Imagine stepping into a world where relaxation meets rejuvenation, a place where the stresses of daily life seem to melt away. That’s exactly what my recent experience at a coastal sauna in Dorset felt like. The renowned sauna master, Nick Tettersell, affectionately known as Nick T, has earned quite a reputation in sauna communities. Recently recognized as the Best Sauna Practitioner at the British Sauna Society Sauna Summit 2025, this accolade is awarded to the ritual specialist who has successfully garnered admiration and respect among bathers, as determined by public votes. With a vibrant presence on social media, Nick has cultivated a dedicated following.
While I’ve enjoyed saunas paired with invigorating sea swims before, participating in a ‘sauna ritual’ under the guidance of a sauna master was a delightful first for me. Therefore, when Louise Roberts, the owner of Shoreline Sauna located by the Cobb in Lyme Regis, invited me to join one of Nick T’s sessions, I eagerly accepted. This two-hour ritual draws inspiration from Lithuanian Pirtis techniques, incorporating cycles of heat and cold, breathwork, body scrubs, and even some playful whisking.
The setting of Shoreline Sauna is simply breathtaking. The charming barrel-shaped sauna, heated by wood, offers spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast, with a sandy beach just a short dash away, perfect for refreshing dips in the ocean. For those a bit hesitant about a sea plunge, there’s also a plunge bath conveniently located nearby.
I arrived a bit early and found Nick preparing the leaf whisks for our upcoming ritual. He had gathered bunches of elderflowers, fern, oak, and birch—all locally foraged—to infuse the sauna with the enchanting scents of the forest, an essential aspect of the Lithuanian sauna tradition that fosters a deeper connection with nature.
Nick, who hails from Cornwall, transitioned to this unique career over a decade ago after working as a tree surgeon. His journey began with training as a massage therapist, but he soon delved deeper into holistic wellness practices as a way to navigate his own past traumas. It was through exploring sea swimming, cold showers, and ice baths that he discovered the transformative power of saunas. Driven by this healing experience, Nick trained to become a sauna master, joining a community of roughly 100 sauna practitioners throughout the UK. His training included studies at the Lithuanian Bath Academy, followed by advanced Sauna Healer training at Sipoonjoki Heritage Sauna in Finland. Thus, Nick brings a rich tapestry of experience from both Lithuanian and Finnish sauna cultures into his rituals.
An exciting part of the experience involves body scrubs, and Nick had prepared two distinct options: a lilac scrub made from flowers harvested from Louise’s garden combined with Portland salt, and a lively coffee scrub created from used coffee grounds. The whisks and scrubs change seasonally, ensuring each session remains fresh and reflective of nature’s bounty. Additionally, Nick promised us some catchy Finnish ‘sauna songs’ that we would be encouraged to sing along with during the ritual.
This particular sauna ritual was fully booked, with six participants—an eclectic mix of individuals, ranging from first-timers to seasoned attendees. After changing into swimwear, we adorned ourselves with pixie-style felt sauna hats, designed to help regulate our body temperature throughout the session.
Once settled in the sauna, Nick entered wearing a cozy towel sarong and a sauna hat, whisks in hand, and welcomed us warmly. He explained that our session would unfold in four parts, each guided by one of the natural elements: fire, water, earth, and air. The art of a sauna master lies in their ability to create a sense of community and guide participants through the ritual’s various elements, including meditation, whisking, and body scrubs.
The first segment focused on releasing any burdens we were carrying; as Nick put it, we were there to ‘sweat the shame’ away. The sauna's temperature gradually increased, but it never felt overwhelming, allowing us to comfortably acclimate. We were encouraged to connect with the concept of Löyly, a Finnish term referring to the steam produced when water is splashed onto the hot stones of the sauna stove. This steam offers numerous health benefits, such as relaxation, enhanced circulation, and detoxification, helping us to release anything that no longer served us. As we enjoyed the heat, Nick skillfully moved the air around us using the elderflower whisks, filling the space with its sweet, honeyed fragrance, while his soothing voice guided us through the process. Following this, we took our first dip in the sea, which was refreshingly brisk despite being early June, but undeniably exhilarating.
Next came our first body scrub. Later in the session, we incorporated the leafy whisks of birch, fern, and oak, and at times, Nick gently whisked each of us individually. Soon, we were all glowing and visibly refreshed, and our voices joined together in enthusiastic participation of the ‘sauna songs.’
As an added treat, Nick passed around a platter of orange segments. After enjoying the juicy slices, we were encouraged to rub the citrus peels on our skin, filling the air with a zesty aroma that heightened the experience.
As the ritual continued, any lingering reservations faded away. One joyful participant leaped into the ice-cold plunge bath as we whisked around them in a celebratory manner. The final scrub, made from sugar and coffee grounds, transformed the sauna into a steamy environment reminiscent of a cozy coffee shop. After another refreshing dip in the sea and a rinse-off with fresh water, we gathered to reflect and hydrate with a herbal infusion crafted by Nick specifically for our session.
Stepping back into the real world, I felt profoundly relaxed and rejuvenated, literally glowing from the experience. The night following the ritual brought me the best sleep I’ve had in ages. It’s clear why Nick’s gentle, intuitive guidance, coupled with his passion for the myriad benefits of sauna practice, has attracted so many devoted fans—including myself. It truly was a beautifully healing encounter.
If you’re intrigued and want to experience this for yourself, book a session!
Shoreline Sauna in Lyme Regis operates from Thursday to Sunday, 8:30 AM to 9 PM, including bank holidays, full moons, and special events. The capacity is limited to six people per session. Pricing includes a communal seat for £15, a package of five sessions for £45, or ten sessions for £85. Private hire is available at £60 for one hour or £120 for two hours.
You can follow Nick on Instagram @nickttherapies and on Facebook @NickTTherapies to stay updated on his offerings.
