A community sauna has reopened at Smuggler’s Cove Boatyard near Aberdyfi, offering visitors stunning views of the Dyfi estuary. The sauna, which operates as a non-profit venture run by local residents from Machynlleth, has made its return after a summer stint at the historic Plas Dolguog mansion. The converted horse-box sauna features a plunge pool and aims to provide lower-cost wellness options to the community.
Rob Key, co-director of Sawna Dyfi, expressed enthusiasm about the relocation. “We’re happy to be back on the shores of the Dyfi, now facing westward down towards the sea at Smuggler’s Cove Boatyard,” he stated. “This location might be the perfect spot for enjoying sauna and contrast-bathing; stunning views and tranquil surroundings create a wild sort of place where you can forget the rest of the world for a while.”
The sauna is uniquely positioned within a working boatyard, which also offers various accommodation options, including glamping boat-stays and holiday cottages. Key noted that the new site would allow them to reach a broader audience, enhancing community access to wellness practices.
Sawna Dyfi promotes the health benefits of sauna use and cold-water immersion in an accessible and sociable manner. The facility includes two plunge pools and a shower, all overlooking the Dyfi and providing views of the nearby RSPB Ynyshir and the Ynyslas dunes on the estuary’s southern side.
Users can choose from communal private sauna sessions lasting either 50 or 80 minutes, available under a “pay what you feel” model. This approach allows participants to enjoy the experience for a donation or free of charge, making it inclusive for all. Sessions are currently offered from 11:00 to 19:00 on Fridays through Sundays, with plans to expand to Thursday evenings soon.
For those interested in experiencing this unique wellness opportunity, information and booking details are available through the Sawna Dyfi website. The reopening of the sauna not only revitalizes a community space but also encourages residents and visitors alike to engage in healthy practices while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Aberdyfi.
