“Hot Tubs And Saunas Are Becoming The New Pub,” Says Cork Wellness Businesswoman Shelby Barker

For generations, the pub has been at the centre of Irish social life. It was where friends met, families celebrated special occasions and communities came together.

But according to Cork businesswoman Shelby Barker, more people are finding a different way to connect.

“Hot tubs and saunas are becoming the new pub and the new bar,” Shelby tells All About Cork. “They’re creating social connection.”

Shelby is part of the team behind South Coast Spas & Saunas, a Blackpool-based business that supplies hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and ice baths to customers across Ireland.

Shelby co-founded South Coast Spas & Saunas with her business partner, Brett Abramson, after seeing first-hand how hydrotherapy, heat therapy and recovery products can improve people’s quality of life. Today, the Cork-based company supplies homes, hotels, gyms and wellness facilities across Ireland.

Over the past few years, she has noticed a significant shift in how people are using their homes and outdoor spaces.

Rather than simply investing in gardens that look attractive, many homeowners are now creating spaces designed to help them relax, recover and spend quality time with family and friends.

“Homes are becoming places for relaxation, fitness, self-care, and it’s not just a trend anymore,” Shelby says. “It’s becoming part of daily living. It’s about disconnecting from stress and reconnecting with yourself. Your health is your wealth, and more people are beginning to realise that.”

According to Shelby, the growing interest in wellness reflects changing attitudes towards both physical and mental wellbeing.

“People are prioritising mental health and recovery more than ever,” she says.

While saunas, hot tubs and ice baths have become increasingly popular in recent years, Shelby believes people are looking for much more than the latest wellness trend.

“It’s not only about buying the product for a fad or a trend,” she explains. “It’s about people investing in their health and creating a lifestyle and wellness routine for themselves.”

One of the biggest attractions is the opportunity to step away from the demands of modern life.

“It’s about disconnecting from stress and reconnecting with yourself,” Shelby says. “Your health is your wealth, and more people are beginning to realise that.”

In a world where people are constantly connected through phones, emails and social media, Shelby believes that simple act of switching off has become increasingly valuable.

At the same time, she says wellness spaces are helping people reconnect with one another.

Whether it’s family members spending time together after a busy day or friends gathering for an evening chat, many people are using hot tubs and saunas as places to socialise and unwind.

“Hot tubs and saunas are becoming the new pub and the new bar,” she says. “They’re creating social connection.”

The products themselves also offer a range of physical benefits. According to Shelby, many customers are drawn to hot tubs and saunas because of their ability to help reduce stress, promote relaxation and support recovery.

“The biggest benefit is stress reduction and relaxation,” she says.

She also points to muscle relief, hydrotherapy benefits, improved circulation and faster recovery after exercise as reasons for their growing popularity. Better sleep is another benefit regularly mentioned by customers.

For many people, wellness is no longer viewed as an occasional luxury but as an investment in their overall quality of life.

The products can also be enjoyed throughout the year, making them particularly appealing in Ireland’s climate.

“They’re all products that you can enjoy year-round in Ireland,” Shelby says. “Especially in the colder months, being able to get into a nice warm hot tub or a nice sauna and just feel really good afterwards.”

South Coast Spas & Saunas works with homeowners, gyms, hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, helping them create wellness and recovery spaces that suit their needs and budgets.

Both Shelby and her business partner have spent around a decade working in the industry and are passionate about helping people find the right solutions for their homes or businesses.

“We’re very hands-on,” she says. “We’re always available for people who have questions, people who want to learn about the products and people who want advice.”

As the popularity of wellness continues to grow, Shelby believes the movement is about something much bigger than saunas or hot tubs alone.

“Wellness should be achievable and enjoyable for everyone,” she says. “Even small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference.”

And as more Cork people look for ways to relax, recharge and spend meaningful time together, it seems that the traditional night out may be facing some unexpected competition from the warmth of a hot tub or sauna at home.