Hot and cold therapy fans in Gloucestershire have a new destination to add to their wellness hit list, as a secret little oasis has just opened in Churchdown.
SoGlos was first to take a look at the new The Corner Retreat Churchdown.
Exclusive private sauna sessions
Whether you want to enjoy some alone time, or invite someone to join you, The Corner Retreat Churchdown offers exclusive hour-long sessions where guests can relax in its authentic outdoor barrel sauna.
Thanks to its compact size, the sauna heats up quickly, while the glass door lets natural light flood in and illuminate the interior. It features an electric heater, which can be set to your desired temperate in advance of your arrival, and easily adjusted during your session.
A sauna bucket and ladel is provided to add water and create a more steamy experience, with the option to add a few drops of essential oils, too.
Temperature-controlled cold plunge pod
Complementing the sauna experience, The Corner Retreat Churchdown also features a LUMI Recovery Pod Pro ice barrel, which is temperature controlled by the adjoining chiller, to take your cold therapy experience to the next level and ensure the water remains crystal clear.
The ice barrel can also be set to your desired temperature in advance on request – just keep in mind the variable British temperatures can make fine tuning the temperatures a bit of a challenge!
Complimentary herbal tea and relaxation area
Completing the experience at The Corner Retreat Churchdown is a range of complimentary herbal teas and naturally flavoured water to help you stay hydrated post-plunge, which can be enjoyed at guest's leisure in the comfy, partly-covered outdoor seating area.
There's also an outdoor rain shower available to use before, during or after your sauna and cold plunge experience.
While you'll be greeted on arrival by your host, the whole area is exclusively yours to enjoy for the duration of you session, making for a particularly special experience.
Meet The Corner Retreat Churchdown's passionate founder
The Corner Retreat Churchdown is the brainchild of local sauna, cold dip, outdoor swimming, stand up paddleboarding and all-round wellness enthusiast, Katy McGoldrick, who designed the setup in her own garden after becoming a regular at saunas in and around Gloucestershire.
Explaining how the idea came about, Katy said: 'Over the years I've become more and more hooked on the incredible benefits which sauna and cold plunge offer. At first I'd only manage a minute or two in the sauna and a quick dip in the cold plunge, but over the years – and with the support of an incredible community in the area – I came to enjoy longer sessions in each and have really felt the benefits for both mental and physical wellbeing.
'I became such a regular at local saunas that I decided it was time to create my own setup in my back garden. With the support of my partner Barry – and convincing him to give up an area – we created a little oasis right here in Churchdown.
'It wasn't long before I decided I had to share it with the wellness community, including regular sauna-goers and anyone who hadn't ever tried it before, and so The Corner Retreat Churchdown was born!'
How to book
The Corner Retreat Churchdown is currently offering an introductory price of £15 for one person or £25 for two people, including exclusive use for an hour.
Guests are advised to arrive ready for their session as there are no changing facilities.
For more information, and to book, visit facebook.com/thecornerretreatchurchdown, email katy.mcgoldrick@hotmail.co.uk or WhatsApp 07891707420.
