When Georgina Herbert first moved from Southwest London to Fareham in 2021, she never imagined that within a few years she would be running one of Gosport’s most unique attractions. A passionate sea swimmer, Georgina has always loved the benefits of cold-water dips – but it was a trip to a seaside spa in Dorset with friends that sparked the idea for Solent Sauna.

“They all said I should set something up locally,” she recalls. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Then, almost like fate, Gosport Borough Council put out a tender for beachfront concessions and one was for a spa. It was like the stars had aligned. I applied, and ten months after that Dorset trip, I was opening Solent Sauna!”

Scandinavian culture – Solent style

Scandinavian-style spa culture is booming in the UK, with national newspapers frequently celebrating its health and social benefits. At Solent Sauna, Georgina combines that ethos with the beauty of the Gosport seafront. Guests step into the wood-fired sauna, then head out for a bracing dip in the sea (or a refreshing freshwater rinse) before returning to the warmth. This hot-cold cycle, known as contrast therapy, boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, improves mood, and helps with muscle recovery.

But for Georgina, the magic of the sauna is about more than physical health. “It brings people together. You can arrive without knowing anyone and leave with new friends. There are no phones or distractions – just conversations. I’ve seen people swap numbers as they leave, which is so humbling.”

More than just a sauna

The sense of community has been powerful. Men’s mental health groups use the sauna as a safe space to reconnect and talk. Families book it out for birthdays and Christmas Eve swims. One group even brought cupcakes decorated with the Solent Sauna logo for a birthday celebration. “It was so touching,” Georgina smiles. “Moments like that remind me why I do this.”

Georgina says she has even created personal connections with locals that are not necessarily customers. “Locals stop by with cups of tea and dog walkers frequently call out greetings towards me. I get a sense that my neighbours see comfort in having me as their regular weekend presence. Even people who can’t use the sauna for health reasons have said how lovely it is to know I’m here. That sense of belonging is really special.”

Building relationships with her customers is one of Georgina’s most rewarding parts of running the sauna, and being part of the community truly means a lot to her. She recalls one particularly touching moment: “A customer arrived wearing sunglasses in my brand colours. I commented on them, and she just took them off and handed them to me, saying, ‘These are meant for you – they’re Solent Sauna glasses!’ It was such a wonderful, thoughtful gesture,” she gushes. 

The social hub of the seafront

Georgina likes to think of the sauna as ‘the new pub’ it’s a place to meet, talk and share experiences. “It has such a social side. We laugh, we joke – one of my favourite stories is of a customer who forgot to take his car keys out of his pocket before a Christmas Eve swim. His family and I still tease him about it!”

Early mornings, hard work, and a whole lot of passion

Outside of the spa, Georgina works for the NHS supporting people with learning disabilities. “I do that Monday to Wednesday, and then I run the sauna over the weekends,” she explains. Her schedule is not for the faint-hearted.

She’s up at 4.45am every day. From Monday to Wednesday, she is up early to hit the gym and walk her dog before heading into her NHS role. Come Friday, the focus shifts back to the beach. “I’m down at the sauna early to get everything ready before my first customers arrive at 7.30am,” she says. “It takes about two hours to heat the space, so I light the fire, clean everything down, and make sure it’s all set up. It’s a full routine, but I love it.”

When to visit

While you might imagine a sauna being most popular in the summer, Georgina explains that its busiest season is actually September to March. “There’s nothing quite like warming up in the sauna after a chilly dip in the Solent,” she gushes. 

When I ask Georgina whether many people brave the sea in winter, she nods enthusiastically. “Oh yes, lots of people do! It’s all down to personal preference. During a 30- or 60-minute session, you can dip in and out of the sea as much as you like, or simply cool off with the fresh water supply outside the sauna. Everyone finds their own rhythm.”

And there are plenty of reasons why people keep coming back. Cold-water swimming has a reputation for boosting circulation, strengthening the immune system, and even lifting your mood. “It gives you such a rush of endorphins,” Georgina explains. “You come out feeling awake, alert and energised – it’s like your whole body has been reset.”

The sauna itself brings its own host of benefits. The heat encourages relaxation, eases aching muscles, improves blood flow and helps the body detox. “People say it really helps with stiffness and joint pain. It’s a chance to let your body unwind and recharge.”

But for Georgina, the benefits go far beyond the physical. “Yes, it’s brilliant for your health, but it also reduces isolation. It’s social – people come down not knowing anyone and leave with friends. That’s just as important as the physical side. It’s about community as much as it is about wellness.”

Sessions are designed to suit different needs:

• Express 30 – A 30-minute session (£8), perfect for a quick reset before work.
• Daytime 60 – A full hour (£15) where you can dip in and out of the sea as much as you like.
• Private group hire – Book the whole sauna for up to six people (£90), ideal for birthdays, special occasions or just quality time with friends.

Proudly part of the community

Georgina explains that the spa welcomes people of all ages 16 plus, and it’s especially popular with older-aged families. “We often see parents coming along with their adult children, particularly around Christmas when families are back together,” she says. “I really get the sense that locals are proud to have this in Gosport. They can’t wait to bring visiting friends and relatives down to experience it for themselves.”

Georgina has also built connections with nearby restaurants and businesses, often recommending her guests continue their day out locally.

“I feel part of the community here,” she says warmly. “So many people have told me this is one of the best things to arrive in Gosport. That means the world.”

Solent Sauna
Gosport Seafront
£8 for 30 minutes | £15 for 1 hour | £90 private group hire
Book online: www.thesolentsauna.co.uk