New Sauna and Cafe Set to open at Swanage Seafront

With the growing trend of year-round sea swimming, a fresh amenity is on the horizon for Swanage seafront in Dorset. A forthcoming service will introduce a sauna facility alongside a new beach cafe, promising premium coffee offerings.

After a rigorous tender process, two local enterprises, Swanage Bay Sauna and Carve Coffee Roasters, are primed to debut by late May 2024 on the terrace area adjacent to Swanage Information Centre, pending finalisation of contracts and planning consent.

The southern stretch of Shore Road near The Mowlem now boasts an unobstructed view of Swanage Bay, following the removal of the former ice cream kiosk and the permanent closure of this section of the road.

Swanage Bay Sauna will also be opening, managed by Tracey Waters, a partner at Studland Watersports. Swanage’s sauna will replicate the success of their saunas at Knoll Beach in Studland. Equipped with two saunas, a four-person and a ten-person variant; featuring tinted glass windows affording panoramic sea views, the saunas will be powered by mains electricity to align with ecological sensitivities in the area. While Studland's saunas hold a rustic charm, the Swanage facility, made by The Cedar Sauna Company, will embody a contemporary seaside aesthetic.

Tracey Waters, with 25 years in the water sport industry, initiated sauna facilities at Studland in 2022. She anticipates a surge in demand, especially during the winter months, emphasising the wellness benefits of alternating between sauna heat and seawater immersion.

Adjacent to the sauna, Carve Coffee Roasters, ran by Will Moy and Sophie Tanner, will convert a customised 20-foot shipping container into Carve Beach Cafe. Renowned for roasting their own coffee beans, Carve Coffee Roasters promises a diverse menu, including cold beverages, sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream.

The cafe's modern exterior, clad in wood, will offer seating overlooking the beach, providing a serene setting for patrons.

The beach’s old ice cream kiosks contract’s ending, combined with the public’s feedback has prompted this great transformation of Swanage's seafront. Swanage Town Council's decision to fund Swanage Bay Sauna and Carve Coffee Roasters aligns with their commitment to boosting the local economy and extending the tourist season beyond summer.

Additionally, the RNLI Lifeguard will be relocated hut to improve beach safety, and further enhance the visitor experience in Swanage.

The introduction of Swanage Bay Sauna and Carve Coffee Roasters represents a promising development for Swanage's seafront, catering to the flourishing interest in sea-related activities and enriching the town's tourism landscape.