Imagine stepping into a coastal sanctuary where ancient traditions meet modern wellness, all while gazing at the breathtaking Jurassic Coast. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is a sauna session just a way to relax, or can it be a transformative, healing experience? Let’s dive into my extraordinary journey at Shoreline Sauna in Dorset, guided by the legendary sauna master, Nick Tettersell, or as his followers know him, Nick T.
Nick T is no ordinary sauna enthusiast. He’s a trailblazer in the world of sauna rituals, recently crowned Best Sauna Practitioner at the British Sauna Society Sauna Summit 2025. This award, voted by the public, celebrates his ability to captivate and inspire bathers with his unique approach. His social media following is a testament to his influence, but experiencing his craft in person is on another level.
I’ve enjoyed saunas paired with chilly sea dips before, but a ‘sauna ritual’ led by a master? That was uncharted territory. When Louise Roberts, the mastermind behind Shoreline Sauna in Lyme Regis, invited me to join one of Nick’s sessions, I couldn’t resist. The two-hour ritual draws from Lithuanian Pirtis traditions, blending hot and cold rounds, breathwork, body scrubs, and the art of whisking—a sensory journey like no other.
And this is the part most people miss: The setting itself is a character in this story. Shoreline Sauna’s barrel-shaped, wood-fired structure sits perched with panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast. A sandy beach beckons for a dash to the sea, while a plunge bath offers a tamer alternative for those less keen on the briny embrace.
Arriving early, I found Nick meticulously preparing the leaf whisks—bundles of elderflowers, fern, oak, and birch, all locally foraged. These aren’t just tools; they’re a bridge to nature, infusing the sauna with the forest’s aroma, a cornerstone of Lithuanian sauna culture.
Nick’s journey to becoming a sauna master is as fascinating as his rituals. Based in Cornwall, he transitioned from tree surgery to holistic wellbeing over a decade ago, initially training as a massage therapist. It was through cold water therapy—sea swimming, ice baths, and showers—that he discovered the sauna’s profound healing potential. Trained by the Lithuanian Bath Academy and later as a Sauna Healer in Finland, Nick seamlessly blends Lithuanian and Finnish traditions, creating an experience that’s both authentic and innovative.
The ritual begins with body scrubs, crafted with seasonal ingredients like lilac from Louise’s garden and Portland salt, or an energizing coffee scrub. Nick also promised Finnish ‘sauna songs,’ which, to my surprise, became a highlight of the evening. The session was fully booked, with six of us—a mix of newcomers and regulars—donning swimwear and felt sauna hats to regulate body temperature.
Nick entered the sauna with a towelling sarong, hat, and whisks in hand, exuding warmth and expertise. He explained the ritual’s four elements: fire, water, earth, and air. His role, he said, was to ‘virtually hold’ the group, guiding us through meditation, whisking, scrubs, and more. The first phase focused on releasing what no longer serves us—‘sweating the shame,’ as he poetically put it. As the temperature rose, Nick introduced the Finnish concept of Löyly—the steam created by water on hot stones—known for its relaxation, circulation, and detoxification benefits. With elderflower whisks, he filled the air with a honeyed scent, his gentle voice anchoring the experience.
Then came the sea dip—bracing in early June but exhilarating. Back in the sauna, we used birch, fern, and oak whisks, and Nick personally whisked each of us, leaving us glowing. The sauna songs were infectious, uniting us in laughter and camaraderie. Orange segments were passed around, and Nick encouraged us to rub the citrus peels on our skin, filling the air with a zesty aroma.
Here’s the bold part: As the session progressed, inhibitions melted away. One participant joyfully plunged into the ice-cold bath while we whisked around them. The final scrub, a blend of sugar and coffee grounds, transformed the sauna into a steamy coffee shop. After a final sea dip and freshwater rinse, we reflected over a herbal infusion Nick had prepared. I left feeling not just relaxed, but rejuvenated—positively glowing. That night, I slept like a baby.
Nick’s intuitive guidance and passion for sauna’s benefits are undeniable. It’s no wonder he’s garnered such a devoted following, myself included. This wasn’t just a sauna session; it was a beautifully healing experience.
Now, I ask you: Have you ever experienced a sauna ritual like this? Do you believe it’s more than just relaxation, or is it a deeper form of healing? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
Ready to try it for yourself? Shoreline Sauna in Lyme Regis is open Thursday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 9 pm, plus bank holidays, full moons, and special events. With a capacity of six, prices range from £15 for a communal seat to £120 for private hire. Follow Nick on Instagram and Facebook @NickTTherapies to stay inspired. Let’s book it!
