Holistic Experiences at Wern-yCwm
Wild Swimming & Cold Water Dips
The Natural Swimming Pool will encourage year round swimming. Immerse yourself in nature as you swim with wildlife, enjoying our unspoilt landscape. The pool filters by pumping the water through aquaponic plants to keep it safe, clean, and fresh without the need for harmful chlorine or bromide.
The swimming area is large but not deep and will warm up in warmer weather to a balmy 20°C. In winter the temperature may drop to as low as 4°C, so taking advice and being fully prepared for a cold water shock is advisable. The benefits of cold-water swimming are numerous but there is little doubt that it will leave you feeling rejuvenated, elated, and fresh for the rest of the day.
NB. In colder weather we recommend you only swim with an experienced wild swimming partner to prepare you for your cold-water dip and advise on the best way to embrace this popular sport.
Experienced swimmers may enjoy the pool year round - free for residential guests. Children may not enter the Wern-y-Wellness Garden unaccompanied.
Massages & Holistic Treatments
Your massage or treatment will be tailored especially for you by our in-house therapist. Guests are invited to wait for pre-booked appointments in our greenhouse overlooking the Wellness Garden and natural swimming pool. You will be offered refreshment, while taking a moment to pause in the quiet surroundings to deepen your sense of relaxation. Our treatments use organic essential oils and salve from Neal's Yard Remedies.
The treatment room, like so much of our décor, champions the use of up-cycled materials coupled with modern comfort. The panelling was rescued from a demolished chapel in the Valleys whilst the massage bed is of comfortable cutting-edge design. Having studied Cosmetology in her native Lithuania, our therapist has experience working in Wales' leading spa. She is happy to adjust her massage technique to suit the individual, from super firm to a gentler pressure. She has training in Reiki, Candle Therapy, Pregnancy, Touch Therapy (cancer patients), Hot Stones, Head, Neck, Foot & Deep Tissue Massages and is a Sauna Master.
Prices and options
Please contact us with your booking request in advance. Weekend bookings are subject to a minimum of 4 separate hour-long treatments. If you are already staying on a week-day, do ask and we will fit you in if possible. NB. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, are pregnant or have any allergies please let our therapist know.
Full Body Massage
This comprehensive (and our most popular) massage targets the entire body, helping to relieve tension, improve circulation, and promote overall relaxation and sense of wellbeing.
Back, Shoulder & Neck Massage
Focused on the upper body, this massage targets areas that often hold stress and tension. It helps to reduce stiffness, ease discomfort, and improve mobility, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Legs & Feet Massage
Designed to relieve fatigue and improve circulation, this massage focuses on the legs and feet. It can alleviate swelling, reduce tension in the muscles, perfect after long walks or strenuous physical activity.
Deep Tissue Massage
A therapeutic massage that uses firm pressure to reach deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Effective for relieving chronic pain & muscle stiffness especially in the back, shoulders, and neck.
Swedish Massage
A gentle, relaxing massage that uses long, flowing strokes, kneading, and circular motions. This technique is ideal for promoting relaxation, improving blood flow, and relieving mild muscle tension.
Reiki Massage
A holistic healing practice that combines light touch with the use of energy flow to balance the body’s energy. Reiki promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and helps to restore physical and emotional balance.
Hot Stone Massage
Smooth stones are placed on the body or used as tools during the massage. The heat helps to relax muscles, reduce stress, and improve circulation, providing a calming experience.
Candle Ritual
A unique and relaxing massage where warm wax is gently poured onto the skin to help relax muscles, hydrate the skin, and create a calming atmosphere and relieve tension.
Sauna Session
Saunas have been used for thousands of years to ease pain, reduce stress and generally improve wellbeing. They have long been ubiquitous in Scandinavia, and are quickly becoming so in the UK, especially when used in conjunction with cold-water swimming.
When the full site is booked, the Sauna is useable by all guests and included in the price. When individual houses are booked you may reserve a private 2 hour period in advance of your stay, or ask us if you are already on site.
How to book: Please pre-book the date and times you would like the sauna for your group before your stay. £40 per private session of approx 2 hours (3 hours including heating time).
Experience the Ancient Art of Lithuanian Sauna Whisking Therapy (Pirtis Ritual)
Come and try something truly special. Lithuanian Sauna Whisking sessions, guided by our qualified Sauna Master, is rooted in a centuries-old Baltic tradition that we absolutely love.
Using bundles of aromatic birch, oak or eucalyptus branches (called a vanta and picked from our organically managed farm), the whisking gently warms and stimulates your whole body, gets the circulation going, eases tired muscles and leaves you feeling wonderfully relaxed and restored. Your treatment may also include body scrubs using salt or honey, aromatherapy, cold plunges, bucket shower & gentle massage. Each treatment is individualised and varies depending on whether you come alone or as a group. It's part heat and contrast therapy, part ancient ritual, part nature immersion and a little bit magical.
We offer 1-to-1 sessions for a personal experience, small group sessions to share with friends, and larger group sessions for retreat activities, business bonding or celebrations.
The perfect holistic therapy for anyone who wants to slow down, relax, be at one with nature and learn something new.
Sessions from £120 for 1-2-1 or £160 for groups of up to 4, plus £25 for each additional person (max 12)
To book, please email Emily on [email protected]
FAQs on our sauna and holistic therapies
When can I book?
Sessions are available around our other bookings, generally on Tuesdays and Thursdays for day guests, or during your stay for residential guests. Please email us with your ideal dates and we will check the calendar.
How do I make a booking?
Please email Emily on [email protected]
How long is a session?
Massages last from 40 - 90 minutes. Sauna Ritual sessions last about 90 minutes. We suggest you arrive in your swimming costume and a robe from your room, so we don’t delay your start. If you are a day guest, you may change in the shower room, through the door to the sauna. Please wait in the greenhouse where you will find a drink and form to sign off waiting for you on the table. We will call you in when ready for you session.
What should I bring?
Just in comfy underwear for Holistic Therapies and in swimsuit or swim shorts with no metal fastenings, flip flops or swim shoes for Sauna Ritual. Also we suggest a non-metal water bottle and a small towel (to sit on) if you are using the sauna. We will supply you with a larger towel.
What should I wear?
Please don't apply creams, fake tan or lotions before your session as these can block your pores. Remove any jewellery before entering the sauna as metal gets very hot. Always sit on a towel to keep both you and the sauna benches clean. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your session to stay hydrated.
Is there anything I should be aware of for my health and safety?
Please don't use the sauna if you have an open wound or have consumed alcohol beforehand. If you feel dizzy or unwell at any point during your session, leave the sauna straight away and let one of us know. We recommend consulting your GP before booking if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or have any concerns about heat exposure. Everyone uses our facilities at their own risk and we ask all guests to confirm they are in good health when they book.
Who can use the sauna?
Our sessions are open to anyone aged 18 and over. We are happy to welcome younger guests aged 12 and above, but they must be accompanied by an adult, and the session must be booked as a private hire.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel more than 7 days before your session, we'll offer you a rebooking credit. Cancellations made within a week of your session will be charged in full. Please contact us at [email protected] to cancel or rearrange.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
Yes, we'd love that. Gift vouchers are available to purchase online and make a lovely treat for someone special. Get in touch and we'll sort one out for you.
How do I pay?
Emily will invoice you with a link to pay via email or you may pay by credit card to Dalia on the day.
To book, please contact us for more details on [email protected]