Saunas & cold plunges in Essaouira

Essaouira has wind. Not a breeze — a reliable, strong Atlantic wind that is why the kitesurfers come and why buildings here are permanently damp.

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Damp that never leaves

Essaouira's air does not dry things out; it keeps them wet. Any enclosed room needs mechanical extract with a long run-on timer, and any timber needs to be thermo-treated or charred. Untreated softwood in this town has a short unhappy life.

Vapour barriers must be continuous and on the warm side, with every penetration sealed. A barrier with gaps here traps moisture inside the wall, which is worse than none at all.

Wind as a layout decision

A cold plunge in the Essaouira wind is a very short experience. We shelter the plunge and the bench behind a wall or a screen, put the glass at right angles to the prevailing wind, and accept that outdoor sessions here need a windbreak to be pleasant.

A protected medina on the coast

Essaouira's medina is UNESCO-listed and the facades are protected. Internally there is freedom; externally almost none, so plant goes inside or set back on the roof, out of sight.

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