SAUNA MASTER TRAINING CENTRE
Welcome to the UK’s only woodland sauna training centre, led by Sauna Master UK, Katie Bracher.
Over the past decade, Katie has been at the forefront of the UK’s emerging sauna scene, shaping projects, training sauna professionals, and supporting operators to create more intentional, meaningful sauna experiences. Her approach blends traditional practices with modern design, drawing on global sauna cultures and ritual, with a focus on the full journey from heat to cold to rest.
Alongside Katie’s trainings, we host a range of leading international sauna experts, bringing diverse perspectives, techniques and traditions into the woods.
Explore the trainings on the SMUK website, and if you’d like to find out more, get in touch at hello@wildspawowo.co.uk.
Sauna Master 101 with Katie Bracher
This 1 day workshop gives you an insight and taste of bathing practices and sauna rituals from around the world along with practical knowledge of how to optimise and create a quality sauna practice.
Included: History & modern sauna around the world, Sauna Stoves, Microclimate & Heat Peak, Leaf whisking, Basic Aufguss, Aromatherapy & smoke rituals, Body treatments, Sauna etiquette, Health benefits & Contraindications and Sauna self-care. Supported with online resources.
UPCOMING DATES
11th September 2026 – FULL
More TBC soon
Sauna Fusion: Sauna Guide Foundations Course with Katie Bracher (and guest sauna masters)
This unique 3 day gathering brings together techniques and traditions from the Global Bathing Arts, woven with nature-based ritual and embodied learning. Together, we’ll refine your facilitation skills, explore the roots and evolution of sauna culture, and support you in crafting your own authentic sauna offerings.
You’ll leave with a stronger sense of presence, confidence, and creativity in designing and hosting sauna sessions.
Included: Theory: Sauna Culture, Rituals, Space Holding, Self-care, guest-care, Leaf whisking and nature-based ritual, Aufguss technique and practice, Designing and holding your own sauna ceremonies, In-sauna facilitation practice with live feedback and pre- and post-training online support & resources.
6-8th September 2026 – FULL
1-3rd November 2026 – FULL
More dates coming soon…
Lithuanian Leaf Whisking & Natural Spa Treatments
with the Academy of Traditional Bathing, in collaboration with the International Bath Academy
Step into the Lithuanian Pirtis tradition, where sauna becomes a deeply sensory and restorative ritual. Led by Birutė, a master with over 30 years of experience, this training offers a rare opportunity to learn authentic leaf whisking, sauna bodywork and natural spa treatments. These courses give you a grounded, practical understanding of how to work with leaf whisks, herbs and natural materials, along with the skills to create rich, elemental sauna experiences for your guests.
Level 1 – Leaf whisking and Nature Rituals (3 days)
4–6 October 2026
Build strong foundations in the Pirtis tradition, including whisking techniques, rhythm, flow and working with others in a sauna setting.
Level 2 – Leaf whisking and Nature Rituals (3 days)
7–9 October 2026
Focus on small group work, full body whisking and natural spa treatments, developing confidence and depth in your practice.
Birutė also offers specialist workshops for advanced practitioners, including emotional healing in the sauna space, plant mythology and group rituals.
Saunotus – Finnish Mythology and Herbal Rituals with Laura, Sauna-Akka
A traditional sauna experience that takes you into the healing world of the forest. A deep and meditative sauna practice that combines the wisdom of Nordic ancestors, natural ingredients and the healing heat of the sauna. Using rhythm of the vihta (leaf whisk), the healing power of plants and the softness of Löyly (sauna steam) into one holistic experience. Steamings made from different trees and plants bring their own nuances to the treatment – birch, juniper, yarrow and many other plants bring their aromatherapeutic, healing effects through inhalation and skin.
The 3 day immersion training incorporates herbal teas and waters, Finnish mythology and sauna folklore, Finnish sauna traditions, sauna meditation, sauna silence & woodland magic… and of course plenty of Löyly!
13-15th September 2026