If you have been to Seatown recently you may have seen a new little wooden hut on the seafront and you would be right to not just walk on by.

The west Dorset coast is lucky enough to welcome the amazing travelling Seaside Sauna Haus, the brilliant idea of Bridport resident Sarah Higgins.

"I dreamt up a sauna for our beaches in 2019," she said. "As a keen sea swimmer, I enjoy the benefits that sea swimming in whatever season brings me. It energies me and makes me feel alive when sometimes I may be feeling sluggish and lethargic and it helps me to gain perspective when life feels a bit overwhelming – the sea is ever-changing and constant.

"Seaside Sauna Haus was my idea to create a hub on Seatown beach for people to focus on their own wellbeing and health, whatever the weather. It will come into its own in winter too, keeping us connected to our landscape and reaping the health benefits of time in nature."

I was lucky enough to try it out for myself.

The wooden sauna has a small changing and seating area before you go into the sauna itself where there are two benches to make the most of the hot temperatures.

Once inside the snug woodfired sauna area you could look out on Seatown's beautiful beach as you relax, but I am told it is also great when the weather is bad, warming up inside and watching the rain and grey clouds.

For those a bit braver, a dip in the sea between rounds in the sauna is a brilliant idea, but a bucket of sea water does just as well, and although cold and bracing, it is surprisingly so relaxing.

After the final round in the sauna and a final bucket of water, I took a seat to stop and take time to soak in my surroundings. Being on the Jurassic Coast, listening to the waves and people enjoying the beach, there was nowhere else I would rather be to let all the stress wash away. It's also a great excuse to grab a drink or bite to eat at the popular Anchor Inn after.

An incredible addition to the unspoilt coastline at Seatown, I urge you to give it a try – I can't wait to go back when its colder and (hopefully) try a dip in the sea.

It's a great experience for both mental and physical wellbeing that you can do alone or with family or friends. People are already hooked with the sauna getting a number of repeat customers making it a regular activity, so be quick to book a slot. It is £30 for 30 minutes and £60 for an hour on Fridays and the occasional weekend days at people's request.

Seaside Sauna Haus launched in August on Seatown beach and has proved incredibly popular.

Through a Crowdfunder campaign, Sarah raised awareness and funds - more than £9,000 - for the sauna back in February 2020 and with many supporters financing it, along with a hefty chunk of money from Nat West Back Her Business campaign, by early March she had enough money to order the sauna.

Sarah added: "It arrived in lockdown mid-April to my driveway, right as the pandemic was at its highest level. I wasn't able to launch it straight away due to government restrictions and my model of operation had to swiftly adapt from individual bookings to exclusive private hire of the whole sauna for household groups, in line with coronavirus policy."

New guidance released by government now allows the sauna to be booked by three friends from different households.

Sarah added: "I'm delighted as, although on a smaller scale, this has allowed people to meet in a wholesome space as the sauna was intended – recharge, reflection and connection.

"A quick dip in the sea between rounds or a cold bucket plunge really adds to the experience and enhances its effectiveness. What I aim to create is an authentic sauna experience where sauna users can reap the benefits both physically and mentally."

To find out more – and most importantly for details on how to book – search for Seaside Sauna Haus on Facebook. You won't regret it.