Help launch Saunahood! Contrast therapy in Nottingham.

Hello I'm Ellen, and I am to soon to be the owner of a vintage horse box converted into a 10-seater wood-fired sauna. I'm creating Saunahood, a sauna and cold plunge spot tucked away in nature at the campsite for the National Watersports Centre on Adbolton Lane, just at the end of Lady Bay where I live.

Let me introduce myself!

Saunahood is open to everyone, and will be a place where people can slow down, breathe deep, and recharge.

Imagine sweating it out in a beautifully crafted sauna, then stepping into a refreshing cold plunge pool or shower — all surrounded by towering trees and fresh air.

Saunas and cold plunging have a huge raft of health benefits. Regular sauna use lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces muscle soreness and speeds up recovery after workouts.

Saunas also stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), promoting deep relaxation and aiding better sleep. There are just so many benefits, and I cannot wait to share them with you at Saunahood!

I hope to create a lovely community; a space for relaxation, conversation, and connection.

Your donation will help me bring this dream to life at a beautiful local spot — the sauna build is underway, but I need support in setting up the cold plunge area, complete with industry leading filters and chillers, and creating a peaceful escape for the whole community.

A full breakdown of costs for the site are below:

Ice Tribe plunge pools, filter and chiller - £4,000

Changing Shed and store - £1,500

Paths and bases to land for access, plunge pools and changing shed - £500

Whether you're here for the health benefits, the chill out space, or just a little break from the madness of everyday life, this place is for you.

Every bit of support means the world to me — and early donors will be recognised as Founding Members who helped make it happen - and will be the first into the sauna! If you believe in wellness, nature, and creating something people can truly feel good about, I'd be honored to have you on this journey with me.

After the Saunahood launch, Sauna sessions will be priced at £15 for a 50 minute session, where you can sauna and dip/shower as many times as you like. Then there's time to relax in the chill out area before and after your session.

Launch weekend Friday 23rd - Monday 26th May (Bank Holiday). Free parking, toilets, hot showers and covered changing space available.

To help me get over the line with my last bits of equipment please donate any amount you can. Below are some suggested donations, and what they will include.

£30 - get 3 saunas seats for the launch weekend - a 50 minute sauna session, heat and plunge as many times as you like in this time.

£50 - get 2 sauna seats for the launch weekend and 2 branded sauna hats - 50 minute sauna session, heat and plunge as many times as you like in this time.

£100 - get 4 sauna seats for the launch weekend with 4 branded sauna hats and 4 branded seat towels - 50 minute sauna session, heat and plunge as many times as you like in this time.

£200 - get private hire of the sauna for you and 9 friends (10 people total). Sauna and dip as many times as you like in a 1 hour window.

Thank you for helping me build a little oasis in the trees!

Bookings will open on Friday 9th May to all who donate for the launch weekend. If you would like to donate but can't make the launch, don't worry, we'll make sure we fit you in as soon as you can join us!

Sauna sessions for people aged 16+. Terms and conditions must be agreed to when booking your slot and prior to using the sauna.

Use of the sauna is done so at your own risk. We ask that you contact your GP if at all in doubt about safely using the sauna.

If any of the below apply to you (please note, this is not a comprehensive list) we advise you to seek your GP’s advice: -

If you're pregnant

If you've had a heart attack or stroke

If you're taking any medications

If you have cardiovascular conditions and/or problems

You have epilepsy

You have asthma or breathing conditions

High or low blood pressure

If you have arterial disease

If you have joint or muscle injury