My name is William, and I founded Hikitalo to introduce authentic, wood-fired sauna to Wales, creating spaces that bring people together and support health and wellbeing.

We opened our first sauna at Sandy Bay in November 2024. Due to overwhelming demand from the local community, we opened a second sauna at Rest Bay in May 2025. What we have built has become something far greater than a sauna. It is a genuine community space.

Despite its clear benefits, Rest Bay Sauna has now been refused planning permission. Without reconsideration, this decision could force its removal.

What Rest Bay Sauna Means to This Community
Every week, hundreds of people use Rest Bay Sauna. Swimmers and surfers warm up after early morning sea dips. Neighbours who never spoke before now meet regularly on the sauna bench. People managing anxiety, stress and loneliness find a welcoming, supportive space 

We have created local jobs, brought year-round visitors to Porthcawl outside peak summer months and supported surrounding businesses including cafés, surf schools and hospitality venues.

Our Rest Bay sauna has been featured in Britain’s Best Saunas book and welcomed Ruth Jones for an ITV feature but the recognition we are most proud of is what we see daily, connection, wellbeing and community impact.

We were pleased to welcome Chris Elmore to Rest Bay last year, where he took the time to speak with local residents and understand the value this space brings to the community.

We now ask our Bridgend County Borough Council councillors to do the same to visit the site, speak directly with sauna goers and see firsthand the positive impact Rest Bay Sauna is having before determining its future.

The Evidence Supports Us

A qualified landscape architect has assessed the site and confirmed the sauna is sympathetically positioned within its surroundings.

An independent ecologist has reviewed our operation and confirmed it is low impact, with no meaningful harm to the natural environment.

Our Sauna:

• Has no permanent foundations
• Uses no concrete base
• Can be fully removed from site without trace
• Is powered by solar energy for lighting and other electrics
• Uses locally sourced wood
• Operates with high-efficiency Finnish stoves designed for minimal emissions
  
  This is responsible, small scale and low impact business

Planning Policy Wales supports sustainable tourism, local business and developments that enhance community wellbeing while respecting landscape character. Rest Bay Sauna demonstrably meets those principles.

We are not asking for special treatment, only for fair consideration, evidence based decision making and the opportunity to continue contributing positively to our community.

What We Are Asking For

We respectfully ask Bridgend County Borough Council to:

1. Pause any enforcement action while meaningful dialogue takes place
2. Enter constructive discussion with Hikitalo
3. Grant planning consent for Rest Bay Sauna to continue operating at its current location
4. Recognise the proven mental and physical wellbeing benefits of sauna and year round sea dipping
5. Support responsible local businesses delivering clear public benefit
6. We invite local councillors to visit the site and see firsthand the positive impact this facility is having on the community.

Please Sign and Share
Bridgend County Borough Council has set out ambitious regeneration plans for Porthcawl, plans that prioritise wellbeing, leisure, tourism and year round economic activity.

We are a small scale, low impact coastal wellbeing facility that supports physical and mental health, extends the visitor season beyond summer, creates local employment and brings positive footfall to surrounding businesses.

If you believe Rest Bay Sauna adds value to this community and aligns with the future vision for Porthcawl, please add your name and show Bridgend Council that this space is worth protecting.

Let’s protect a space that brings people together, supports wellbeing and makes Porthcawl feel more connected.

Your support means a lot to me personally, to our staff and to the many people who rely on our sauna for connection, wellbeing and warmth throughout the year.

Thank you,
William
Founder, Hikitalo