Spa guests at five-star hotel and spa Seaham Hall in Durham, UK, are being invited to take the plunge into extreme bathing with a new workshop focused on the Wim Hof Method.

Founded by the Iceman Wim Hof, the method combines cold therapy and conscious breathing as a means to improve overall physical and mental health.

The workshops will be hosted in partnership with wellness business XHayle and taught by breathwork and cold exposure instructor Hayley Dorian – a specialist who trained with Wim Hof himself.

Guests participating will be able to discover the technique first-hand and be taught about how it can encourage increased energy, better sleep, reduced stress levels, heightened focus and increased willpower.

Each course will include a two-hour guided session focusing on breathing techniques and teaching the benefits of cold-water exposure.

This will be complemented with a light, plant-based lunch served in the spa’s restaurant, followed by an afternoon cold water experience, using the spa’s icy plunge pool for up to two minutes per person.

Dorian commented: “Very few people like being cold and so the idea of submerging your body in temperatures as low as zero degrees might not appeal to most of us. So, imagine what it’s like to discover that the thing you feared was the thing that made you feel so good and buzzing with life?

“This is exactly what cold water does, and probably the reason why so many people who try it once, continue to do so daily.”

Scheduled for 9 October and 11 December in 2022, the sessions cost £155 each (US$183, €184) and will include up to 12 people.

The spa will release details about plans for 2023 workshops towards the end of the year.

Seaham Hall spa manager, Amanda Jennings, explained that the new workshop marks the launch of Serenity Spa’s new workshop series.

“To celebrate the spa’s 20th anniversary this year – together with exploring more holistic practices (whether medicinal or technology-driven) – we’re developing the spa and creating new spaces for more immersive experiences.

“We believe that a more holistic approach to treatments will continue to be a big industry trend. So, we’re looking to further build on our existing portfolio, working with exciting new partners and introducing new therapies including breathwork and sound therapy.”