Sunrise Sauna Sessions at Platt Fields Market Garden
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Hive is a wood burning sauna that can fit up to 8 – 10 people. It was first created by a group of designers, craftspeople and volunteers in a studio in Moss Side during the lockdowns. What makes it unique is the sauna’s total portability. This winter however you can find HIVE at Platt Fields Market garden where they are offering temperature based immersive experiences in their Sunrise Sauna Sessions.
Their morning sauna sessions begin with 45 minutes of vinyasa yoga, all mats are provided and the flow is designed to be accessible to all levels of mover. It’s supposed to be a gentle and relaxing way to become more present in your body rather than a full blown workout.
After the yoga session you will make your way towards the hot and cold experience. Once you’ve taken a refreshing cold shower mist you’ll enter the HIVE for a first round of heat. Saunas work by increasing your heart rate, opening your blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the skin. Another benefit is that they activate your sympathetic nervous systems as your body temperature regulates itself. The overall effect is one of deep relaxation, letting the changes in your body calm and soothe your mind.
After your body has been immersed in heat you’ll move towards the shower mist again before plunging into an icy bath. If the sauna didn’t have you feeling present in your body, this certainly will.
Once you’re dry, warm and feeling ultimately relaxed, you can tuck into a fully organic breakfast from Platt Fields Market Garden Cafe. Using produce grown on site, it’s the perfect way to refuel your body after you’ve put it through some extreme temperatures.
For the sunrise sauna session you’re asked to bring with you a towel, water bottle and footwear, there is also a sheltered changing space on site.
Although a garden isn’t the first place some people would think of when looking for spa experiences, there’s something about being that free and connected in nature that could be healing in itself.
