Why saunas are becoming the new dating hotspot

Adam Merrell, co-founder of Suvi Sauna, who have sites in Easton in Bristol and next to Clevedon Marine Lake, is one of a number of companies exploring speed dating or singles nights in saunas.

“We are still in the process of fleshing out these ideas and finding the best way to make it work – it’s definitely a good idea I think,” he said.

“In a full sauna though your conversations will be overheard!”

Sauna culture has boomed across the UK, with more than 900 saunas available to the public, from beaches and lakes to rural settings.

Lexy Recurt, who set up Black Swan Sauna near Bradford upon Avon in Wiltshire last year, said the appeal is doing something different, getting away from our phones and being out in nature.

“It’s a really unusual and shows a lot about a personality, instead of just meeting for dinner – let’s loosen up a bit and see if we click,” she said.

She remembers hosting a private first date over the summer.

“I’m not a matchmaker, but I had a feeling they were well-suited. I wanted to know if it developed into something.”

She added that she has heard about couples even getting engaged in the sauna.