Amberwave : SWG3, Glasgow
Amberwave wild sauna is a unique urban sauna experience tucked away in the garden at SWG3, offering a little hidden oasis in the heart of Glasgow. Surrounded by the energy of the city, it feels like stepping into another world, a peaceful retreat where you can slow down, switch off and take some time for yourself. The contrast between Glasgow's lively streets and the calm of the garden creates a distinctive atmosphere, bringing together the best of city life and the restorative benefits of sauna bathing.
Our Wild Sauna Visit
We visited Amberwave Wild Sauna for a New Moon sauna ritual hosted by Sara Gordon, and weren't quite sure what to expect from this collaboration. We visited on a drizzly Friday evening in early October. During the session, the light gradually faded, transforming the atmosphere. What unfolded was a beautiful, immersive experience that brought together the heat of the sauna with storytelling, Aufguss, meditation, reflection and music.
There was something deeply grounding and almost ancient about being in the sauna as night fell. It was an opportunity to slow down, reflect and experience sauna in a more mindful and meaningful way.
Sauna interior Sauna stove Sauna exterior from one of the baths Sauna hats Cold plunge baths Fire pit and bench seating Cold showers Timers for when you are in the baths Seating/Shower area Changing rooms Water and tea available Storage boxes for your items
Guide to Facilities
Parking & Directions
There is plenty of on street parking around the area, although charges do apply depending on what time you are visiting. We arrived while an event was on at SWG3 and still had no problem finding a space nearby. It's about a 20 minute walk from Kelvinhall Underground station or 15 minutes from either Partick or Exhibition Centre train stations. The sauna hosts will meet you outside the SWG3 Venue and walk you through the garden to the sauna space.
Changing
There are three changing cubicles available within the sauna area with some hooks on the outside of these to hang items. Large storage boxes are provided to keep belongings in. Toilets are available within SWG3 but it is advised to use them before going to the sauna, as you have to be fully dressed to be able to access them and they are a bit of a walk from the sauna area.
Host
We were greeted warmly by our host, who was knowledgeable and approachable. She took the time to explain the space and facilities including how using the sauna hats can help regulate body temperature.
Although our event was led by a separate facilitator, our host remained involved behind the scenes, making sure everything ran smoothly. She kept the stove well stocked with wood and treated us to several taster Aufguss sessions, using ice on the hot stones to create beautifully scented löyly, fragrant waves of steam added another sensory layer to the sauna experience. We felt well looked after throughout.
The Hot Bit
This wild sauna is uniquely designed, with two banks of tiered seating facing each other. Three-levels of benches offer plenty of choice when it comes to finding your perfect spot. Whether you prefer a lower bench for a gentler heat or a higher seat to experience the warmth more intensely, there is space to settle in comfortably. The centrally positioned stove, large picture windows overlooking the garden and soft, atmospheric lighting combine to create a wonderfully inviting space.
Plenty of sauna hats are available to help regulate your head temperature and make your session more comfortable, and a sand timer allows you to keep track of time without needing to reach for your phone. Outside the glass entrance, shoe racks provide a practical place to leave footwear and keep the area tidy.
Amberwave have recently decided to reduce capacity for community sessions, allowing guests more room to relax and creating a quieter, more comfortable atmosphere. Sessions can be booked for one hour, 90 minutes or two hours.
The Cold Bit
There are plenty of options for cooling down between sauna sessions, with two cold showers, three generous-sized cold plunge baths and a variety of outdoor seating where you can relax and let the fresh air gradually lower your body temperature.
The plunge baths are set at different temperatures with two of them at an ambient level and the other being set colder, on our visit these were at 12° and 9°. Three sand timers for 1-3 minutes are also at the tubs if you want to be more regimented with your time in them.
Food/Drinks Nearby
Water, herbal tea, biscuits and orange slices were available during our New Moon ritual. There are a couple of cafes situated near SWG3 but there are plenty of options available just a short walk away in nearby Finnieston.
Good to Know
This sauna hosts regular Aufguss sessions, Moon rituals, sound baths and sauna raves.
For more information on Sara and the work she does then head to: https://www.celestialbodies.space/
This post is based on our own experience at the time of our visit.
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