A new woodfired sauna and ice bathing wild spa is set to open in Christchurch next weekend.

The facilities, which are opening at Elkins Boatyard, are part of Bestival co-founders Rob and Josie da Banks’ expanding wellness brand, Slomo.

The contrast therapy hub is home to a Slomo Temple Sauna that can seat and heat up to ten people, a Slomo Box Sauna accommodating up to eight, as well as three ice baths (one communal) with parasol shaded seating and lounging areas.

Designed and curated by Josie, who is Creative Director of Camp Bestival, the Nordic spa inspired space is situated between a meander of the rivers Avon and Stour, with views across the water that can also be enjoyed whilst ‘sweat bathing’, through the saunas’ panoramic mirrored windows which aim to bridge the gap between inside and out.

DJ and wellness guru co-founder, Rob da Bank, commented: “We are thrilled to open Slomo Christchurch at such a beautiful spot with our goal of making hot and cold contrast therapy accessible to all. Step into the soothing heat and let the sauna cleanse your body and calm your mind, with the ice baths giving you the headspace to conquer the day.

“Our Slomo wellness wild spas are designed to help people relax, rejuvenate, recharge and reconnect. Slomo is about stepping back and slowing down, disconnecting from digital to allow connection with a community of like-minded people in real life instead.”

Contrast therapy is said to offer numerous health benefits, including relaxation, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, enhancing immune and neurological functions, reduced joint pain and boosted mood.

Slomo (formerly known as Slow Motion), was set-up by the da Banks, looking to offer wellness solutions that counter the stresses of 21st-century living.

Through sauna and ice bath sites across the UK, including pop-ups at festivals and wellness retreats in Portugal, yoga, meditation and sleep workshops, Slomo is set around an ethos of stepping back and slowing down, even if it is just for a moment.

Slomo Christchurch is open Saturdays and Sundays, between 9am to 6pm, for six weeks from 20 July (not including August Bank Holiday weekend).

Prices start from £15 an hour per person. Also available for private group sessions as well as corporate bookings for a half or full day.  Pre-book at www.slomo.me. Free parking is available, as well as free mooring for those coming by boat.

Slomo is supported by the British Sauna Society, a not-for-profit organisation whose aim is to promote and develop sauna culture for physical, mental and social health and wellbeing.

For more information on Slomo, visit www.slomo.me.