Discover the Heartwood x Ynyshir Sauna Experience.
Behind the Experience
The Arden Sauna here at Ynyshir was handcrafted just 12 miles away in the Dyfi Valley at the Heartwood Saunas workshop.
This collaboration has been initiated by Heartwood Saunas founder, Olly Davey, and Head Chef and Owner of Ynyshir, Gareth Ward, to explore the impact of sauna on the senses, particularly taste.
Two-Michelin-star restaurant, Ynyshir, is highly renowned for its 30-course tasting menu - an indulgent sensory experience in itself, with a menu that celebrates the best of multi-cultural Britain and its varying cuisines. The food is elevated further by the fully immersive atmosphere, shaped by the carefully curated music and lighting, which together create a refined and unique experience that engages every sense - beyond just taste alone.
Together, we wanted to see if we could enhance this experience even further.
Introducing an exclusive sauna experience into the already immersive and incredibly unique dining experience, not only incorporates the benefits of contrast therapy into your stay at Ynyshir, but also integrates the positive effects of sauna bathing on the brain, body and senses into the experience.
Sauna bathing has become a growing trend due to the deep feelings of contentment and serenity experienced following the heat from the sauna, contrasted with the exposure to cold water. This feeling of presence and euphoria that is often reported is brought about by a heightened bodily awareness alongside the mind being calm [1]. It results in the release of endorphins, and creates a deepsense of physical relaxation. In addition, sauna bathing amplifies the senses of smell and taste, much like the effects of a detox ritual [2].
Experiencing the sauna at the start of your time at Ynyshir offers a chance to unwind and ground yourself in the present moment, setting you up to fully enjoy everything Ynyshir has to offer - consequently elevating the restaurant experience into the ultimate, immersive and memorable evening.
Behind the Brands
Ynyshir and Heartwood Saunas are two premium brands which align in values and aesthetic alike, both priding themselves on going the extra mile. For both companies, the aim is to provide clients with an experience like no other, and one that is set above the rest. No stone is left unturned, and there is no room for cutting corners.
Set amidst the untamed beauty of the Welsh countryside, Ynyshir offers one of the UK's most extraordinary dining experiences, combining 10 years of experimentation with the world’s finest ingredients with a restaurant space that's been uniquely crafted for the dinner experience. Every element, from the bespoke crockery to the handcrafted chairs, tells a story of collaboration with local artisans and suppliers. Ynyshir's dedication to the details has earned it its two Michelin star status and put Mid Wales on the map as a destination for distinctive dining experiences that go above and beyond.
Heartwood designs and builds exceptional wellness spaces for both private and commercial clients, across the UK and beyond. They handcraft made-to-order saunas from their Signature Collection, as well as fully bespoke commissions, with each project starting from a blank page. They work with natural materials, precision joinery, and timeless design principles – with an emphasis on true luxury. This is found in the integrity of the materials, the quality of their craftsmanship, and in their creation of spaces that feel solid, calm and built to last. Their saunas are made to perform beautifully, age gracefully, and provide meaningful restoration for years to come.
Olly Davey, Owner and Founder at Heartwood Saunas
Gareth Ward, Owner and Head Chef at Ynyshir
Book your stay at Ynyshir now to experience Heartwood’s Arden Sauna.
