Tŷ Sawna

Tŷ Sawna: wood-fired barrel saunas on Oxwich Bay beach

Tŷ Sawna operates on Oxwich Bay beach in the Gower Peninsula (Swansea, Wales), where it offers handcrafted barrel saunas powered by wood-burning stoves. The company presents itself as Wales' first beach sauna and is recognised by the British Sauna Society as an approved operator, meeting national standards for authentic, high-quality sauna experiences. The site states that the project was established in 2022.

Two barrel saunas by the sea

The facility has two bespoke barrel saunas. The first, Tŷ Bach Twt, seats 8 people; the second, larger one, Tŷ Mawr, accommodates up to 10. Each has its own wood-burning stove and half-moon panoramic windows facing the ocean. The marine environment is presented as a natural cold plunge area to alternate with the heat of the sauna.

Private, communal and guided ritual sessions

The offering is organised into several formats. Private sessions consist of renting the sauna for 55 minutes for groups of up to 10 people, with a price indicated from £95 per session. Communal sessions and clubs offer 55 minutes of shared sauna from £12 per person. In addition, events are scheduled throughout the year with prices varying depending on the ritual or activity.

Among the guided experiences, the 90-minute sauna ritual stands out, structured around the four elements —air, water, fire and earth— and includes salt inhalations, natural body scrubs, aromatherapy infusions and thermal leaf whisking. The Full Moon Sauna & Breathwork experience is also organised, with a breathwork session guided by Chris Davies followed by a sauna under the full moon, with homemade salt scrubs and space to gather around the fire afterwards, weather permitting.

Memberships, packages and shop

The company sells memberships and session packages aimed at making rest a routine. It also has a shop of branded products —clothing and accessories inspired by fire, water and the Welsh coast— designed and printed in Wales, made to order and not available for collection during sauna sessions. It also offers electronic gift cards.

Recommendations for the visit and publicised benefits

The site recommends users bring two towels, water, swimwear, flip-flops and warm dry clothing. It suggests staying between 10 and 15 minutes per round in the sauna and alternating with sea bathing, a cold water bucket or the outside air before repeating the cycle. The company shares among its content the potential benefits of heat and cold therapy, and mentions the reduction of stress and anxiety as one of the usual reasons for going to a sauna.

Founding and local community

The initiative comes from Harri Barker, born and raised in South Wales, who after an experience in a seaside sauna in Ireland decided to return to his homeland to open his own sauna on the Welsh coast. The project is presented as linked to the UK sauna community and outdoor life. The site also includes a travel guide to the Gower Peninsula and a blog with content on rituals, events and local collaborations.

Location and contact

Oxwich Bay, Gower, Swansea, Wales, UK, SA3 1LS · Phone: 07933806546 · Email: tysawna@gmail.com