In an age where wellness has become commodified into apps and quick fixes, Fire & Ice Wellness stands as a radical act of resistance. Hidden within Bristol's Westbury Wildlife Park, where a decommissioned seal pool now serves as an ice-cold portal to transformation, this nature-immersed sanctuary is quietly revolutionizing how we think about healing.

Here, ancient Nordic traditions meet modern neuroscience. The primal shock of cold water followed by the enveloping heat of traditional saunas creates more than just physical contrast—it forges mental resilience, emotional clarity, and a profound reconnection to our most essential selves. While the world grows louder and faster, Fire & Ice Wellness offers something increasingly precious: the space to feel deeply, breathe fully, and emerge renewed.

We sat down with Jamie Winn, the visionary behind Fire & Ice Wellness, to explore how a former seal habitat became a human sanctuary, why contrast therapy is becoming essential medicine for modern stress, and what it really takes to build a movement around the radical idea that sometimes, the most powerful healing happens when we strip away everything unnecessary and simply be present with the elements.

Q: What inspired you to launch Fire & Ice Wellness, and how did your personal journey influence the retreat’s mission?

Fire & Ice Wellness began as a way to reconnect with nature and myself after years of feeling overwhelmed by modern life. Discovering the benefits of alternating between sauna heat and cold-water immersion transformed my physical and mental health. Creating this retreat on the site of an old seal pool allowed us to honour the land’s history and offer a space where people can pause, breathe, and rediscover a deeper sense of balance.

Q: How do you see the combination of wood-fired sauna and cold plunge therapy benefiting both mental and physical wellbeing, especially in today’s fast-paced world?

Alternating between heat and cold resets the body and mind. Physically, it boosts circulation, supports recovery, and helps regulate stress hormones. Mentally, the shock of cold water after the sauna forces you into the present moment, clearing mental clutter. In a world filled with constant demands, this ritual gives people a chance to slow down, feel grounded, and build resilience through a simple but powerful practice.

Q: What challenges have you faced in introducing this unique wellness concept to the Bristol community, and how have you addressed them?

One of the biggest challenges was helping people understand that this isn’t a typical luxury spa but a therapeutic practice rooted in ancient wisdom and backed by science. Educating the community about the mental health and resilience benefits has taken time. On a practical level, transforming an old seal pool into an organic bathing pond required extensive excavation, environmental approvals, and seasonal planning. By involving the community in workshops and open days, we’ve shown firsthand how life-changing the experience can be, and positive word-of-mouth has helped us grow.