Could saunas become the 'new pub' when it comes to socialising?

Could saunas become the 'new pub' when it comes to socialising?3 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleAmelia Shone-AdamsBBC Wales Môr A SawnaKathryn Donavan opened a sauna in Barry after battling PMDD and endometriosisWith sauna culture quickly growing across the UK, including in Wales, some advocates of the heated treatment claim they could become the "new pub" when it comes to socialising.There are more than 600 public saunas across the UK, with many now opening on beaches, overlooking lakes and in other picturesque rural settings.While many users promote the health and mental benefits of sauna use, the science behind this is nuanced.Experts also warn that people should take care when using saunas, such as ensuring they are hydrated, while also making sure it takes place alongside other healthy activities.The British Sauna Society (BSS) promotes almost 640 saunas on their website - up from 540 at the start of the year - while a recent report said the UK could become Europe's largest sauna market by 2033. Gabrielle Reason, director of BSS, said: "The continuing growth suggests that the peak has still yet to come - if there is one."A sauna business owner also argues that Wales' picturesque landscape - which includes dramatic coastlines and remote rural areas - lends itself to sauna use, in a similar way to Finland. Kathryn Donavan, 40, opened Môr A Sawna near Jackson's Bay, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, in June 2024.She had struggled with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and endometriosis, using cold water therapy to help manage her symptoms.After having surgery to remove parts of her womb, she noticed her conditions would flare up more frequently, sometimes leaving her unable to get out of bed."I was in so much pain," Donavan said, adding that she began developing flu-like symptoms. It was then she began looking into alternative treatments to help manage her pain and symptoms, and began visiting a saun...