Time for a scrub!

Every month, I make a pilgrimage to the County Down town of Newcastle to visit the Soak Seaweed Baths located on the town’s South Promenade at the start of the coast road to Kilkeel. By the way, this is not the only time I wash each month!

Many people ask me what a seaweed bath is like so I will try to answer some of your questions here.

Why do I go to the seaweed baths?

• It’s a very pleasant and relaxing experience which leaves you feeling refreshed and invigorated afterwards.
• It’s a natural way to detoxify. Basically a seaweed bath rebalances the body’s chemistry. Essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins are absorbed through the skin, thereby promoting a detox to expel toxins and rebalance your system.
• My skin and hair feel great afterwards.
• It’s a good excuse to go to the seaside town of Newcastle and have a walk along the coastal paths.

What happens when you arrive?

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Start by parking your car in the free car park across the road from Soak Seaweed Baths. You will be greeted on arrival by the very friendly and helpful Paul. Sometimes the fire is lit so the reception area feels very warm and welcoming.

You then have to pick your music to listen to while you soak in the bath. Paul will give you a list of over 70 albums for you to select your preferred music. So if you fancy relaxing to the sounds of Van Morrison, Shania Twain, Elton John, Classic FM, Abba or something else, there should be something that will be right up your musical street. Or you can even bring your own CD if you prefer.

Then Paul shows you to your private bathroom which contains a bath with seaweed in it, a shower cubicle and a sauna cabinet. Towels are provided too plus everything is spotlessly clean. Paul explains what you need to do and there is an explanatory poster on the wall too in case you forget anything when he’s not there.

What do you wear?

Your birthday suit! These are not public baths but you have your own private bathroom with a locked door, just like at home. So why would you wear a swimsuit?

What happens next?

1. Lock the door and get ready to enjoy your own private bathroom experience for the next 60 minutes.
2. The seaweed is already in the bottom of the bath but you need to add more water to your preferred temperature and level. Both hot and cold water is available. The water is actually sea water which is piped directly to Soak. Every person gets fresh seaweed which is gathered along the County Down coastline. Fucus serratus is often the type of seaweed that is used and it is an olive-brown colour.
3. Take your clothes off! There are hooks to hang them up.
4. Set the timer on your phone for about 45 minutes so you know when to get out.
5. Drink some water – a glass of ice cold water is available in the room for you.
6. Adjust the volume of the music so you can hear it clearly.
7. Sit in the sauna for ten minutes so that your pores are opened up.
8. Drink some water.
9. Check the temperature of the bath water. Add more hot or cold water if needed.
10. Climb into the bath, lie down, relax and listen to the music for the next 35 minutes or so. Sing along if you fancy too – Paul will let you know afterwards if you should apply for X Factor! The seaweed is oily so it is really good for your skin and hair. It’s a great opportunity to give your hair a deep conditioning treatment as well as a DIY facial as you soak in the bath water.
11. Drink some water while you are in the bath. You are detoxing while you soak in the seaweed so you need to keep well hydrated.
12. When your time is up, lift the seaweed out of the bath and put it in the yellow bucket. The used seaweed goes to local farmers who use it as fertiliser.
13. Climb out of the bath, pull the plug and empty the bath. The bath water has changed to a golden brown colour – this is the seaweed releasing its goodness not dirt from you!
14. Drink some water.
15. Take a shower and get dressed.

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What happens afterwards?

Well, you’ve probably guessed it – drink some more water! Then you can dry your hair in the hair drying room – there are hairdryers there but you can bring your own hairdryer if you prefer. Finally, you can relax in the reception area where Paul can make you a latte or a cup of tea plus you can have a browse in their seaside gift shop.

Hopefully I have answered some of your questions about the Soak Seaweed Bath experience and you’d love to try it out for yourself. All you need to do is call Paul on 028 4372 6002 to book your seaweed bath session. It costs £25 for a single bath or £50 for a double bath. There are six single bathrooms and one double bathroom if you would like to try it out with a partner.