Entrepreneur Johnny Palmer, famed for his daring stunt of driving a Boeing 727 down the M5 motorway, has launched a unique sauna experience on his private island near Bath. The Aether Sauna, located at the picturesque Warleigh Weir swimming spot, debuted last weekend to a full house, with all sessions selling out rapidly.
Palmer, who purchased the island in 2017, describes Aether Sauna as a “revolutionary sauna concept” that seamlessly blends five-star spa luxury with the raw charm of wild swimming in a completely off-grid environment. The facility features an Aufguss sauna—a traditional style that combines gradually increasing heat with essential oils, music, and mood lighting for a deeply relaxing 15-minute session.
“We are proud to introduce Aufguss to the UK’s iconic wild swimming community,” Palmer said. “Warleigh Weir has always been a place for people to connect with nature, and now we’re enhancing that experience with a sauna that complements the swimming perfectly.”
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Palmer’s track record as a local icon extends beyond the sauna—his 2021 stunt of piloting a Boeing 727 down the motorway captured widespread attention. He converted the same plane into an Airbnb, fulfilling a childhood dream sparked by growing up on a farm in Tasmania.
Warleigh Weir, part of the River Avon nestled between Bath and Bradford-on-Avon, is renowned for its natural beauty and growing popularity among swimming enthusiasts. Visitors should remain cautious around the site, as accessing the island involves crossing active train tracks with no level crossing, and the weir’s strong currents pose inherent risks. There are also no lifeguards on duty, and swimmers should be mindful of potential water contamination.
Sessions at Aether Sauna can be booked online for those eager to enjoy this blend of luxury, adventure, and nature.