New Sauna, New Deck, Same Yoke Hill Calm

There are some moments at Yoke Hill where you can see the next chapter taking shape right in front of you. This is one of them.

Our brand new sauna has arrived, and she is a beauty.

Set beside the water, looking out across the lake, the new sauna is already starting to feel like it belongs here. The new decking, the new steps are now in the water, and the whole area is coming together exactly as we hoped: natural, calm, simple and connected to the landscape around it.

This has not just appeared overnight. It has taken planning, graft, careful hands and a lot of “how are we going to make this work?” moments.

a very special mention for Steve our builder, engineer, café support, lifeguard, general fixer and problem-solver of almost everything. We are not entirely sure what he cannot do.

Thank you goes to Royal Tubs for supplying this beautiful sauna. It is exactly the kind of addition we imagined for Yoke Hill: warm, welcoming, well-made and perfectly suited to its lakeside setting.

A Proper Finnish Sauna Experience

This is a traditional Finnish-style sauna, designed to create a dry heat experience. Finnish saunas typically sit somewhere around 70°C to 100°C, although the exact feel can vary depending on the temperature, humidity, how long the sauna has been heating, and how each person experiences heat.

The beauty of this type of sauna is its simplicity. You sit, you warm through, you slow down. There is no rush to it.

For many people, sauna bathing is valued because it helps create a sense of deep relaxation. The heat encourages the body to warm gradually, muscles can begin to soften, and the mind often settles as the pace of the day drops away. Used sensibly, it can be a powerful part of a restorative routine.

At Yoke Hill, the setting makes that experience even more special. You are not stepping out into a tiled corridor or a busy changing room. You are stepping out towards open water, trees, birdsong and sky.

Heat, Water and the Pause Between

One of the things we love about sauna and cold water is the contrast.

The warmth of the sauna.The freshness of the lake.The quiet moment afterwards where everything seems to reset.

Dipping after a sauna can feel invigorating. The cold water brings you back into your body very quickly, sharpening your senses and creating that familiar open-water feeling of clarity and aliveness. For some, it is energising. For others, it is grounding. For many, it becomes less about endurance and more about presence.

The real benefit is not in pushing yourself. It is in learning how your body responds, taking your time, and moving between heat and cold safely and calmly.

A sauna and dip session can support:

• A slower, more intentional way to unwind

• A sense of mental reset after a busy week

• Gentle contrast between heat and cold

• Time outdoors in a calm lakeside setting

• A shared experience with friends, family or your regular swim community

It is not about proving anything. It is about taking a pause, reconnecting with the water, and giving yourself space to breathe.

Built Around the Lake

The new deck has been designed to make the sauna feel connected to the water rather than separate from it. The steps now lead directly into the lake, making the movement between sauna and dip feel simple and natural.

We wanted this space to feel like Yoke Hill: peaceful, practical, a little bit special, but never overdone. Somewhere you can arrive, settle, warm up, dip, sit quietly, chat, or just look out across the lake for a while.

A Few Sensible Notes

Sauna and cold water can feel wonderful, but both need to be approached with care. Please listen to your body, take your time, and avoid staying in either the heat or cold longer than feels right for you.

Cold water and sauna use may not be suitable for everyone, particularly if you have certain heart, blood pressure, circulation, pregnancy-related or medical considerations. Please seek medical advice first if you are unsure.

At Yoke Hill, we want this to be a calm, enjoyable and well-managed experience not a challenge to be endured.

This new sauna is part of our continued work to make Yoke Hill feel even more welcoming, restorative and connected to nature. We cannot wait for you to sit inside, look out across the lake, step down into the water, and experience it for yourself.