REVIEW: SAE Seaweed Baths Studland

Trying something new in the middle of winter can feel like a real lift, and our recent visit to SAE Seaweed Baths at Middle Beach, Studland was exactly that. My friend and I visited on 1st February, both of us busy working mums, and this felt like the perfect restorative escape to brighten up a cold winter’s day.

Located on the beautiful Middle Beach in Studland, the setting alone makes this experience special. Parking is plentiful and, as it’s a National Trust car park, it’s free for members – always a bonus. The seaweed baths are conveniently positioned right by the car park, so as soon as you step onto the beach, you’re there, with sweeping sea views and the iconic Old Harry Rocks in the distance.

A New Kind of Sea Wellness

Although we’re no strangers to sea saunas, this was a completely different concept for us – and one we didn’t quite know what to expect from. That sense of curiosity made it even more exciting.

We began our experience seated on deck chairs outside, wrapped up in our dry robes (definitely bring one). You can also sit inside the beach hut if you prefer shelter, but we loved being outside, breathing in the sea air. This is where we were presented with our choice of foot scrub and face mask (we both opted for elderflower for its moisturising properties. SAE Seaweed isn’t just about the unforgettable bath experience on Middle Beach - their products and the seaweed itself are at the heart of what makes this wellness concept so special. They use sustainably hand-harvest wild seaweed from the Dorset coastline under licence, bringing nature’s goodness straight from Jurassic Coast waters to your skin. This nutrient-rich seaweed is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants - including iodine, magnesium and potassium - that help hydrate and nourish the skin, soothe sore muscles, and boost circulation when released in warm water. 

Once our feet were scrubbed, we stepped into the hot seaweed baths, and honestly… wow. The warmth was instantly relaxing, especially after being out in the crisp winter air. As our pores opened, we applied our elderflower face masks and truly switched off.

Seaweed Baths with a View

The bath itself is filled with seaweed-infused hot water, and you’re encouraged to use the seaweed bag on your hair too – which we did – for its deeply moisturising and nourishing benefits. Sitting back in the warmth, listening to the gentle lap of the waves, chatting without distractions and soaking in the views across to Old Harry Rocks felt incredibly special.

It was such a lovely way for two busy friends to catch up – no phones, no rushing, just time to relax, talk and properly unwind in nature. The session lasts 50 minutes, which felt like the perfect amount of time to fully enjoy the experience without feeling hurried.

When our session came to an end, we used the curtained changing area (you can change in the beach hut too if you exit the Bath a few minutes easlier), but we wanted to make the most of every last second before getting out.

A Sensory Experience You’ll Want to Repeat

This was a truly unique wellness experience, engaging all the senses – warmth, scent, nature, sound and scenery – and my skin felt incredibly soft and glowing afterwards. It’s the kind of experience that feels indulgent yet natural, and completely in tune with its surroundings.

We were also very pleased to hear that SAE Seaweed products will soon be available to purchase, which is exciting as we’d love to bring a little piece of this experience home.

Part of the Fore Adventure Family

SAE Seaweed is part of Fore / Adventure, a wild food adventure business in Dorset with a passion for connecting people to nature. It’s lovely to see such a thoughtful, nature-led concept added to the Middle Beach offering, complementing the area so beautifully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something different to do in Dorset this winter, or a genuinely restorative treat for yourself or with a friend, SAE Seaweed Baths at Middle Beach, Studland is well worth experiencing. Relaxing, unique and set in one of the most beautiful coastal spots in Dorset – we’ll definitely be back. You can find out more and book here.