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

It’s hard to praise this holiday let too much. It’s in absolutely the most perfect position, directly overlooking the beach on a quiet street, a short walk from the best St Ives has to offer from restaurants and pubs to art galleries and museums. The atmosphere in the apartment is really warm and comfortable, the place is full of lovely pictures and the most personal touches. It’s been thoughtfully designed, but not to strike you at first glance, but to emerge in your consciousness when you stop to think about it. And, it’s superbly well equipped and furnished to guarantee a comfortable and restful stay.

David

We come back here every year for a very simple reason, because it is simply unbeatable. The location, the ambiance, the space, it is truly our happy place. The team are so welcoming, St Ives is a complete joy, and if you're lucky enough to find a free week, book it now, you won't be disappointed. We are truly in love with The Saltings, a holiday gem.

Geoff Atkinson

Amazing stay, fantastic location, and friendly hosts - we couldn't have asked for more. The sea views are to die for. We spent so many hours in that window seat, watching the dogs on the beach, the storm over the sea, and the sunset over the town. When you get bored of that, you can walk barefoot for the 20 meters to the beach, and wander across the rockpools searching for crabs. The property itself is really spacious and well set up. My mum walked in & her jaw dropped - it's just so much bigger & airier than the photos do justice to. You can tell that the family have used the property themselves for years, and have thought of everything - labelled drawers, well-equipped kitchen, and it even has fast Wifi (not expected at the tip of Cornwall!) Finally, you're in the middle of town. Turn the corner to a nationally rated art gallery (Penwith); 2 mins walk to the harbour; 3 mins walk to Fore street. Beautifully designed yet welcoming, with sea and town together. We'll be back!

Mark