On a sunny afternoon in the middle of a June heatwave, we headed over to Tan and Dowr in St Ives, after receiving an invitation from the owner and St Ives local, Jimmy Stevens. Inspired by the Cornish landscape, the name Tan and Dowr combines the Cornish words for heat and water, which are both at the heart of this sauna and cold plunge experience. 

Opening the doors in the summer of 2025, Jimmy designed and built the mobile sauna and cold plunge to share the benefits of heat and water therapy with others. As a former professional rugby player, recovery was a vital part of Jimmy's routine, and he learned the best ways to support recovery, including hot and cold therapy. He's put this knowledge, alongside his carpentry skills, into practice, creating Tan and Dowr, which we were lucky to experience ourselves.

Set in a truly peaceful spot above Porthmeor Beach, Tan and Dowr is tucked away at the top of a field by Ayr Holiday Park. With stunning panoramic views over the beach, St Ives town and beyond, the site also features ample free parking, a rare and much coveted asset for the busy coastal town! After parking up right outside the mobile unit, we were greeted by Jimmy, who handed us cold bottles of water, gave us a brief introduction to the site, and showed us where we could get changed.  

Popping on our traditional, stylish sauna hats, we stepped inside the sauna and were quickly enveloped by the heat emanating from the glowing coals. Laying out our towels, we sat on the benches overlooking the ocean and set the timer for 10 minutes. After letting the warmth relax our muscles and the view soothe our minds, we headed over to the cold plunge...

After a quick rinse under the cold shower, we each took turns plunging into the tub of freezing water before bravely dunking our heads under and embracing the dramatic temperature contrasts. Switching between the sauna and cold plunge for several cycles, we felt the beneficial effects of the temperature contrast as our bodies relaxed. Following the final cycle, we took some time to rest on the deck chairs and gaze at the stunning views of St Ives Bay, before reluctantly getting ready to go.  

With a renewed sense of energy, we left with clear minds, soothed muscles and the rare sense of having completely switched off and reconnected with our bodies and nature.   

We highly recommend booking a session at Tan and Dowr, where you can book 30 minutes, 60 minutes, or private group sessions. The experience is open every evening during the week, as well as between 10am-1pm on Mondays, Fridays and the weekend!  

Find out more or book at: Tan And Dowr | Sauna & Cold Plunge

Tags: Health and wellbeing