Review: Slomo Sauna and ice plunge experience, Elkins Boatyard, Christchurch

SET at the meeting point of two rivers overlooking the Solent, Slomo pop-up sauna and cold plunge pools offers total escapism with a virtually unparrelled view.

Founded by Camp Bestival creators Rob and Josie da Bank, the wellbeing hub will be travelling around the country this summer with festival pop-ups and a stint in London planned for the winter months.

Featuring quirky lounging areas, a stunning sauna with a panoramic window and a range of temperature control ice baths, Slomo at Elkin’s Boat Yard has cultivated a devoted following since its Christchurch debut in 2024.

Arriving on a barmy Saturday evening with adult daughter – it was hard to imagine a more idyllic setting than the Christchurch pop-up site. With retro style loungers positioned on the riverbank, and a colourful assortment of potted plants dotted about, we took a minute to admire the spectacular beauty, as we watched pleasure boats and then a family of tiny ducklings amble by.

As a regular sea swimmer I was intrigued to try contrast therapy – the process of alternating between a hot sauna and a cold plunge bath – which is shown to improve circulation and metabolism and decrease inflammation.

Sit manager Nik Torren told us: “It not just about the physical benefits but it’s also the physiological boost – we are creating a community of people and for many it’s really enabled them to connect with others.

He added: “We are planning a Father’s Day event on June 15th to give dads a bit of TLC. The psychological and physical benefits of contrast therapy are becoming much more widely known.”

“It can be a lovely way for people to relax and just escape from everyday life.”

“There’s a lot of demand for knowledge and education – whether it’s buying saunas or building saunas.”

After chatting to Nik for a few minutes, I decided it was time to stop procrastinating and take the plunge – quite literally. After a little hesitation I took a step into the icy pool and quickly immersed myself underwater, with the shock taking my breath away briefly.

After a few seconds I emerged and headed to the sauna where I spent around 10 minutes getting hotter and hotter, to the point where an ice bath suddenly looked like a much more attractive proposition!

Over the next 40 minutes, each repetition of the hot-cold cycle left me feeling increasingly invigorated, a rush of adrenaline coursing through me. With a huge glazing area overlooking the river watching the world go by from the sauna was also incredibly relaxing.

At the end of my hour-long session I felt totally invigorated, and also incredibly relaxed. It is an experience I definitely plan to repeat and with sessions from just £15, the whole experience is very affordable.

Rooted in the principles of contrast therapy, Slomo features a Nordic-inspired wood fired sauna, ice baths, cold plunges, a barbecue area and beach hut style changing rooms. Christchurch highlights include Saturday Night Sweat sessions with Slomo’s Shroom tea, snacks and optional Scandinavian whisking.

Slomo is also set to pop-up at Dorset’s Camp Bestival from 31st July to 3rd August with a programme of breathwork, meditation, yoga, sound baths, chillout DJs, cacao and dance mornings, mantra evening sessions, family shakeout sessions, cooking demos and numerous alternative therapies.

Slomo Christchurch will be at Elkin’s Boat Yard until the end of August. One hour sessions are from £15. To find out more and book visit https://slomo.me