An Unforgettable Sauna Adventure in Dorset
Embark on a journey to the enchanting Shoreline Sauna, nestled along the breathtaking Jurassic Coast in Lyme Regis. Here, you'll encounter the renowned sauna master, Nick Tettersell, or as he's affectionately known, Nick T. With a dedicated following on social media and a recent triumph at the British Sauna Society Sauna Summit 2025, Nick has earned the title of Best Sauna Practitioner. His expertise lies in the Lithuanian Pirtis techniques, a captivating fusion of hot and cold rounds, breathwork, body scrubs, and whisks.
As I stepped into the sauna, I was greeted by the mesmerizing barrel-shaped wood-fired sauna, offering panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast. The experience was further enhanced by the nearby sandy beach, inviting us to plunge into the refreshing briny waters. For those who prefer a more controlled environment, a plunge bath was conveniently located nearby.
Nick, a former tree surgeon from Cornwall, discovered saunas through sea swimming, ice baths, and cold showers. His journey led him to become a certified sauna master, trained by the Lithuanian Bath Academy and later through Sauna Healer training in Finland. With a rich background in both Lithuanian and Finnish sauna cultures, Nick brings a wealth of knowledge to his sessions.
The ritual commenced with body scrubs, crafted with local ingredients. Nick prepared a lilac and Portland salt scrub, along with an invigorating coffee scrub made from coffee grounds. The whisks, varying with the seasons, added a touch of nature's essence to the sauna. Nick's promise of Finnish 'sauna songs' added a playful element to the experience.
The sauna ritual attracted a diverse group, with six participants of various backgrounds. We donned swimwear and pixie-style sauna hats, designed to regulate body temperature. Nick's welcoming presence filled the room as he explained the four-part session, guided by the elements: fire, water, earth, and air.
The first part focused on sweating out our inhibitions, a process Nick humorously referred to as 'sweating the shame.' The sauna's temperature gradually increased, but we never felt overheated. We 'felt our way into the Löyly,' a Finnish term for the steam that rises after water is poured onto the hot stones. This process offered numerous health benefits, including relaxation, improved circulation, and detoxification.
As we sweated, Nick moved the air with elderflower whisks, filling the sauna with their sweet fragrance. He then guided us towards the sea, a refreshing contrast to the sauna's heat. The first body scrub followed, and later, we incorporated whisks made from birch, fern, and oak. Nick's gentle voice and expert whisking skills created a serene atmosphere.
A platter of orange segments was passed around, and after extracting the juice, Nick encouraged us to rub the citrus peel on our bodies, filling the air with a zesty aroma. As the session progressed, inhibitions faded, and one participant joyfully immersed themselves in the ice-cold bath while we whisked around them.
The final scrub, made with sugar and coffee grounds, transformed the sauna into a cozy coffee shop. After a refreshing dip in the sea and a rinse in fresh water, we reflected on the experience. Nick's herbal infusion, specially crafted for the session, helped us rehydrate and unwind.
I emerged from the sauna feeling rejuvenated and glowing, with a newfound sense of relaxation. Nick's intuitive guidance and passion for sauna's healing benefits have earned him a dedicated fan base, and I was thrilled to join their ranks. This experience was truly a beautiful and transformative journey.
Shoreline Sauna in Lyme Regis is open Thursday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 9 pm, accommodating bank holidays, full moons, and special events. With a capacity for six people, the communal seat costs £15, a package of 5 sessions is £45, 10 sessions are £85, private hire for 1 hour is £60, and 2 hours is £120. For more information, follow Nick on Instagram @nickttherapies and Facebook @NickTTherapies.
