Elements Contrast

Absolutely. Many of our guests arrive having never tried a cold plunge or contrast therapy before. You are always free to take things slowly and there is no pressure to use every facility. You might begin with the sauna, try the 15°C plunge briefly and then rest before deciding whether you would like to continue. Contrast therapy is a personal experience, so listen to your body and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

There is no compulsory routine, but a simple contrast cycle usually begins with a period of heat in either our traditional or infrared sauna. You can then cool down using one of our cold plunge pools or Nordic bucket showers before pausing to rest and allowing your body to settle. When you feel ready, you can return to the sauna and repeat the cycle. The experience is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

No. You remain completely in control of your experience. You can try a brief immersion, choose our gentler 15°C plunge, use a Nordic bucket shower instead or simply enjoy the sauna, magnesium spa and relaxation areas. Confidence with cold-water immersion often develops gradually, so there is no pressure to push yourself beyond what feels comfortable.

Our 1-hour public Contrast session at £25 per person is a great introduction for most first-time guests and gives you time to experience the different heat, cold and relaxation facilities. If you would prefer to take things more slowly, repeat several contrast cycles and spend longer relaxing between rounds, our 2-hour session at £40 per person gives you more time.

Yes. Public Contrast sessions are calm, communal experiences shared with a maximum of 10 guests. Keeping our sessions small helps maintain a relaxed atmosphere and gives guests space to move between the different facilities. If you would prefer exclusive use of Elements Contrast, private sessions are also available.

Absolutely. Many of our guests visit alone for relaxation, recovery or simply some uninterrupted time away from everyday life. Public sessions are welcoming and relaxed whether you visit independently, as a couple or with friends.

Please bring:

• Swimwear
• ⁠Two towels – one to use during your Contrast session and one for showering afterwards
• A refillable water bottle
• ⁠Comfortable clothing to change into afterwards
• Suitable outdoor footwear, such as sliders or flip-flops

Please do not bring glass bottles or glass containers into the Contrast area.

Yes. Dedicated changing and shower facilities are available for Elements Contrast guests. We recommend arriving around 10 minutes before your booked session so you have time to change and be ready for the start of your experience.

A light meal beforehand may be more comfortable than attending immediately after a large meal or when you are very hungry. Make sure you are well hydrated before your session and continue drinking water afterwards. Alcohol should not be consumed before using the sauna or cold plunge facilities.

Yes. Experiencing the changing seasons is part of what makes Elements Contrast special. Sessions normally continue during rain and colder weather, allowing you to experience the contrast between the elements and the surrounding Somerset landscape. In exceptional weather conditions, we may amend or cancel sessions where conditions could affect guest safety.

Many people incorporate sauna and cold-water immersion into their wellbeing or recovery routine to support relaxation, post-exercise recovery, sleep and general wellbeing. Others simply enjoy the feeling of switching off, spending time outdoors and focusing on the immediate sensations of heat, cold and rest. Everyone experiences contrast therapy differently. Elements Contrast is a wellness experience and should not be considered a medical treatment.

There is no single frequency that is right for everyone. Some guests visit occasionally as a way to reset and relax, while others incorporate sauna and cold plunge sessions into their regular weekly wellbeing or exercise-recovery routine. If you are new to contrast therapy, begin gradually, listen to your body and allow yourself time to become accustomed to changes in temperature.

Contrast therapy can be enjoyed by many people, but the combination of significant heat and cold may not be suitable for everyone. We recommend seeking advice from your GP or healthcare professional before using Elements Contrast if you are pregnant, have a heart or circulatory condition, high or low blood pressure, a respiratory condition, epilepsy or another medical condition that may be affected by significant changes in temperature. You should also seek medical advice if you take medication that could affect your circulation, blood pressure, heart rate or ability to regulate body temperature. Please do not use the sauna or cold plunge facilities if you are feeling unwell, dehydrated or under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. If at any point during your session you feel dizzy, faint, unusually short of breath, experience chest pain or otherwise feel unwell, leave the heat or cold immediately and seek assistance. If you are unsure whether contrast therapy is appropriate for you, please speak to your GP or healthcare professional before booking.

No. Contrast therapy is not a challenge and there is no requirement to stay in either the sauna or cold plunge for a particular length of time. Listen to your body throughout your session and leave any element whenever you feel you have had enough. Rest and hydration are an important part of the experience too.