Last month, while based in St Andrews, I escaped to Elie Seaside Sauna, a coastal sanctuary in the East Neuk of Fife that’s all about unplugging from the digital grind. Perched on the dunes at Elie Harbour, it’s angled to catch the setting sun, with a full wall of heat-tempered glass spilling views over the marram grass, across Woodhaven Bay, to Elie Beach and the cliffs beyond. I’d been chatting on Instagram with the amazing founder, Judith, dreaming of this “seaside sauna in Fife.” She wasn’t there that day, but a delightful assistant welcomed me with a warm smile. It promised a hot/cold therapy reset—and, rest assured, it delivered more than I bargained for. Here’s my Elie Seaside Sauna review.
Background: The Rise of Elie Seaside Sauna and Judith’s Journey
Elie Seaside Sauna isn’t just a sweaty shack—it’s a passion project born from water and wellness. Before Judith launched it, she was a yoga teacher and a swimmer with salt in her veins.
She’s swum Elie’s waves her whole life, plus oceans, rivers, and outdoor pools worldwide—think wild dips in Iceland or laps under open skies. That aquatic soul, fused with her yoga calm, birthed this retreat. “Dune” kicked it off in June 2022, sparking the Scottish Sauna Movement. “Shore” followed in early 2024, rumbling in on a 4.5-ton HIAB truck.
They’re cedar-clad sanctuaries dodging the modern buzz. I didn’t meet Judith on my my
initial visit, but on a later trip, I did—and she’s a wonder. Her gentle calmness washed over me instantly, putting me at ease as we stood outside her new sauna at St Andrews. She chatted freely with clients visiting, her wonderful presence a magnet, and introduced me to a few—I had some lovely chats with them after, feeling like I’d joined a little coastal tribe. More insights from her aquatic tales to come!
overlooking the Fife coast
Getting to Elie Seaside Sauna
It’s a breezy 20-minute drive from St Andrews to Elie Harbour (Leven KY9 1EG) I booked a Sunday 2pm slot via their site (elieseasidesauna.com), hyped from Judith’s Instagram footage I’d seen. The day was textbook Scottish summer—wind whipping, sun bursts. skies brooding, my camera itching for action. I’m always excited to be anywhere close to any sort of sea, and I live for trying new things. This ticked both boxes: a wild coast and a fresh adventure.
The Hot/Cold Experience at Elie Seaside Sauna
The assistant laid out the options: “Dune” or “Shore.” Dune, the OG since 2022, looms over Elie Harbour Beach—a horse trailer reborn with floor-to-ceiling glass chasing the sunset. Its blonde Aspen lining is supposed to smell sweet and woody at 80°C, maybe like caramel or a warm forest hug, but honestly, I can’t remember what hit my nose—I’m getting so old, my brain’s turning to mush! Winter’s stove-and-starlight glow or summer’s endless evenings, it’s a sensory hug either way.
Shore, the 2024 rookie, sits shoreline-level near Nosebag, behind a low dune with moody views of Largo Law. Dark thermal-Alder gives it a gentler, cozier heat, its picture window framing kite surfers shredding the wind.
I picked Dune, and soon I was toasting, wind muted, lost in that wild Scottish sea view. The air felt warm, and the heat hit perfectly. As a sea worshipper, I’d take this raw beauty over Maldives turquoise every time. Then came the “hot cold therapy Scotland” plunge—a one-minute waddle through sandy dunes to the North Sea. I’m a creaky, old Englishman, so this was comedy gold. Lifeguards smiled warmly at my stumble—no shade, ladies! Knee-deep was my max—the initial icy jolt, fading to a buzz. “Next time,” I huffed, waddling back as locals swam unfazed.
Back in Dune, I cocooned back into the warmth, quickly feeling snug again.
Exploring the Surroundings
Post-plunge, I hit Elie Beach, a minute away. Windy skies and waves roared—my camera feasted. The dunes cradled that wild sea, and I walked off back for a short tour of the area before heading back, knowing that I’d be back to explore this coastal gem.
Why Elie Seaside Sauna Is Worth the Trip
This isn’t just a sauna—it’s a soul-stirring jaunt worth every minute:
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Unique Wellness Benefits: Hot/cold therapy pumps circulation, boosts immunity, and eases tension—my creaky knees thanked it.
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Stunning Location: Scotland’s rare sauna-with-a-view—Dune’s perch or Shore’s shore mood.
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A True Escape: Solo or social, it’s a recharge. Social for community and solo for those perfect along moments
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Local charm: Elie’s beaches, cafés, and the lighthouse are gold.
This wild coast trumps tropical calm for me—pure Fife magic.
Booking and Tips for Your Visit
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Best Time to Go: Off-peak mornings for calm—my 2pm was swimmer central!
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What to Bring: Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, water. I botched it and raided a café.
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Photography: Snap Dune or Shore, but mind privacy—my dune shots are moody keepers.
Final Thoughts
My visit to Elie Seaside Sauna left me refreshed and revitalised. Judith’s vision, her team’s warmth, and that rugged sea were unbeatable. If you haven’t tried it now is the time!
