Sauna Ostara : Nairn, Morayshire

Sep 30

3 min read

Updated: Oct 14

Sauna Ostara sits just off the waterfront path at Nairn Beach, offering a coastal escape to enjoy the simple pleasure of warming up, cooling down and breathing in the fresh sea air. Named after Ostara, the Pagan festival celebrating the Spring Equinox, it feels like a fitting place to reconnect with nature and the changing seasons.

Sauna Ostara

Our Wild Sauna Visit

I visited Sauna Ostara around midday on a sunny, mild Saturday at the end of September with my dad. We shared our community session with four lovely ladies who were all running the Inverness 10K the following day. One of the joys of community sessions is the chance to meet such interesting people along the way.

Buckets for cooling down
K enjoying a dook
Sauna interior
Sauna Ostara

Guide to Facilities

Parking & Directions

Parking is available in front of Nairn Leisure Centre, with the sauna just a short walk across the grass. Additional parking can be found further into the town if needed.

Changing

There are no dedicated changing facilities, so bringing a changing robe is recommended for extra privacy. The nearby pavilion shelter has benches that also provide some shelter and privacy when changing.

A plastic storage container is provided to keep belongings dry, while hooks along the outside of the sauna provide convenient space for hanging towels, robes and bags.

Host

Our host and co-owner, Claire, gave us a warm welcome and a brief orientation, showing us where to keep our belongings. She also let us know when our session had come to an end and was very friendly and easy to chat with.

The Hot Bit

This converted horse-box sauna features single-level benches facing each other, with space for up to six people. At the far end, a wood-burning stove is stoked from outside, helping to retain the heat and allowing you to enjoy your session without interruption from the host.

Two high windows above the stove offer views towards the beach, while the glass door looks out onto a wooded, grassy area with very little passing foot traffic.

Inside, the sauna feels private and secluded, while outside you’re surrounded by the natural beauty and easy accessibility of the beach. There are no sauna hats so bring your own if you prefer to use one. There is a 15 minute sand timer to help monitor your session.

The Cold Bit

Two buckets are provided outside for a quick cold soak, although these were not always full or refilled during our visit.

The sea and sandy beach are just a short walk across the grass and along the path. The beach itself is sandy, although sandals or water shoes may be useful for navigating the short, rocky section between the path and the sand. Although once you are in the clean and clear water it is sandy underfoot, making it an inviting option for a refreshing dip after your sauna session.

Food/Drinks Nearby

Water is not provided so remember to bring your own.

Nairn town centre has plenty of options for cafés, shops and supermarkets if you need to pick up supplies. For food, we particularly recommend the fish tacos from Strathnairn Beach Café, just five minutes further along the walkway.