Hot seaweed baths are a traditional pastime in the west of Ireland. So when we were three weeks into our road trip around the Emerald Isle and had parked up for the night near a Wellness Centre offering the experience, I booked the Other Half and I in to try it out.
If you’re wondering what a hot seaweed bath is like, hopefully this review will ‘kelp’ to give you more of an idea.
A Bit Of A Weed
I usually try and avoid seaweed when I’m in the sea – I don’t like it when I unexpectedly brush past the feathery fronds on a swim, or feel its slippery tendrils under my feet on a paddle.
I don’t think being chased by it on the beach when I was younger enamoured me to it either. So you’ll understand why I was a bit apprehensive about plunging myself into close proximity with it for a supposedly relaxing experience.
Soaking Up The Hot Seaweed Bath Goodness
For hundreds of years people in Ireland have recognised the benefits of a seaweed bath, which can help the body to replenish and recover.
Seaweed is rich in goodness –
- Iodine – good for the thyroid
- Calcium – good for bones
- Magnesium – good for muscles
- Vitamin E – good for skin, eyes and the immune system
- Vitamin F – also good for skin
We were given instructions for the three parts that made up the experience, and then were left on our own in individual rooms to enjoy a thoroughly relaxing hour.
Step 1 - Sauna Box
I began by sitting in the wooden sauna box and pulled the doors closed leaving only my head exposed. I blindly fumbled down to my left until my fingertips found the lever, and I pulled. A deliciously warm jet of steam rose around me through the box.
Limbs and joints I hadn’t realised had been holding tension started to unwind as the temperature rose and I relaxed into the heavenly heat.
This felt so good, and this wasn’t even the main part of the treatment! I pulled that lever several times to top up the wonderful wet warmth that was floating around my body. Using the sauna box first opened up the pores so that the seaweed bath could have the maximum impact.
Step 2 - Hot Seaweed Bath
The bath had already been prepared, so I dipped a toe in to check the temperature before sliding myself into the lovely hot seawater. I was surprised by how little seaweed there actually was in the bath. I thought it would be full to the brim with ribbons of green stuff, but getting in I could see why there were only a couple of handfuls.
As soon as I touched the seaweed it oozed with richness. It was ridiculously gloopy and oily between my fingers, yet it felt wonderfully silky and velvety as I rubbed it over my skin.
Bathing With Friends
It took me a moment to fully relax into it. Being this intimate with seaweed I was wary about sharing the bath with any unwanted guests.
On inspection I did find 4 really tiny sea snails which I picked out and put on the side of the bath. I’m not sure they would have enjoyed the heat of the water, but it proved just how fresh the stuff was.
The next forty minutes were a blissful submersion; unwinding in the hot water, calming the chatter in my mind and allowing the green goodness to gently wash over me.
Step 3 - Cold Showering After A Hot Seaweed Bath
The knock on the door telling me it was time to get out felt like it came far too soon. I could have wallowed in the warm water for a lot longer.
Releasing the plug, I stood up in the bath and pressed the button to release a bracing burst of a cold shower. That certainly woke me up!
I washed the slick oils off as quickly as I could to keep the time in the cold water to a minimum, before throwing my clothes on as fast as I could and warming back up.
That was invigorating!
That’s A Wrap
It had been a thoroughly lovely experience. Unwinding and relaxing, ebbing away tension, leaving me feeling invigorated and energised.
Walking away from the spa my body felt light and my limbs felt loose.
My skin felt exceptionally soft and smooth.
I was refreshed and recharged and ready to go, and I slept amazingly that night!
Want To Try It Yourself?
- We experienced the tranquil seaweed baths at Sólás na Mara, which translates as Solace of the Sea.
- It’s based right next to the sea at the fishing pier in Helvick, An Rinn, in County Waterford on the south coast of Ireland.
- If you have a look on line, you can pick up some seaweed bath kits which you can try at home.
- If you’re looking for other relaxing experiences, how about an in person meditation session?
Cost Of Experience
This is the cost from our visit in October 2022
We booked a single seaweed bath each which cost £35 per person and meant we had separate rooms.
If you fancy sharing the experience with a loved one or a friend, a double seaweed bath can be booked for £65
Recommendations
- It’s up to you whether you want to go au naturel or you’d prefer to be in swimwear.
- The whole experience lasted for an hour, which included the steam box to start and the end shower, which gave us around 45 minutes in the seaweed bath.
- You don’t need to take anything with you as they provide all the towels you’ll need and a bottle of water.
- There is a cafe at Sólás na Mara, serving delicious homemade cakes (we sampled the carrot cake which was divine!). So why not prolong the relaxation and step back out into the world after a little sweet indulgence too?
Definitely sounds like a fun experience! Some seaweeds have a nice texture for exfoliating the skin, too. Plus, even other seaweeds are edible. Not that you’d want to eat those in the bath, but maybe at a restaurant later?
I was surprised how much I enjoyed it! It’s amazing stuff isn’t it? Thanks for reading :o)
This sounds like such a fun experience and something different to try with friends.
Thanks Sam, it was really good to try, and you’re right would be a nice thing to do with friends for a moment to relax and unwind. Thanks for reading. :o)