A new “social wellness club” featuring large saunas, ice baths, and recovery facilities could soon open at the Waterfront – if new plans from a local entrepreneur get the green light.
Sauna Society founder Cole McLean has submitted a planning application to build a wellness hub at Waterfront Gardens that would offer sauna sessions, cold water therapy, and a recovery lounge for up to 30 people at a time.
The proposal, which Mr McClean says has received the support of Visit Jersey and the Jersey Development Company, aims to “breathe new life into the area” and marks the next stage in the entrepreneur’s ambition to offer healthy ways to socialise without alcohol.
If approved, the development would include two 20-person sauna pods, six ice baths, a heated magnesium contrast pool, and indoor-outdoor relaxation zones.
Announcing the plans, Mr McLean said that a retractable roof and floor-to-ceiling glass windows would allow the space to adapt to the weather and open out over the gardens.
A separate building would be used for the reception.
The entrepreneur added that the new venue would offer women-only sessions, a men’s club, and structured recovery programming to support physical and mental well-being.
“As someone who trains regularly, I know how hard it is to switch off and recover properly,” he said.
“This space will be a game changer – not just for gym-goers or people who pursue an active lifestyle but for anyone looking to feel their best.”
The Waterfront site would be the second location for Sauna Society, which launched in 2023.
A regular gym-goer and fan of football and hockey, Mr McLean started his business after discovering the benefits of regular sauna use for recovering from injuries and improving his overall well-being.
The original mobile unit, designed with a traditional Finnish woodburner and panoramic glass window, was first based at St Ouen’s Bay before moving to St Catherine’s.
But setting up business brought with it what he described as “red tape”, with Mr McLean having to relocate the unit further from the sea and later told that he would need to submit a new application.
“Surely we should be supporting entrepreneurship and businesses in general and not shutting them down to some outdated box-ticking methods currently in place?” he said at the time.
“The whole system needs a revamp, as this current one isn’t fit for purpose, it slows down innovation and is keeping Jersey back in the dark ages.”
The St Catherine’s site will continue to operate for now, with a new application expected soon to extend its use for another year.
Mr McLean also said that a third site is planned for the west of the island within the next 12 months.