It seems like everyone and their mother is obsessed with saunas and cold plunges these days, and for good reason. The contrast of sweating it out in a steamy sauna followed by a cold plunge is known to boost circulation, aid muscle recovery, reduce inflammation and work wonders for mental wellbeing.
As Cork’s wellness scene continues to evolve, with more exciting health and wellbeing spaces popping up across the city and county, the latest addition is no exception.
The Hot Box has brought its sauna village to Leeside, and after trialling it, I can confirm that it lives up to the hype. This stylish spot offers a modern, community-focused experience in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Located on Victoria Road, in the former Carey tools plant hire premises, next to Sonny’s Deli, it’s a place to slow down, switch off and reset. With multiple saunas, a variety of plunge pools, as well as fully-equipped showers to freshen up afterwards, it’s a must-add to Cork’s growing list of attractions. They’ve even got a machine that will dry your soaking togs in eight seconds – yes, eight seconds!
I’m a big fan of saunas and cold plunges, even if I question my life choices and sanity while I’m in them! It’s an easy place to mix weekend socialising with a bit of feel-good recovery. You can go solo if you just want a bit of me-time to unwind and it’s a great way to ease stiff and sore muscles.
The location offers plenty of parking onsite, with additional spots nearby if you’re visiting on a particularly busy day – though ticket warden caution is advised. If you really want a day of indulging in wellness, I’d recommend pairing your visit with a stroll along the Marina or a trip to the Marina or Black Market afterwards for lunch, rounding off the ultimate wholesome day out.
In addition to the five saunas, there’s also four plunge pools to choose from, ranging from three temperatures – cold, tepid and warm, so there’s no need to panic if you’re an ice bath beginner.
It may not boast the ocean views of beach saunas, but it more than makes up for this loss with amenities and accessibility – close to the city and open seven days a week. It’s easy to fit a session into your schedule and the spacious layout means you never feel cramped or overcrowded. My only recommendation is to pack a pair of flip-flops or crocs with you for moving from sauna to sauna or in and out of the pools. The staff do a great job of keeping water off the floors, but it can feel a bit cold on your feet when walking around.
Each session lasts 60 minutes, offering the ideal balance of time so you’re not rushing between sauna and pool and can fully relax and explore each space. It has a capacity of 20 guests and if you plan your visit right, you can snag your session for €15.95 during off peak hours. These operate Monday through to Friday from 8.30am – 4.30pm. Peak hours will set you back slightly more at €19.95, available weekdays 5.30pm – 9.30pm, and weekends 8.30am – 9.30pm. The team also runs a loyalty programme where your tenth visit is free – just don’t lose your card along the way!
Founders Dan Liam and Luke’s vision began years ago, as a weekend passion project that’s grown into a booming business spanning eight locations, across Dublin Sligo and Meath.
‘Along the way, we’ve travelled, researched, and experienced saunas in many different places around the world, from traditional smoke saunas in Finland to contemporary wellness spaces in New York City. We’ve taken notes, asked questions, and soaked it all in (literally). And little by little, we’ve brought those influences back home, integrating elements from global sauna culture into the experiences we create here in Ireland,’ their website reads. And here in Cork, we are happy to be the beneficiaries of their fact finding visits.
They also say ‘we’re happy to be making space for people to feel better, breathe deeper, and connect – with themselves, with others, and with nature’. Well lads, you can take it from me you are certainly ticking all of those boxes on the Victoria Road!
See https://thehotboxsauna.ie/collections/cork
Reviewed by Kathy Prendeville.
