Beach
Sea dip
Images credit: Iona Hotbox Sauna
At a glance
About this sauna
Iona Hotbox Sauna, Isle of Iona is a mobile wood-fired sauna on the south west edge of Martyr’s Bay beach, on the island’s east coast looking across the water to Mull.
The sauna sits on National Trust for Scotland land, and a percentage of each booking fee goes back to the Trust. Inside, a Harvia wood-burning stove is fuelled with logs from Mull.
What to expect
- Wood-fired mobile sauna on the sand at Martyr's Bay
- Social sessions for up to 6 people
- Harvia wood-burning stove, fuelled with logs from Mull
- Cold water buckets outside and optional sea dips from the beach
- Views across the water to Mull
Additional experiences and sessions
- Private hire available for up to 8 people
- Memberships available
- Discount codes for full-time residents of Iona and the Ross of Mull, and for seasonal workers
- Other session times may be possible on request by email
Plan your visit
Getting there
By car: Visitor cars are not allowed on Iona. Drive to Fionnphort on Mull and cross on foot
Parking: At Fionnphort on Mull
Public transport: CalMac ferry from Fionnphort on Mull
Finding the sauna: On the south-west edge of Martyr’s Bay beach, with a ramp to the door and a small step
Facilities
What to bring
- Swimwear
- Two towels (one for sitting on, one for drying off)
- Flip flops or sandals
- Warm layers for afterwards
- Water bottle
- Changing robe or loose layers for getting changed outdoors
Location
What’s nearby
The village around the ferry slip has a handful of cafés, places to eat and small shops within a short walk of the beach. Iona Abbey and Nunnery are a walk north through the village, on the site where St Columba founded his monastery in AD 563. For a longer outing, the walk to Dùn Ì and the north end climbs the island’s highest point and carries on to the white sand beaches at the top of the island. Boat trips to Staffa and Fingal’s Cave also run from Iona.
Before you go
If you’re new to wild saunas, these quick answers might help
No — you can enjoy the sauna on its own.
Yes — you can move between the sauna, the water and breaks outside at your own pace.
