Writer Emma O’Kelly talks to the British Sauna Society about her new book, Sauna: The Power of Deep Heat.
There is a new wave of sauna culture spreading throughout the UK and beyond. Saunas are being built in unique settings providing tech-free spaces in which to gather, share stories and enjoy nature. The tradition has a rich history, filled with rituals that encourage us to soak up the mental and physical joys of deep heat.
Sauna highlights the benefits the sauna brings to body and mind, its connection to nature, its history and mythology and its compatibility with another great invigorator – cold water swimming.
Accompanied by stunning photography, it honours the old, embraces the new, and plunges headlong into the transformative power of steam.
Emma will present her work in a talk and Q&A for the British Sauna Society, hosted by Co-Founder and Chair Mika Meskanen.
Praise for Emma’s book:
“This beautiful and timely book will appeal to anyone looking to deepen their experience, with or without the added joy of a cold swim.”
Kate Rew, The Outdoor Swimmers' Handbook
“A book to inspire the senses – a call to both courage and comfort.”
Esther Freud
“Smartly written and beautifully illustrated.”
Mikkel Aaland, author of Sweat
“An essential guide to a movement reborn, blending modernity and tradition, design and wellness, community and nature.”
Sarah Douglas, Editor-in-Chief, Wallpaper magazine
About author, Emma O’Kelly
Emma O’Kelly grew up on a farm in the British countryside where there was not a sauna in sight. She now lives in London and writes for the likes of the Telegraph, Financial Times and Condé Nast Traveller, and is a long-term contributing editor at Wallpaper magazine. Over the years, she has carried out many design and travel assignments in Scandinavia, and it was during a work trip to Finland in 2016 that she discovered the joys of a real sauna. Emma swims all year round in Hampstead Ladies Pond and Parliament Hill Lido. She’s happy to see that a good sweat can now be found closer to home, thanks to the new sauna scene taking shape in the UK – especially on its beaches. She is currently building a sauna in her back garden.
Follow Emma on Instagram @emmaokelly10
About host, Mika Meskanen
Co-Founder and Chair Mika Meskanen founded the British Sauna Society to encourage the UK to learn and adopt authentic sauna culture, like that in his native Finland. As well as lending his expert knowledge to help guide the UK’s fledgling sauna movement, he represents Finland internationally as Board Member for the International Sauna Association (ISA) and is Co-Coordinator for Sauna Aid, bringing therapeutic sauna to those suffering the Ukraine-Russian war. As well as being an accomplished Sauna Master, Mika also loves free driving, breathwork and yoga and runs retreats in Finland that combine them all.