Ember Haus at Litton Lakes: Our Experience at Dorset's New Lakeside Sauna Retreat

Tucked away amongst the rolling Dorset countryside, Ember Haus is redefining relaxation with a unique lakeside sauna experience at Litton Lakes located in Dorchester. Combining the restorative power of a traditional wood-fired sauna with cold water immersion, beautiful natural surroundings and a welcoming community atmosphere, it's quickly becoming a much-loved Dorset wellness destination.

We recently visited Ember Haus to experience it for ourselves, and from the moment we turned off the main road, it was clear this wasn't going to be an ordinary spa visit.

Driving through the Dorset countryside towards Litton Lakes, we were treated to breath taking views across the rolling hills of the Jurassic Coast landscape. Quiet country lanes, endless greenery and open fields created a sense of calm long before we reached our destination, setting the tone perfectly for the experience ahead.

As we arrived on site, the first thing to catch our eye was the lake itself. With the summer sun shining, the whole area was buzzing with life. Paddleboarders glided across the water, families relaxed on picnic benches and visitors enjoyed drinks and light bites from the charming lakeside café.

Before we'd even reached the sauna, it was clear Ember Haus had already made an impression. As people wandered around the site, we overheard both adults and children commenting on how beautifully the sauna had been designed and what a fantastic addition it was to Litton Lakes. Others stopped to ask staff about upcoming session times and how they could book, a genuine reflection of the growing interest surrounding Dorset's newest wellness experience.

The atmosphere felt relaxed, welcoming and full of positive energy make it far more than simply a place to enjoy a sauna.

Located within the stunning surroundings of Litton Lakes, Ember Haus is a premium wood-fired sauna experience designed to help visitors slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy the growing wellness trend of contrast therapy.

Inspired by Scandinavian sauna culture, guests are encouraged to move between the comforting heat of the traditional wood-fired sauna and cold water immersion, whether that's in the purpose-built ice bath or by taking a refreshing dip in the lake itself.

Unlike a traditional spa, Ember Haus embraces the natural environment around it. With uninterrupted lakeside views, fresh countryside air and thoughtfully designed facilities, every aspect of the experience encourages you to disconnect from busy daily life and simply enjoy being present.

Before arriving, we'd received a helpful email explaining exactly what to pack, what the expect and where we'd be greeted on arrival. It was a thoughtful touch that immediately made the experience feel organised and accessible, particularly for anyone visiting for the first time like us.

From the car park, it was only a short walk through the greenery to reach Ember Haus. The gentle sound of the countryside breeze, birdsong and the laughter of visitors enjoying the lake created an immediate sense of calm.

Our host Jane welcomed us with genuine warmth and explained how the session would work, taking time to introduce the facilities and answer any questions before we began.

Nestled beside the lake sat the beautifully handcrafted sauna, accompanied by a cold plunge bath and a ladder providing direct access into the lake for those wanting the full contrast therapy experience. The setting immediately felt peaceful, intimate and perfectly in keeping with the surrounding countryside.

Stepping inside the sauna, the first thing we noticed was the comforting aroma of natural timber combined with the warmth of the wood-fired stove. Large panoramic windows overlooked the lake, allowing us to enjoy uninterrupted views across the water while relaxing in the heat.

It quickly became apparent that this wasn't simply about sitting in a sauna but about slowing down completely.

Throughout the session we alternated between the heat of the sauna and the cold water experiences. While stepping into the ice bath certainly required a little determination, the feeling afterwards was incredibly invigorating. For those feeling even braver, the lake itself provided the opportunity for an unforgettable cold-water dip before returning to the warmth of the sauna.

One of the most memorable parts of our visit was being introduced to the Nordic tradition of whisking. Using fragrant birch branches, our host gently brushed the skin to help stimulate circulation, lightly exfoliate and release natural aromas throughout the sauna. Combined with fresh orange slices offered during the session, these thoughtful rituals transformed the experience into something much more immersive than we'd expected.

By the end of the session, we both felt noticeably calmer, mentally refreshed and surprisingly energised.

While Ember Haus is undoubtedly the highlight, Litton Lakes itself adds so much to the overall experience.

Visitors can spend time paddleboarding on the lake, relax on the picnic benches, enjoy drinks and light bites from the lakeside café or simply take in the peaceful Dorset countryside. The on-site campsite also provides modern shower, toilet and changing facilities, making it easy for both campers and day visitors to prepare for their sauna session.

It's easy to imagine spending an entire day here, combining outdoor activities with time to unwind by the water.

Alternating between heat and cold has been practised for centuries and continues to grow in popularity as more people discover the wellbeing benefits of contrast therapy.

Many people enjoy sauna bathing to help reduce stress, encourage relaxation, support post-exercise recovery and improve circulation. Cold water immersion can leave you feeling refreshed and revitalised, while simply taking time away from phones, emails and everyday distractions provides its own benefits for mental wellbeing.

Whether you're recovering after a long coastal walk, looking to recharge after a busy week or simply searching for a unique experience in Dorset, Ember Haus offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect with both yourself and nature.

What impressed us most wasn't simply the sauna itself, but the atmosphere Ember Haus has created.

Everything has been carefully considered, from the warm welcome and beautifully crafted facilities to the peaceful lakeside location and thoughtful wellness rituals that make every session feel personal. It never felt rushed or commercial. Instead, the experience encouraged us to slow down, embrace the surroundings and genuinely switch off for a while.

As outdoor wellness experiences continue to grow in popularity across the UK, Ember Haus is bringing something refreshingly different to Dorset. Whether you're booking a session with friends, looking for a mindful solo escape or trying contrast therapy for the very first time, it's an experience that's both memorable and restorative.

If you're searching for one of Dorset's most unique wellness experiences, Ember Haus at Litton Lakes is well worth adding to your list. We'll certainly be returning.

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