Perched on the sand dunes with stunning views of the Firth of Forth sits Elie’s newest attraction – a mobile seaside sauna.
Inspired by her love for wild swimming and appreciation of the outdoors, founder Judith Dunlop wanted to share her feeling of freedom of being by the sea.
She spent some of her childhood Elie, but based herself in the seaside Fife town 20 years ago after working in London.
As well as running the Elie Seaside Sauna, she works as a yoga teacher and sommelier.
“I missed being by the sea, so I came back to Scotland and I’ve done just about everything in order to live here, since there aren’t many jobs in Elie,” she says.
“The sauna came out of the lockdown experience as I think a lot of people felt an affinity with the outdoor lifestyle we were encouraged to have.
“I was privileged to spend lockdown in Elie, and I want to share that with other people.
“Every time somebody comes to the sauna, I see that freedom of being by the sea, that pure joy.”
Sauna health benefits
The sauna is built in a converted horse trailer with one side featuring a large window facing towards the beach.
A wood-fire stove heats the sauna to temperatures of 80-100 degrees. Clad in Aspen, the wood exudes the aroma of sweet caramel when heated.
The changing temperatures of the toasty sauna and cold sea are known to have positive health benefits.
Judith says: “The process of sweating releases serotonin and going into cold water gives you a hit of endorphins.
“If you’re with loved ones, you’ve also got oxytocin, making a whole cocktail of very positive hormones.
“It definitely makes people feel good and puts smiles on people’s faces.”
The sauna also provides an alternative place of socialising and aims to bring the community together.
As well as private hire, Judith offers individual seats in the sauna for £10 per 45 minutes.
“Sharing the experience breaks down social barriers. You can come along and have chats or sit in silence and share the experience,” she says.
“There’s very much a community aspect to it.”
Elie Seaside Sauna in the future
The seaside sauna seats up to eight people and can be hired for 45 or 90 minutes at a time.
Judith is looking at creating a membership system in the future as the community has embraced her venture.
“I’m fortunate to be on land managed by the Elie Harbour Trust, they’re extremely supportive,” she says.
“I’m just in the right place, doing the right thing, and I’m lucky there’s people who want to come and appreciate it.
“It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding.”
As mobile saunas are still few and far between in Scotland, she hopes to create more in the future.
“I’m not going to stop here, but I can’t say anything for definite.
“It’s certainly something I want to do more of having seen the benefits, and I know what to do so I can replicate it elsewhere.”
Conversation