towels — one for sitting on in the sauna, one for drying off
- Drinking water in a non-metal bottle
- Slip-on footwear such as flip flops
- Warm clothing for afterwards
Changing facilities and toilets are available on site. No one under 16 is permitted in the spa area. Those aged 16–18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Cancellations
Booking and cancellation
All bookings and payments are made online through the Outdoor Sauna website. There is no on-site payment option.
If you cancel more than 48 hours in advance, you can choose a full refund (minus a 5% handling charge) or a free reschedule. Between 24 and 48 hours, rescheduling within 28 days is possible. Under 24 hours, no refund or reschedule is available.
The site stays open in most weather. If the Met Office issues a warning for the area and you prefer not to travel, you may cancel by 4pm the day before for a full refund. If the operator cancels due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund or reschedule will be offered.
Cancellation requests must be sent by email to info@theoutdoorsauna.co.uk. Social media messages are not accepted.
Bookings
Book a session
Sessions are booked directly through The Outdoor Sauna website. Gift cards are also available if you are looking to give a session as a present.