Kent’s biggest seaside sauna could soon be set up at popular Folkestone harbour.
Bosses behind the tourist hotspot have joined forces with the team behind Sea Scrub Sauna – run by cousins Luke and Robin Bartlett – for the latest venture.
If plans are approved, a Scandinavian-themed mix of hot sauna sessions and chilly dips could soon be added at the harbour arm’s growing list of attractions.
The beloved destination is already home to an outdoor cinema, food vendors, a market, restaurants and mini golf.
If its gets the green light, Sea Scrub Sauna will be set up next to the harbour arm, in front of the boardwalk and about 120m from its crazy golf course.
The company already has experiences at Margate main sands, Whitstable harbour and Faversham’s Macknade, and promises “inclusive, high-quality sauna experiences in stunning coastal locations around Kent and beyond”.
Earlier this month, kmfm’s Rob and Numi met the team behind Sea Scrub to get a taste of what’s on offer – from guided sauna sessions to cold water coaching events.
Bosses at Folkestone Harbour and Seafront Development Company (FHSDC) – which runs the harbour arm – now say they plan to submit a planning application for the experience, which would become Kent’s largest beachside sauna.
Sea Scrub Sauna co-founder Robin, 43, said: “We’re thrilled to share our plans to bring Sea Scrub Sauna to the beach near Folkestone harbour.
“Partnering with Folkestone harbour gives us a unique opportunity to create something really special – drawing on everything we’ve learned over the past three years to build a richer, more expansive experience.”
The new development would be entirely custom built, set right into the shingle, and will feature a large sauna space, wellness cafe, cold plunge, hot tub, and direct access to the Channel.
FHDSC’s general manager, Paulo Kingston-Correia, added: “We’ve been impressed by Sea Scrub Sauna’s spaces in both Margate and Whitstable for some time.
“We are delighted to be collaborating closely with the team to develop an expansive offering that not only brings a whole new dynamic to the range of experiences at Folkestone Harbour, but allows the Sea Scrub Sauna team to be ambitious with their plans to bring wellness to our site”.
A similar attraction, Steam Punk Sauna, left in June 2023 after a seven-month stint at the Arm.
