Alcohol and Hot Tub Safety: The Right Way to Relax at Oakwell

Oakwell is a lovely little contradiction in the best way: it’s part social hangout and part relaxing spa escape. You’ve got the taproom, the herbal beer baths, and the infrared sauna to enjoy, plus a seriously good massage in our Zero Gravity Massage Chairs. 

But when it comes to alcohol and hot tub safety, there’s one important thing to keep in mind: heavy drinking and heat exposure don’t mix. That doesn’t mean your visit to Oakwell has to be super rigid, though. You can enjoy an ice-cold brew in the sauna or beer baths to ease into relaxation—along with plenty of water, of course. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through why alcohol and heat can be tricky, who should be extra cautious, and how a little dehydration prevention can keep your spa day stress-free.

Why Alcohol and Heat Don’t Mix

A beer spa is an awesome way to unwind, as long as you do it responsibly. When it comes to alcohol and hot tub safety, caution is key. You’re free to take your Oakwell tumbler into the spa or infrared sauna with you, as long as you know how heat affects your body.

A hot soak or sauna can widen your blood vessels, raise your heart rate, and make you lose fluids faster. Add alcohol into the mix, and that can increase your risk of drowsiness, dehydration, dizziness, and poor judgment. 

We don’t want to be a buzzkill, and that’s why there are some simple but important beer drinking spa rules at Oakwell. Ultimately, it all comes down to enjoying drinks in moderation and listening to your body.

Who Should Skip the Beer Spa? 

Some people should be extra cautious with heat at a spa or bath, and for others, the safest move is to skip the heat-based part of the experience altogether. 

Pregnancy

You’re already avoiding alcohol during pregnancy, but heated spa experiences are also off-limits for pregnancy at any stage. According to the Cleveland Clinic, hot tubs and saunas are not safe during pregnancy because they can raise core body temperature and create added risks, including dizziness from lowered blood pressure. 

If you’re pregnant or think you might be, it’s best to skip the beer bath and sauna. Don’t worry, though: Oakwell’s taproom also has an assortment of charcuterie boards, luxurious chocolate bonbons, and non-alcoholic drinks for a luxe experience without the heat or booze. 

Heart Conditions

Heat affects you differently if you have a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, or circulation issues. Hot environments can affect circulation and increase the likelihood of lightheadedness. Get your doctor’s advice before scheduling a spa day, just to be safe. 

If You Take Drowsy Medications

Avoid heat if you take medications that make you sleepy or affect your alertness. These medications usually interact with alcohol, too, so you’re better off opting for a no-heat, alcohol-free experience at Oakwell. Our Zero Gravity Massage Chairs are a great alternative to a bath or sauna, especially if you have sore muscles.

Tips for Safe Drinking at the Sauna or Beer Bath

If you want your visit to feel blissed-out instead of dizzy, a few smart habits go a long way.

Hydration Matters

According to UCLA Health, alcohol increases your odds of dehydration in a sauna or beer bath. Heat already makes you sweat and lose fluids. Alcohol compounds that effect, which is why dehydration prevention is so important. 

To prevent dehydration, drink water during your session. It may not be glamorous, but it’s effective. Hydration doesn’t have to be boring, either. If you want something that still feels elevated and special, go for Oakwell’s:

• CBD sparkling water
• Electrolyte infusion
• Botanical spritz
• Kombucha 

That way, you still get to treat yourself.

Move Slowly

Harvard Health says that the high heat of a bath and sauna can cause dizziness, especially if you have low blood pressure. You could feel lightheaded if you stand up too fast. 

The best thing to do is to move slowly and intentionally, even if you don’t think you get lightheaded. Rise slowly, step carefully when getting in and out of the tub or sauna, and give yourself some time to adjust before walking to the next area. This experience is about slowing down anyway, and moving carefully will help keep you safe. 

Listen to Your Body

If you start feeling:

• dizzy
• lightheaded
• nauseated
• overly flushed
• headachy
• unusually tired

…that’s your cue to stop the session, cool down, and hydrate.

How Oakwell Manages Alcohol and Hot Tub Safety

Relaxation is our goal, but never at the expense of safety. When you come to Oakwell, the entire experience is designed with alcohol and hot tub safety in mind, so you can fully unwind without second-guessing yourself. 

The Oakwell taproom is where you can enjoy craft beer, connect with friends, and ease into the experience. The spa suites, with our beer baths and infrared saunas, are separate from the taproom so you can relax in privacy. You’re free to responsibly enjoy a cold beer, cider, or glass of wine while you kick back and relax.

Our space also supports dehydration prevention at every turn. Cool, refreshing water is available and encouraged, and the pacing of the experience gives your body time to adjust to temperature changes gradually. 

As a result, you get the best of both worlds: a relaxing spa session and a great drink.

4 Tips for Planning a Safe Visit to Oakwell Beer Spa

There are a few things to know before you go to Oakwell, but here are some helpful tips to set yourself up for success. 

Plan Your Visit

The Oakwell experience combines the relaxing effects of heat and massage with a pint of your favorite brew. We ask you to check in 30 minutes in advance, which gives you time to sign a waiver and select your first drink from the beer wall. 

You’re free to fill up your stainless steel insulated Oakwell tumbler again when you head to your private room. And don’t worry, if you get parched, just tap the button in your room to call for room service. After you leave the soak or sauna, Oakwell’s staff brings you water in the cool-down area and taproom. 

Hydrate Before You Arrive

This isn’t the day to chug iced coffee. Starting your visit well-hydrated will make a noticeable difference in how your body handles heat. And, as always, be sure to hydrate after your time in the beer bath or sauna, too. 

Moderate Alcohol 

There’s nothing like enjoying a cold brew while soaking in a beer bath. With that said, you do need to drink responsibly. Sip slowly and savor the flavors. Drink some water in between beer or wine refills or, for a fun time without the booze, sample Oakwell’s non-alcoholic beverage lineup. You want to have a good time, and moderation keeps your visit light and fun. 

Eat Something Light

You don’t need to eat a full meal beforehand, but going into a heat therapy session on an empty stomach can make the heat feel more intense. When you check in, let the staff know you’d like to add a charcuterie board to munch on during your soak. 

Relax First, Sip Later

Oakwell is both a social hangout and a soothing spa experience. Still, following a few alcohol and hot tub safety rules, like encouraging responsible drinking and hydration, can help you enjoy the experience while staying safe. 

A little preparation goes a long way. Take a moment to review Oakwell’s guidance before you arrive so you can fully unwind once you’re here.