Meet William – Founder of Hikitalo
I was born in Wales and raised in Holland, with a passion for adventure that’s led me all over the world. I spent 13 years living in Ireland and Germany, using my free time to explore new experiences and immerse myself in different cultures. Despite the freedom and excitement that came with travel, I faced ongoing challenges with my mental health throughout the years.
Not too long ago, I experienced a major breakdown. Feeling completely stuck in life, unhappy with my career and unsure of my path, I decided it was time to hit the road again, this time with a focus on reflection and inner work - it worked!
Like many people, my journey of healing started with cold exposure. Back in 2019, a friend introduced me to it and I was instantly hooked. But that was just the beginning. The cold opened a door to something even more transformative for me, saunas and heat. Through them, I found a sense of peace and, even more importantly, reconnected with myself and others which I now realise had been missing for a long time. For much of my life, I felt isolated, and I now realise how vital that human connection truly is.
The Birth of Hikitalo
From sweat lodges in Latin America to exhilarating Aufguss sessions in Germany, I’ve experienced the magic of saunas in many corners of the world. A pivotal moment came during my travels in Guatemala, where I met a passionate Finn. Together, we explored the local Temazcals, bonding over our shared love of saunas.
That connection became the spark for Hikitalo. When I eventually returned home to Porthcawl, I knew I wanted to create a space where people could relax, reconnect, and heal. My love for saunas evolved into a mission: to combat loneliness and promote mental well-being through the power of heat. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or completely new to it, Hikitalo is here for everyone.
Someone once told me that a sauna is like a candle lighting another candle, and I couldn’t agree more. Every session at Hikitalo is an opportunity to spread warmth, light, and positivity. Together, we can create a community where each visit brings us closer to a healthier, happier self. Bring friends, or make new ones, and experience something far more meaningful than just a sauna.
The Heart of Hikitalo: Connection Through Heat and Community
At Hikitalo, we believe saunas do more than just heat your body, they nurture your soul and help build meaningful connections. In Finnish culture, people have mastered the art of feeling connected to one another without even saying a word. Simply being together in the warmth and listening to the gentle hiss of the "löyly" (steam in the sauna) is enough.
In today’s fast paced world, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Loneliness has become a widespread issue, impacting both mental and physical health. Here in Wales, many people are affected by it. At Hikitalo, we see the sauna as a powerful tool to help change that. The social aspect of the sauna experience can break down those walls of isolation and bring people together in a way that’s deeply meaningful.
Join us at Hikitalo to experience the physical, mental, and social benefits of the sauna. Together, we can build a community where each session brings us closer to becoming the best version of ourselves.
