A husband and wife team from Banbridge are encouraging couples to relax and reconnect this Valentine’s weekend with a host of special sauna sessions available for the wellness-conscious couples.
The Hot Rocks Sauna, opened in May 2024 by Andrea – an Armagh native – and husband Jacek Ramus – originally from Poland- in Gawley’s Gate, Armagh.
After a trip back to Jacek’s hometown and indulging in the traditional sauna rituals Poland had to offer, the concept of bringing a rustic sauna experience to the shore of Lough Neagh was created.
The Finnish-style, wood-burning sauna was hand-built by Jacek using local, raw materials embodying the ‘rustic’ style often found in traditional Finish saunas.
This Valentine’s weekend, The Hot Rocks Sauna want couples to “disconnect to reconnect” with their special ‘Steak and Sauna’ package available Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15.
Four ‘Steak and Sauna’ sessions are available over Valentine’s weekend: Friday, 5-6pm and 6-7pm and Saturday, 4-5pm and 5-6pm.
Each session lasts one hour and couples are free to come and go between the sauna and plunge pool whenever they would like. Each session is a mixed communal session, limited to 3 couples at a time.
Relax in the sauna and get cozy in the forest bathing area where you will find a roaring firepit and blankets before refueling with a steak for two with all the trimmings and a bottle of house wine at The Gate Inn Bar and Restaurant – located less than 100 metres away!
This session also includes the use of sauna hats, cold plunge dip and essential oils.
Due to health and safety issues surrounding alcohol, the sauna session must be competed first with your restaurant reservation thereafter.
Click here to book the ‘Steak and Sauna’ package
On a more recent trip back to Poland, Jacek qualified as a Sauna Master after completing an intense course led by sauna masters.
Guests will be given a health and safety briefing and an overview of what to expect before embarking on a 3 hour sauna ritual led by skilled sauna master, Jacek.
Offering you a deeper and more harmonious connection with nature. Through traditional bathing techniques, you’ll be enveloped in the purest elements of nature, with infused ice balls, steam aromatherapy, and the soothing sounds of the Lough all around you.
Experience a revitalizing journey with salt inhalations, natural body scrubs, and thermal leaf whisking to gently exfoliate and relax your skin. Between each step, take a moment to enjoy the contrast therapy of the cold plunge while enjoying some light refreshments and the grounding serenity of forest bathing.
This transformative experience is priced at £40pp and limited to just 6 guests for a truly personal and serene escape.
Click here to book the next Sauna Ritual Experience on Sunday, February 16 at The Hot Rocks Sauna
Testimony to the tranquil settings and refreshing experiences provided, The Hot Rocks Sauna is being recognised in two up and coming books both due for publication in early spring: ‘Wild Sauna’ by author Emma O’Kelly and ‘Sweat House’ by author Roseanna Cooney.
Recently, the pair introduced a new 2 hour ‘Saturday slow sauna’ session after feedback from recurring sauna users who where interested in longer sessions. The slow session is specifically designed for people who would like to unwind and relax in the sauna for longer.
The Hot Rocks Sauna also offer: communal, women’s only, textile free and private sauna sessions which are available every other weekend.
All sessions include the use of sauna hats, cold plunge and essential oils.
Click here to view all sessions available at The Hot Rocks Sauna
Click here to follow The Hot Rocks Sauna on Instagram
