I used to think people who deliberately submerge themselves in cold water for fun must be slightly mad. I hate being cold and couldn’t understand why anyone would purposefully put their body through pain.
However, after trying a wild swim one March during a weekend away, I suddenly understood the hype and why so many people swear by so-called “contrast therapy”.
Be. The Underground Retreat has now opened in Basingstoke town centre, offering “fire and ice” sessions for £15 per hour, and I was keen to give it a try.
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It is a welcome addition to the town centre, giving people the chance to step away from the businesses of daily life and focus on their wellbeing for an hour or two.
The entrance, tucked away in New Street, is easy to miss from the outside. But stepping inside, visitors are transported into a tranquil underground space that has been beautifully transformed, exuding luxury and relaxation.
I instantly felt a world away from the busy town centre and passing traffic above.
Downstairs, the space includes two spacious saunas, two cold-water plunge baths and loungers. There is also a separate studio for classes such as yoga and sound baths.
It was interesting to hear about the inspiration behind Be, and the passion that has gone into creating a space where people can relax, switch off and focus on their mental health and wellbeing.
I didn’t need convincing about the benefits of contrast therapy, having tried it briefly before. But since that wild swim, I had been keen to experience it properly and for a longer period. That first attempt involved just five minutes in cold water followed by a sauna, whereas at Be I would be alternating between hot and cold for a full hour.
The theory is that moving between heat and cold causes blood vessels to constrict and dilate, which may help improve circulation, support blood pressure regulation and aid recovery after exercise. The rapid temperature shifts can also leave you feeling more alert and energised.
Time spent in a sauna is also associated with relaxation, helping to ease muscle tension and support stress management.
We were given guidance on the suggested cycle: shower, cold plunge, then sauna.
I started with the 12-degree bath, the slightly warmer option, which is said to be better suited to women to promote hormone balance. In a world where so much is designed with men in mind, it was refreshing to see this consideration reflected in the offering.
It was shockingly cold. I focused on slowing my breathing as I gradually lowered myself in, eventually submerging fully while keeping my hands resting on the edges.
We could set a timer for one minute, which initially felt like a long time. But gradually my body adjusted, the intense shock fading as I began to relax. One minute turned into two before I stepped out and headed straight for the sauna.
It is the feeling afterwards that makes the cold plunge worthwhile. I could feel my body thawing, starting with a tingling in my limbs. The warmth of the sauna brought instant comfort, while the endorphin rush from the cold left me feeling almost euphoric.
The hour flew by as I repeated the cycle, spending longer in the cold water each time until I could get in without hesitation. Eventually, I plucked up the courage to try the colder eight-degree bath, drawn by the promise of a sharper contrast and that invigorating “buzz”.
I gasped as I lowered myself in but was surprised by how quickly my body adapted. The sauna afterwards felt incredible.
After finishing with a warm shower, I left feeling calm, clear-headed and with a boosted resilience to cope with life’s stresses.
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