Terms & Conditions

of Sauna Use

Last updated: July 2026

By booking a sauna with us, you and your party accept & acknowledge the instructions, risks, and waiver detailed here.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS
Using a sauna is generally a positive and beneficial experience, however, as with all things, there exist elements of risk. Clach Mara Sauna (a trading name of Caorann Malcolm Ltd) has assessed and minimised all foreseeable risk in accordance with UK Health and Safety legislation.

Please acknowledge that the sauna operates using a wood-fired stove, which becomes extremely hot. For your safety, do not touch the stove, stove door, chimney, sauna rocks, or surrounding fire guards, unless instructed to do so. When adding water to the sauna rocks, always start from the furthest point to avoid burns.

Adding wood to the fire should be carried out by the host, and it is not recommended you attempt this yourself. If you have some feedback about the heat, please ask your host.

HEALTH DISCLAIMER
Using the sauna is at your own risk. We strongly advise you to consult your GP if you have any concerns about safely using the sauna. If any of the following apply to you (this is not an exhaustive list), we recommend seeking medical advice before using the sauna:

  • Pregnancy

  • History of heart attack or stroke

  • Currently on medication

  • Cardiovascular conditions

  • Epilepsy

  • Respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma)

  • High or low blood pressure

  • Arterial disease

  • Conditions limiting your ability to sweat.

COLD WATER IMMERSION - sea, river, or loch
It must be acknowledged that any user of the sauna entering a nearby body of water (whether sea, river, or loch) does so entirely at their own risk and Clach Mara Sauna cannot be held liable for any issue/s arising for anyone doing so.

As well as ocean risks such as currents, rips, and water conditions, cold water immersion carries inherent risks, including cold shock, hypothermia, and injury. If you do enter the water, enter gradually and only if you are in good health. Let your body & heart rate slowly adapt to the change in temperature. Keep cold immersion time sort and within the limits you know you are capable of.

By entering the water, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for the associated risks.

CHILDREN AND SAUNA USE
Children aged 12 to 16 years are permitted to use the sauna, with an Adult Family Member/Guardian present at ALL TIMES during the hire and use of the sauna.

Children aged under 12 are currently not permitted to use the sauna under our current insurance policy.

If children aged 12-16 are under your supervision, the additional waiver/terms and conditions are applicable:

Parent/Guardian/Adult Family Member (of minor’s full name), accept that they take full responsibility for the named minor during the sauna hire use.

There are also additional precautions for children in saunas:

  • Saunas and Heat Sensitivity: Children’s bodies are more sensitive to heat, and prolonged exposure can lead to overheating or dehydration. It's important to ensure they don't stay in the sauna for long periods.

  • Recommendation: Children under 16 should only use the sauna with supervision, and sessions should be much shorter—typically around 5–10 minutes.

  • Cold Exposure: Children are at higher risk to hypothermia and cold-induced stress, and caution is advised. Any cold water immersion for children should be closely supervised by the responsible adult at all times.

HEALTH & SAFETY

  • Glass: Glass containers are prohibited inside the sauna. We cannot be held responsible for injuries resulting from glass breakages.

  • Alcohol & Drugs: Sauna use after consuming alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair judgment is strictly prohibited. These substances can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature and increase the risk of injury. It is your responsibility to ensure you are fit to use the sauna. We will not be liable for accidents caused by intoxication.

  • Smoking: Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is not permitted in or around the sauna.

SAUNA ETTIQUETTE

  • Entering and exiting the sauna with care.

  • Closing the door after entry/exit to retain heat.

  • Removing shoes before entering.

  • Sitting on a towel at all times, that is large enough to sit on and wrap under your feet

  • Staying in the sauna for no longer than 20 minutes at a time (we recommend 5-15 minute sessions of heat).

  • Do not use essential oils in the sauna without permission.

  • Only swimwear may be worn in the sauna.

  • Nudity is not permitted.

  • Group Bookings: If you are booking for a group, it is your responsibility to ensure all participants are informed of these terms and are practicing safe sauna use.

WILD SAUNA – WHAT TO BRING & EXPECT
A wild sauna is an amazing and unique experience - here are a few things we like to remind you of:

  • Please always check the location of your bookings & check directions

  • Please bring:

    • 2 towels (one for changing and one for sitting on in the sauna)

    • Swimwear

    • Water bottle (water refills available)

    • Sliders/sandals/flip-flops

    • Changing robe if you have one

    • Comfortable clothing for changing, and warm clothes in cold months

We love that this is a wild sauna but there are a few things to be aware of - changing is outdoors & in the wild (so a changing robe is definitely handy), there are sometimes no toilets on site but a few options within a 5-minute drive (Castletown Public Toilets, Dunnet Bay Campsite, Stannergill Distillery), so please consider stopping on route!

Also, the weather and ocean can be unpredictable, and a sea swim may not always be safe or possible (but we have other cold water and cooling off options). If a sea swim is important to you, please arrive with plenty of time to assess the conditions yourself - we will always try to give safe advice or guidance where appropriate!

BOOKING & PAYMENT

  • A full card payment is required to confirm your booking for a sauna session (both private and communal).

  • Rescheduling: You may reschedule up to 48 hours before your session. For changes made within 48 hours, we will try to accommodate your request depending on availability.

  • Cancellation:

    • More than 48 hours before the session: Reschedule, voucher, or full refund, less 5% processing fees

    • Between 24-48 hours before: Reschedule, voucher, or 50% refund, 5% processing fees.

    • Less than 24 hours before: No reschedule, no voucher, no refund.

WAIVER
By booking and participating in the sauna experience, you acknowledge the terms & conditions in this document, that you are voluntarily participating, and accept full responsibility for your safety (and the safety of the rest of your group/party, and any under 16-year-olds) and any risks involved. You may discontinue participation at any time for any reason.

By booking a sauna with us, you and your party accept & acknowledge the instructions, risks, and waiver detailed here.