🚨 Heartbreaking News from Rest Bay 🌊
William Jenkins’ beloved mobile sauna, Hikitalo, perched on the scenic shores of Rest Bay in Porthcawl, is facing potential permanent closure. What started as a sanctuary for mental and physical wellbeing has hit a hurdle after the local council denied a critical planning application.
Since May 2025, Jenkins has provided an ocean-view escape, quickly gaining popularity after launching a similar mobile sauna at Sandy Bay. But now, despite community support and rave reviews, the future of this cherished spot looks uncertain.
Originally, the council indicated that mobile units like Jenkins’ sauna on wheels wouldn’t need planning permission. However, later they claimed any operation over 90 days required official approval. Even after submitting comprehensive reports from ecologists and landscape architects, the application was rejected.
Jenkins, who started the business to aid in his mental health journey, expressed profound heartbreak over the decision. “It’s not just a blow to me,” he said, “but to the community we’ve fostered.” He argues the sauna serves as a vital communal hub and a healthy tourism driver.
The council cited concerns about landscape preservation and traffic issues. Still, with 1,683 signatures already on a petition to save the sauna, Jenkins isn’t backing down. He plans to appeal the decision and reopen while the process unfolds, hoping to keep the warmth flowing.
🌟 The sauna doesn’t just offer heat—it offers hope, relaxation, and community spirit. Let’s rally behind a space that’s more than just a business; it’s a beacon of wellness by the sea.
#SaveHikitalo #SaunaLife #RestBay #CommunitySupport #Porthcawl