The Original Scandi/Irish Sauna
Seaside →
Head space, heart race at Benone Strand.
An unforgettable, uniquely local adrenalin-fuelled seaside sauna experience.
Countryside →
Tranquility among the trees at Drumagosker.
Relax and reconnect in this beautiful outside spa and sauna experience.
You were made for this.
The wonder of warm. The comfort of cold. Repeat for a natural rush.
This incredible experience will release a flood of endorphins that will sweep your mind and body with a world of good.
With evidence humans have created and lived with different kinds of sweatboxes and saunas for two millennia, you will realise how much you need HotBox in your life. You were made for this.
Custom made for a new local custom.
Sauna culture is big in Finland and across Scandinavia. We think it’s a perfect match for Ireland’s cold, wet, unpredictable climate, so we want to kick start a new local custom. When you spend the day with HotBox, you’ll find that the rain eases you, the wind relaxes you and the cold of the water exhilarates you. The weather, the water, the warmth of the sauna, all add up to a sense of wellness you won’t forget.
Join our Hotbox community on Instagram and be part of the HotBox movement by signing up to our newsletter here.
Forget the pub, meet your friends in the sauna and feel the benefits:
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 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 & 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 & 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 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!
Hot Topics
+ Where are you?
Just click for google map links to:
Seaside Hotbox at Benone Strand
Countryside Hotbox at Drumagosker
Or if you’re really lost, just ring us on 07760 757294
+ 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.
+ 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.
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 1-2 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?
HotBox is strictly for 16years and over.
If you are pregnant or have any health issues, please refer to our terms & conditions.
+ What is in the pamper kit?
This is a mini self led spa set which includes:
- The Clay Cure face mask
- Sugar & Frankincense body scrub
- Neals Yard Remedies facial oil
- linen sauna towels and face cloths
- facial water spritzer
All our products are locally/sustainably sourced and organic & vegan certified. Best of all they leave you with a post sauna glow like no other!
+ What is a sauna whisk?
This is a traditional sauna utensil also known as a vihta. It is made by bundling birch (or other) branches together and then used in the sauna to stimulate blood flow by beating across your skin.
We will give a short demonstration and tips on how best to use it if you want to add it to your booking to try it out.
+ 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.
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.