Our Review

Honest, first-hand recommendations and personal insights from our own experiences exploring the local area.

Trying the Barend Sauna at the Sea for the First Time

22 Barend

We tried Barend’s “Sauna at the Sea” for the first time in April. We had a private session and, as there were only 2 of us, we could stretch out on the benches and relax while looking out to the Solway Firth.

Private sauna sessions are included free for Serenity 22 guests.

The traditional wood-fired log sauna on the Barend estate, free for Serenity 22 guests.

Sauna at the Sea: Quick Info

  • Distance from Serenity (22 Barend): ~200 metres, about 4 mins walk
  • Booking: Complimentary private sessions. Booking link sent with your confirmation email, or call reception 01387 780 663.
  • Session Length: 55 mins
  • What to bring: Towel, swimwear, a cool drink, flip flops (optional but useful on the decking)
  • Cold tubs: Available outside for contrast bathing between sauna sessions
  • Minimum Age: 14 (must have an over 18 with them); 16 is the minimum unaccompanied age

I’m not usually a big fan of saunas, as I don’t like feeling too hot 😂 but I wanted to try it out. I found that 10-minute periods with a few minutes cooling off outside between each one worked well for me. It was very pleasant to sit outside for a few minutes and feel the cool breeze before returning to the warmth of the sauna.

If you’re feeling brave, you can take a plunge into the cold tubs. However, if you’re less brave (like me!), you can splash your face and hands and have some cool water to drink.

We thought about combining the sauna with swimming beforehand, but the timings didn’t quite work out on this visit. I think this would feel really nice; maybe next time! We’ll also take a chilled drink next time to enjoy whilst relaxing outside between sauna sessions.

We’ll definitely book it again, and next time we’ll get the swim session timing right too.

Sauna access is free for every Serenity 22 guest – no extra cost, just book your slot: Check Availability

To see more information about the Sauna and how to book your free session, see: Free Sauna Access for Serenity Guests

Tips for Planning Your Sauna Session

  • Bring swimwear and towels
  • Lockers are available (refundable £1 fee)
  • Take a cool drink to enjoy outside the sauna
  • Optionally bring flip flops/sliders
  • Combine with Free swimming pool access – ask reception about timing your sessions back to back
A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.

Caddie’s Cove Bistro: Relaxed Dining at Colvend Golf Club

22 Barend

Located at Colvend Golf Club, Caddie’s Cove Bistro is just a 4 min drive or 20 min walk from Serenity.

Quick info for your visit:

  • Distance from Serenity (22 Barend): 1.3 miles S (~4 min drive / 20 min walk)
  • Location: Colvend, Sandyhills, Dalbeattie, DG5 4PY
  • Food: Coffee & Cake, Breakfasts, Light Bites, and Evening Meals (also licensed bar)
  • Dogs: Allowed in the outside seating areas.
  • Local Tip: After you reach Sandyhills, there’s no footpath up the half mile of the A710, so walk on the right facing the traffic and be careful!

Caddie’s Cove is just a 4 min drive from Serenity 22. Check Availability

We popped to Caddie’s Cove Bistro for lunch after a coastal walk. As it’s located in the golf club, we weren’t sure what it would be like, but we received a warm welcome. It was midweek and fairly quiet; the restaurant had a nice relaxed atmosphere and the staff were friendly.

We sat by the window and enjoyed the surroundings. There’s outdoor seating too but it wasn’t quite warm enough when we visited.

A golfer putting on the green at Colvend Golf Club near Caddie's Cove Bistro, surrounded by mature trees with a small stream in the foreground.
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A wide, quiet sandy beach shoreline along the circular coastal route section of the Mersehead trail.

Barn Owls, Barnacle Geese & Barefoot on the Beach at RSPB Mersehead

22 Barend

I’m not really sure why, but for some reason we only visited this RSPB reserve for the first time this spring, even though it is literally a few minutes drive from the Lodge.  It’s amazing – I can’t believe we haven’t been before! The whole area is beautiful, and the wildlife is abundant. The visitor centre is small but very well thought out and has everything you need.  It was a really good afternoon out. 

A flat walking path goes through open wetlands and wild grass fields at RSPB Mersehead reserve.
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Close-up view of a collection of polished gemstones displaying colourful, circular banding patterns.

Visiting the Gem Rock Museum, Creetown (sad news, it’s closing)

22 Barend

Update: We were so sorry to hear the news that the Gem Rock Museum is closing its doors for the last time in October 2026. This museum has been a local gem (literally!) for 45 years. We’re hoping to squeeze a last visit in soon.

39 miles W ~54 min drive DG8 7HJ

The Gem Rock Museum in Creetown is a unique and fascinating collection of gems, crystals, minerals and fossils. It’s a relatively small family run museum, but has an amazing amount of rare gems and rocks, many more than we expected!

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