10 Questions With: Fire & Ice Wellness
I saw a friend recently. She’s a best friend, but we hadn’t seen each other in around a year. We have that time of relationship where we message here and there, but when we meet up - it’s like no time has passed. I give you this context so that you understand we had both been radicalised without ever influencing each other. You see, we have both recently really, really, really got into saunas. In fact, I think a lot of late-20’s have.
Unlike her though, I can exactly pinpoint where it all started: Fire and Ice.
Since going, my life has been one long stretch of planning events around the nearest sauna. Camping? Pick a site with a sauna. Birthday weekend? You guessed it. Sauna. Wake up an hour earlier to use the very mediocre gym sauna? Obviously.
But to tell you the truth, none of them match up to Fire and Ice, which is actually the reason I am even pretty hesitant to introduce our next star of the 10 Questions with section. I am quite inclined to keep them as my little secret. Do I want to have fight people for time slots? Absolutely not. Does Fire and Ice deserve to have a waiting list that stretches a year? Absolutely yes.
Nestled in what used to be the wildlife park in Westbury, they have created the most beautiful atmosphere you could wish to find. No matter the time of day you go, you find yourself in a haven. To reach the site, you walk past a babbling stream with trees overhead. The facilities themselves are top notch - and unique. (One of the cold water options is what used to be the seal pool, now much cleaner and sans seals obviously.) The staff are genuine and lovely. The health benefits are unreal. What’s not to like?
So, enjoy reading this Q&A. But I beg you, please don’t take my time slot.
The founder of Fire & Ice, Jamie
1. What’s Fire & Ice’s origin story?
It started as a simple idea between friends which turned a hobby into business. The pond was once a seal swimming lake, and after months of rebuilding it by hand, any evening we had spare and most weekends, Fire & Ice slowly took shape.
2. Morning session or evening wind-down?
Morning if you want to feel clear and energised. Evening if you want to properly switch off and unwind.
3. What three words best describe the Fire & Ice atmosphere?
Calm. Grounded. Welcoming.
4. Sauna and cold plunges seem to be everywhere — what are the benefits?
A complete detox. Heat helps the body relax and release tension. Cold boosts focus and resilience. Together, they support the nervous system and help you feel more balanced.
5. Top tip for someone trying an ice plunge for the first time?
Take a few slow breaths before getting in. Stay calm and let the cold meet you. Exhales, longer than inhale. Get our lovely Nicko to guide you!
6. Optimum time in the sauna and ice?
Sauna: around 10–20 minutes.
Ice: 30 seconds to 2 minutes is plenty.
7. Sauna first or cold first?
Sauna first, it makes the cold much kinder.
8. One word for how you want people to feel after?
Reset.
9. What’s surprised you about running Fire & Ice?
How much people open up, it often becomes more than just a sauna session. Every background, no judgment, just meaningful conversation and connection with people you may not interact with on a regular day to day basis.
10. We’re packing our bag — what do we NEED?
Swimwear, two towels, flip-flops, water (electrolytes optional but advised!) and something warm for afterwards.
(A sneaky) 11. Any pre or post rituals you never skip?
Pre: a quiet moment and a deep breath.
Post: warm tea, bare feet, and taking it slow.
To book a session with Fire and Ice, go here.
Written by mag founder, Jessica Blackwell
