A private sauna in a UK cottage or lodge is usually one of three kinds: an outdoor barrel sauna in the garden, an infrared cabin indoors, or a wood-fired sauna. They feel very different, so ask the owner which one it is, how long it takes to heat and whether you can pour water on the stones.
The three common types
| Type | Heat | Warm-up | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barrel sauna | Hot, dry; usually electric or wood-fired | Often 30 to 60 minutes | Round wooden barrel, usually outdoors |
| Infrared cabin | Gentler, around 45 to 60°C | Short | No stones, so no löyly |
| Wood-fired sauna | Hot, with soft heat from the stove | Often an hour or more | You feed the stove; ask for firewood |
What to ask the owner
- Which type of sauna is it, and is it indoors or outdoors?
- How long does it take to heat, and is there a timer or app?
- Can you pour water on the stones?
- Is firewood or electricity included in the price?
- Is there a cold shower, plunge tub or water nearby for cooling off?
Is it really private?
Not always. Cottages on holiday parks may share one leisure sauna. We list more than 900 self-catering stays with a sauna (653 cottages, 110 lodges, 77 apartments and 66 glamping stays) where the sauna is likely to be yours alone. 18 of them state a private sauna in their listing. We mark the rest as private only after we check.
Finding one
Start with our Private Sauna Finder, or browse cottages, lodges and cabins and glamping stays with a sauna.