You can stand the heat …

Covid and the lockdowns caused a great deal of harm and havoc but they have also spawned new opportunities and encouraged people to look at life in a different way. That is certainly the case for Jayne Ronaldson who has launched a new venture not far from Cupar. We caught up to discover more …

Jayne has opened Viking Heat Retreat in Balmalcolm – “an outdoor sauna with plunge pools, offering contrast therapy to customers.

Jayne explains: “Since covid, I was cold water swimming regularly. It is over four years now and I am reaping the physical and emotional health benefits. It has become part of my life.” Over those years, Jane has read many articles on cold water therapy, the world’s leading guru, Wim Hof, being “a great influence“.

Day to day, Jayne works for Pupil Support Service in schools around Fife. She also DJs at weekends and in her spare time at pubs, clubs and local events. It was last autumn when she and her sister, Tina, spent time in a friend’s sauna and swimming pool on a chilly evening that the spark for their venture was lit. She says: “We decided we wanted one too – then the plan to turn it into a business came about so we could share the experience with others.

Relax …

In April, their plans came to fruition and Viking Heat Retreat officially opened. For anyone local, it is on the site of the former Muddy Boots – so easy access for all.

Jayne adds: “We offer a great relaxing and chilled outdoor space for individuals and groups. Under our guidance, you can come and try out the barrel sauna and plunge pool pods or baths. You can also enjoy the fire and seating. If it is raining, we have a canopy and a fireplace too.

Making a splash …

As with so many new business ventures, Viking Heat Retreat is borne out of a change in mindset and a wish to create a new work-life balance.

Jayne explains: “I have had health issues – losing the sight in one of my eyes. Years of hospital visits and injections, time off work, not feeling able to go out and socialise – it all added up and I lost my confidence and self esteem.” She adds: “But I have never given up on myself. I love music and took to being a DJ. Now I can stand up in front of hundreds of people and am really proud to be able to DJ – whether at weddings at Balbirnie House Hotel or as ‘DJ Lady Jayne’, bringing music to pubs, clubs and events.” Most recently, she has been DJing at Cupar’s Corn Exchange, helping raise funds and awareness to Andys Man Club, Cupar.

The change in her confidence has helped her to “make a splash” with Viking Heat Retreat. She says: “Apart from having my son, Garith, the work I have put into being ‘out front’ as a DJ has been my greatest achievement – but it is that growing confidence that has now enabled me to launch this new venture.

Therapeutic …

There is no doubt Jayne (pictured above) has discovered a new path at Balmalcolm and she is delighted that her sister, Tina, is alongside her – literally: “Tina runs a ceramic painting business next to the sauna. We are planning “Mindful Moments” sessions of art with contrast therapy – offering a unique experience to our customers.

As with all those who feature on our pages, we asked Jayne what she would recommend to someone visiting Cupar for the first time – or for the first time in a long time: “I’d recommend anyone to come and enjoy walks around Cupar. When I was working in the town, I’d bring my dog and we’d walk in the Haugh and Duffus Parks, at Elmwood as well as on the Nature Trail following the River Eden, Tarvit Hill annd The Mound.” She concludes: “Cupar Sports Centre is a great facility with friendly staff and, of course, a visit to Nourish on Crossgate. Tracey and her staff are wonderful and have the best coffees!

 

Need More?

You can follow Viking Heart Retreat and contact them through their Facebook page.

Visit them at Balmalcolm Den, Balmalcolm (KY15 7TJ)

 

Thanks for reading!