Löyly Life

Löyly means the steam that rises from the sauna stove. In Finnish folklore, it also refers to the soul of the body. A steamy vessel of escapism and a place to reconnect your mind and body, sauna has the ability to improve sleep quality, exercise performance and muscle recovery. Photographer George Cory, has documented the emerging British sauna movement in his new book Löyly Life, which features The Saltwater Sauna in Sandbanks.

Arlene, an artist, surfer, and yogi, is a passionate sauna-enthusiast and the driving force behind The Saltwater Sauna. Born and raised in Finland, where the ratio of saunas to people is 3.2M to 5.5M, Arlene's love for saunas crossed the ocean and led her to Dorset.

For Arlene, sauna life in Finland is simple, as it is the cornerstone of their weekly routines, bringing people together. Stepping into the sauna creates a blissful state of peacefulness and calm, leaving one feeling revitalized. Arlene considers saunas to be magical and aims to provide people with the opportunity to experience authentic sauna culture and enjoy the beautiful coastline all year round.

As she says, "There's simply nothing better than a stormy day and a cozy sauna, fire rippling in the background and rain patter on the rooftop."