HOTBOX

Northern Ireland’s original sea sauna

HotBox is an authentic Finnish wood burning sauna, located on the Causeway Coast.

We now have 2 stunning and unique locations to choose from to get your sauna fix.

Benone Sea Sauna

This is our signature destination and there is something truly magical about jumping into the Wild Atlantic waters between hot sessions in the sauna.

Drumagosker Rural Sauna

For those who like the quiet life, you can enjoy HotBox in the tranquility of the lush Irish countryside. Bathe under the trees as you recline into our outdoor spa.

Learn more

Benefits of sea sauna-ing

Cardiovascular healthThe sauna stimulates the same response as mild exercise whilst releasing endorphins (the happy hormones!) Overall its effects have been shown to decrease the chance of strokes, lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular hea… — **Cardiovascular health**
The sauna stimulates the same response as mild exercise whilst releasing endorphins (the happy hormones!) Overall its effects have been shown to decrease the chance of strokes, lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.

Mental healthMost sauna users report relaxation and improved sleep quality as a main reason to sweat it out. What’s more it is proven to dramatically reduce cortisol levels (the unhappy hormone) which is linked to anxiety, depression and chronic str… — **Mental health**
Most sauna users report relaxation and improved sleep quality as a main reason to sweat it out. What’s more it is proven to dramatically reduce cortisol levels (the unhappy hormone) which is linked to anxiety, depression and chronic stress.

Chronic fatigue & painThere’s a lot of science behind it, but the bottom line is that when used in conjunction with a cold plunge, the sauna creates a kind of magic pain reliever. It can help rheumatic disorders such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, … — **Chronic fatigue & pain**
There’s a lot of science behind it, but the bottom line is that when used in conjunction with a cold plunge, the sauna creates a kind of magic pain reliever. It can help rheumatic disorders such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, headaches and back pain.

Dementia & AlzheimersA comprehensive study which took place over 20years found individuals who sauna bathed 4-7 times a week were 66% less likely to develop dementia and 65% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to those who did not. BOOM! — **Dementia & Alzheimers**
A comprehensive study which took place over 20years found individuals who sauna bathed 4-7 times a week were 66% less likely to develop dementia and 65% less likely to develop Alzheimer’s compared to those who did not. BOOM!

Respiratory diseaseSweat houses used to cover the Irish countryside. They were used as a form of healthcare for rural workers and boy did they have it right. Saunas can reduce your chance of catching a cold by 50%! They also relieve the symptoms ast… — **Respiratory disease**
Sweat houses used to cover the Irish countryside. They were used as a form of healthcare for rural workers and boy did they have it right. Saunas can reduce your chance of catching a cold by 50%! They also relieve the symptoms asthma and pneumonia.

There’s more…This is just a brief guide to the benefits of sauna use. If you want to know more, visit our sauna guru (and sauna builder) Finnmark for more details. They are the real sauna geeks!More from Finnmark → — **There’s more…**
This is just a brief guide to the benefits of sauna use. If you want to know more, visit our sauna guru (and sauna builder) Finnmark for more details. They are the real sauna geeks!
More from Finnmark →

Hot Topics

+ Where are you?

We now have 2 locations!

Benone Sea Sauna - the perfect spot for a coffee, walk, swim and sauna.
Drumagosker Rural Sauna - a hidden gem in the heart of the countrside where you can relax and unwind in complete tranquility.

For more information on each spot go to our locations page, or for directions please click here.

+ What should I bring?

Your swimwear and 2 towels - one to dry yourself and one to sit on in the sauna. It's a good idea to bring a warm robe or coat and sandals too. Sandals are strongly recommended at Drumagosker.

+ What facilities are there?

Each of our saunas are equipped with a small buffer zone which can be used as a changing room, however you might find you want to arrive swim ready (more so at Benone.)

For more information on our on-site facilities, please see our locations page

+ How long is a Hot Slot?

Depending on your location and group size, sessions can last anything from 30mins to several hours, however you shouldn't be in the sauna the entire time. We recommend sauna sessions of 5-15mins with lots of breaks or dips in the sea or cold plunges between.

Make sure you arrive at least 15mins early to get yourself sauna ready and make full use of your slot. Please be aware that your session time includes changing time!

+ How many can use HotBox at a time?

We limit our group sizes to offer the best experience to you and your fellow bathers – we don’t think this experience is the same if you are crammed into a tiny hot room like sardines! We offer several booking options online for different group sizes, but typically the sauna seats 6 people comfortably.

If you have a larger group and want to cater for a party we can absolutely do this. Just drop us an email and we will cater a session around your needs.

+ Who can use HotBox?

Ideally we regard HotBox as an adult experience. However we do allow children of 12 years and over to join in any PRIVATE session as long as they are accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio. We do not allow any under 18's in class or social sessions.

If you are pregnant or have any health issues, please refer to our terms & conditions.

+ What is your hygiene policy?

Having opened during Covid 19 and lockdown, cleanliess is our mantra!

We allow sufficient time between sessions to clean the sauna thoroughly and ensure everyone gets the same prisitine experience. As with any authentic Finnish Sauna, there is proper ventilation and airflow so the room never becomes stuffy or smelly. We also ask everyone to take a quick shower or dip before entering the sauna.

FYI Because of the high temperatures and good ventilation, Finnish saunas are actually a very hygienic place. In fact they used to be where the Finnish women would go to give birth as they were considered the cleanest place in a family home.