Splash Spa & Leisure is the largest sauna in Leicester and in the East Midlands for gay and bisexual men; the perfect place to relax, unwind and meet like-minded guys. We caught up with the team there to find out what makes it such a…well, Splash!
Tell us about the facilities at Splash;
The spa is situated on a discreet, well lit, side-street near Leicester City Centre with ample car parking space at the nearby Lee Circle NCP car park. We are also very close to both bus stations and just a 10-minute walk from the railway station.
How long have you been running the sauna?
We opened in August 2014 with just over 6,000 sq ft and Splash offers excellent facilities spread over two floors. Downstairs there is everything you would expect in a premier spa, such as a sauna and steam room, a 15-man Jacuzzi, showers, changing room with secure lockers and a large licensed cafe bar. On the first floor you will find extensive play rooms, dark rooms, lockable private rooms of different shapes and sizes, lots of glory holes as well as a cinema room.
What makes Splash unique?
Except for Tuesdays, Splash Spa & Leisure is a towels optional kind of place – if you want to be naked…then wander around naked; if you want to wear a towel…wear a towel! – its up to you. But on Tuesdays it is Towels OFF as Tuesday is our Compulsory Naturist Day (flannel provided to wipe your face!) And don’t forget our towels optional NAKED MATES DAY (run in association with nakedmates.co.uk) which is always the last Sunday of the month – large buffet provided.
What would you tell someone who wants to visit Splash but is feeling a bit nervous/shy?
Right from the beginning we designed all facilities to be spacious enough so people can have their own personal space. As well as having lots of space, guys who have never been to a sauna before will find that Splash prides itself on being a clean and very friendly establishment with professionally laundered towels – any newbies are shown where everything is so they won’t get lost. Guys are reminded that NO means NO so if they find someone who doesn’t comprehend that – just tell a member of staff and we will make sure they understand!
Any special events coming up?
Every Tuesday and Thursday we have a Sexual Health Screening Clinic run by NHS and Trade
Weekly events:
No Towel Tuesday – Splash’s busiest event!!! No Towels Allowed… Best Naturist Day in the East Midlands!
The Wednesday Social – 60 or over? Then get in for £10 and save £2
Thursday – Foam Party from 6pm – loud music, flashing lights and loads of foam
Saturday – is the day for parading around in your best pants!! (or jocks..or boxers or…!!!)
Got an idea for an event? Fancy organising something? Come and chat to us!
Normally entrance is £12 unless you are 25 or under then it’s only £6 (photo ID required) however, on Wednesdays 60 and overs are only £10 and on Thursdays 25 and under are only £4 after 5pm – we also give a £1 discount to all NHS, Police, Fire and Armed Forces (photo ID required)
Anything else we should know?
According to its Deputy Manager Scott, Splash prides itself on being a place to socialise where guys can enjoy a glass of wine and a chat. “You will often hear guys saying they come to enjoy the facilities and the social side… anything else is a bonus! Also, guys should remember that saunas are a safe place to meet – certainly safer than cruising outdoors or making a risky meet off of Growlr or Gaydar etc.” He is also keen to point out what a great place Splash is to work at, “after three years all the original staff are still here.”
Splash Sauna is located at 61 Bedford Street South Leicester LE1 3JR. For more information visit www.splashleisure.co.uk
