Frequently asked questions
Planning
Your Session
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Whether you’re new to sauna bathing or just want to know more about how Matchbox Sauna works, take a look at some of our FAQ’s below or feel free to contact us for any additional info you might need.
Do you have to book online?
Yes, all bookings must be made online. We only accept walk-ins during festival or event scenario’s to ensure smooth scheduling and availability.
How much does it cost?
Sessions cost £15 per person for one hour, with a maximum of 10 people per public session.
Private one hour bookings are available from £80 at our base in Highampton, Devon – allowing exclusive use of the sauna for up to 12 people.
Mobile Hire (we come to you):
Half-Day Hire (3 hours) – £200
Full-Day Hire (6 hours) – £350
+ £1.50 per mile travel (return trip)
Optional Add-On: Bell Tent + Massage
During the summer months, we can bring our beautiful bell tent along to create a serene treatment space for massages with Eva.
35-minute massage – £30
60-minute massage – £50
(Bell tent subject to dry weather, but massages can also be set up indoors at your venue with ease.)
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payments via credit or debit card.
Cancellations & amendments
What happens if I need to cancel my sauna session? Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before your booking to receive a refund (minus the initial booking fee).
Can I reschedule my booking? Yes! If you’d like to change your booking, please give us at least 48 hours’ notice.
Can I transfer my booking to someone else? Absolutely. If you can’t make it but know someone who would enjoy the session, you can transfer your booking to them.
How do I cancel or reschedule? Please email us at info@matchboxsauna.co.uk with your full name, email address, and booking date/time. Let us know whether you’d like a refund, voucher, or to reschedule. (We check emails daily between 9am–5pm).
Mobile Hire Bookings
Do I need to pay a deposit for mobile hire? Yes — a 20% deposit is required to secure your booking date.
What happens if I cancel my mobile hire booking?
• Cancel more than 48 hours in advance → your deposit will be refunded in full.
• Cancel within 48 hours of your booking date → your deposit is non-refundable.
Can I reschedule a mobile hire? In most cases, yes! Please get in touch as early as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate a new date.
Extreme Circumstances
What if Matchbox Sauna needs to cancel? In the rare case of severe weather, breakdowns, or unforeseen events, we’ll offer you a full refund or a rescheduled booking — whichever works best for you.
What’s included?
Public Sauna Sessions
What’s included?
• One-hour access to the sauna (includes changing time).
• Use of our cold plunge pool.
Private Sessions
Hire the sauna for your group only – up to 12 people at once.
• One-hour access to the sauna (includes changing time).
• Use of our cold plunge pool.
Mobile Hire
What’s included?
• Wood-fired sauna (up to 12 people at a time).
• 600L cold plunge pool.
• Bell tent changing area (only during dryer months)
• Set-up and pack-down included.
Hire Options
• Half day 3 hours – £200
• Full day 6 hours – £350
• Haulage – £1.50 per mile from EX21 5LF.
Optional Extras
Professional massage treatments (in our bell tent or at hosting venue)
• 30 mins (back & shoulders)
• 60 mins (full body)
Requirements
• Flat, level ground (sauna is 16ft x 8ft x 9ft).
• Access to water (for plunge + shower).
• Power supply preferred (for chiller + filtration), but not essential – we can work around this.
Where are you located?
We are located at Lower Longwood near Highampton, Beaworthy – Devon unless stated otherwise on the homepage.
Follow what3words for exact location of our car park:
How long are sessions?
Public Sessions are an hour in length.
Please factor in the time taken to change/exit the sauna in order to ensure a smooth transition with following bookings.
Private Sessions at our base in Highampton start at an hour in length.
Half day sessions run for 3 hours / Full day sessions run for 6 hours.
For mobile hire please factor-in that we will arrive approximately 2 hours early to get the sauna to the adequate temperature.
Does the session time include changing time?
Your one hour session includes changing time, so please arrive 10 minutes before your session begins to prepare. Punctuality is essential to ensure your full one hour session runs smoothly.
Please arrive with your swimwear on under your clothes or robe. This will allow you to change quickly and maximize your time in the sauna.
Please be prepared to leave on the hour so you are not imposing on the following groups sauna time.
How do I use the sauna?
- Please arrive wearing your swimwear under your clothes or a robe to allow for a quick change and to maximize your sauna time.
- When entering the sauna, please take care and use the walkways, as surfaces may be slippery when wet.
- For hygiene and safety reasons, please always sit on a towel while inside the sauna.
- If adding water to the sauna stones, use only the provided water and sprinkle it lightly. Ensure everyone’s consent before doing so.
- Please do not use any personal care products (such as oils, scrubs or creams) while using the sauna.
- Your allocated sauna session includes changing time.
who can use the sauna?
- The age restriction for public and private sauna sessions is 16 – Unless under supervision from a parent or guardian.
- Any persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to use the sauna or cold plunge.
- You must not use the sauna if you: Are pregnant, suffer from low or high blood pressure or are prone to dizziness or fainting
What do I need to bring?
Please bring your swimwear, and two towels – one to sit on in the sauna and one to dry yourself after your session.
Bring a water bottle which must be left outside the sauna in the porch area.
For safety and hygiene, it is required that you sit on a towel at all times while inside the sauna.
Can I bring my own products to use?
Do not use any products (such as oils, scrubs, or creams) while at the sauna (unless they are provided by Matchbox) as these can damage the equipment and affect other guests’ experience.
Can I top up the water during my session?
If you wish to add water to the stones, use only the water provided. Please ensure you get everyone else’s consent before doing so, and only sprinkle small amounts of water at a time—avoid pouring large volumes onto the stones.
Is there anything else I need to know?
Take care while entering the sauna and using the walkways, plunge pool, and surrounding areas, as the ground may be uneven or slippery.
