The secluded, private Arden Bathhouse has just opened in the Tasmanian bush and is destined to be your next wellness escape.

There’s no doubt that saunas and bathhouses are hot at the moment and the Tassie climate is the perfect backdrop for a wellness ritual where you warm up, cool down and rest on repeat.

But on my way to the new Arden Bathhouse in Tasmania, on the outskirts of the historic village of Richmond (a 35-minute drive from Hobart), I have to admit, I’m a little worried. As much as I love a good soak, I’m concerned that a four-hour booking is overkill – after all, there’s only one sauna, one hot tub and a cold plunge. Am I going to be bored? Will there be enough to do? And will I actually be brave enough to lurch into the icy water given the outside temperature is in single digits?

First impressions

Set amongst towering native blue gums and sandstone, Arden Bathhouse offers sweeping views of the Coal River Valley ridgeline. As we walk towards the bathhouse, a Bennett’s wallaby pogoes through the bush, while an eagle glides on a thermal current overhead. If I was looking for confirmation that I was about to be immersed in nature: this is it.

Designed for couples, friends or small groups (of up to six), you get exclusive use of the bathhouse for four hours. Usually, guests will light the fire for the sauna when they arrive, but on this day, Tristan Burns – the aptly named owner – and his wife Alice have the sauna already steaming for us.

The inspiration

After building The Croft (a gorgeous two-bedroom hideaway that has a wood-fired hot tub) on their 140-acre property, Tristan and Alice were ready for their next challenge – creating a private bathhouse just 300 metres down the road.

Having worked on superyachts in the Mediterranean, Tristan designed the layout to mimic a passerelle (the footbridges used to walk between docks and the sides of boats). The result is a beautifully crafted, angular timber cabin with a deck overlooking the bush, a living space with window seat and change room, that leads outside to a wood-fired sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and outdoor shower. Tristan makes the plunge pools himself as a side hustle. “It helps pay for school fees," he laughs.

The cabin

Inside the living space, the fire is lit and I can instantly see how I could while away hours sitting on the cosy couch reading a book and watching the weather roll through (or giggling watching friends shriek, braving the cold water). There’s a small kitchenette with tea and coffee as well as a selection of alcoholic beverages available to purchase. I help myself to a complimentary cold-pressed juice (watermelon, apple, lemon, raspberry and mint). I feel ready to tackle the elements, but first I need to warm up.

The sauna

It’s a cold morning but opening the door to the sauna is like walking into a warm hug. I flip the sand timer, gaze out at the bushland and vow to stay in for 15 minutes. The temperature inside hovers around 70 degrees, and one of my companions flings water onto the stones, sending sizzles of steam into the air. I last about 10 minutes before heading for a cold plunge.

The cold plunge

The water is about 10 degrees, but it feels much, much colder. Every part of me wants to recoil as I step onto the first rung of the submerged ladder. My companions urge me to live up to the tub’s name and take the plunge, but I prefer to ease myself in, which I do. Very, very slowly. I go up to my shoulders, surrounded by the glacial water but my breathing becomes increasingly shallow, as if I’m being squeezed by a boa constrictor. I make a quick beeline for warmer climes.

The hot tub

I launch myself into the hot tub and my body stings as if being pricked with tiny needles. My skin is flushed red from the sauna, the cold and then the heat, but I stay in the hot tub for a long time, watching the birds flit between trees and drinking in the tranquillity of this bush setting.

So much time passes that one of my companions reminds me that our four hours is nearly up. I can’t believe how quickly and easily the time has gone. We can stay for just one more sauna and cold pool. And this time, maybe I will take the plunge after all.

Details

Address:

770 Brinktop Road, Richmond

Opening hours:

Each booking includes exclusive access to Arden Bathhouse for a private four-hour experience (for up to 6 guests).

Morning Session: 8:30am – 12:30pm

Afternoon Session: 3:30pm – 7:30pm

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: 10:00am – 2:00pm or 5:00pm – 9:00pm

Session times can be adjusted upon request.

Prices:

Monday to Friday (daytime sessions): $485

Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday sessions: $545

Please note: Guests must be over 14 years