The Art of Slowing Down: An Interview with Rob and Josie da Bank on Slomo and the Power of Contrast Therapy

When you think of Rob and Josie da Bank, wellness may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Known for organising eclectic music festivals and Rob’s time as a BBC Radio DJ, their background is steeped in the world of creativity, music, and cultural experiences. However, over the past few years, the couple has ventured into a different space—one that is centred on wellbeing, mindfulness, and connection. Their wellness project, Slomo, brings together sauna, cold-water immersion, and mindfulness practices to create an experience that rejuvenates both body and mind.

In this interview, we explore their journey from the festival scene to wellness entrepreneurship, and how their personal practices evolved into Slomo, a thriving contrast therapy venture that’s making waves across the UK.

A Journey into Wellness

“Our wellness journey began in India,” Rob shares. “We started practicing transcendental meditation and yoga in our early 20s, and it’s something that’s been with us ever since.” Meditation has been central to their lives for years, and it was this foundation that led them down the path of wellness.

“We’ve been meditating together since our early 20s,” Josie adds. “It’s been a consistent practice in our lives, and we’ve tried so many different methods over the years—everything from breathwork to sound healing.”

Their shared interest in wellness isn’t just about individual practice; it’s woven into the fabric of their lives. Rob and Josie have been on a spiritual and wellness journey together since they met at university. Whether through yoga, meditation, or their eclectic creative pursuits, they’ve sought balance.

Over the years, they’ve both trained in different areas of mindfulness and healing. Rob is currently working toward completing a sound healing course, while Josie is engaged in a Shamanic Kundalini teacher training program. It’s clear that their personal evolution has inspired Slomo, the wellness business that combines their passion for mental and physical well-being.

From Cold Water Rituals to Slomo

SLOMO may have started at a festival in 2018, but its origins run much deeper. The duo’s fascination with cold-water therapy began as a family tradition.

“Robbie’s grandfather, Chappie, swam in cold water every single day of his life. When he passed away, Rob took up the ritual, and it just became a part of our lives,” Josie recalls. “It’s now a daily routine for Rob, and something that’s become second nature—like meditation.”

Living close to the sea allows them to indulge in regular cold water swims, but with Slomo, they wanted to make this experience accessible to everyone, not just those with easy access to natural bodies of water. The concept behind Slomo is simple: to provide an accessible and community-centred space for contrast therapy, combining the soothing heat of saunas with the invigorating chill of ice baths.

Rob explains, “Contrast therapy—alternating between hot and cold—has so many benefits. Whether you’re stepping into a sauna to relax or braving an ice bath to reset, it’s all about taking a moment to slow down and recharge.”

The Science Behind Contrast Therapy

The growing popularity of contrast therapy in the UK is no accident. Science has shown that alternating between heat and cold can have profound effects on both physical and mental health.

Saunas have long been used in many cultures, from the Finnish tradition of sauna bathing to Japanese onsen and Turkish hammams. These heat therapies promote circulation, relieve muscle tension, and support detoxification. But when combined with cold exposure, such as plunging into an ice bath or swimming in cold water, the benefits are amplified.

Research has shown that contrast therapy improves circulation, enhances immune function, and reduces inflammation. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing circulation and helping to relax the muscles. When followed by cold immersion, the sudden constriction of blood vessels forces blood back to the core, boosting heart rate and stimulating circulation. Over time, this alternation helps lower blood pressure, reduce joint pain, and even improve skin health.

Beyond the physical benefits, cold exposure has been linked to mental health improvements, such as reduced stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Cold-water swimming, for example, triggers the release of endorphins—the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals—resulting in mood elevation and a sense of euphoria. For Rob, this is one of the reasons he’s so passionate about his cold-water swims.

“If I’m in a good mood, a cold dip just makes it better. And if I’m having a bad day, it completely shifts my energy,” he says. “It’s such a simple but effective way to reset.”

Creating a Community Around Wellness

Slomo has evolved into more than just a wellness pop-up at festivals. It’s now a thriving business with locations across the UK, including at scenic spots like Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight, Christchurch, and Tapnell Farm. These locations are designed to offer guests an immersive wellness experience in nature, with wood-fired Nordic saunas, ice baths, fire pits, and lounging areas where guests can fully unplug from their busy lives.

“At Slomo, we wanted to create a space where people can truly relax and reconnect with themselves,” Josie explains. “It’s not just about the saunas or the ice baths; it’s about creating an environment where people can slow down, have meaningful conversations, and enjoy a digital detox.”

Their festivals have always had a wellness hub, but with Slomo, the da Banks wanted to offer a year-round experience. With plans to bring the concept to more urban locations, including the possibility of a London pop-up next year, Slomo is poised to make contrast therapy more accessible to city dwellers.

“The idea is that you don’t need to belong to an exclusive club or have a gym membership to enjoy the benefits of saunas and cold-water therapy,” Rob adds. “We want to create an alternative night out, where you can leave your phone behind, have a great conversation with a friend, and wake up the next day feeling refreshed, without a hangover.”

The Future of Slomo

With sauna and ice-bath locations and exciting plans for more, Rob and Josie are just getting started. The communal aspect of their wellness hubs is key. “People need spaces where they can come together, without the distractions of modern life,” Josie says. “Whether you’re coming as an individual or with a group, there’s something so powerful about sharing this experience.”

The da Banks also emphasise that Slomo is a family-friendly venture. Their children often join in the sauna and ice bath sessions, and they hope to inspire younger generations to embrace wellness as part of their daily lives.

As for what’s next? Rob and Josie hinted at exciting plans for future expansions, with a focus on creating more accessible wellness hubs across the UK. Whether it’s an intimate setting by the sea or an urban oasis in the heart of the city, Slomo is redefining the wellness experience.

They will also be opening the UK’s first mobile public floating sauna on the Isle of Wight next month as part of their Slomo Winter Warmer offering at Tapnell Farm. 

Bringing a Scandinavian-inspired wellness experience to the island, the Slomo Winter Warmer  contrast therapy hub opening on the 7 November, will also feature two wood-fired Nordic saunas with views over the lake, a 7ft diameter ice-cold plunge tank for six people and a hygge  inspired lounging area complete with fire pit. Guests can also enjoy optional extras like the Himalayan salt and rose body scrubs or indulge in thermal massages. The wild spa is fully  equipped with showers, changing areas and offers free parking. 

In celebration of the opening, Root2Rise will be hosting a one-off Wim Hof Method  Fundamentals Workshop at Tapnell on Saturday 9 November. The five-hour workshop will focus on the three pillars of the Wim Hof Method: Breathing Technique, Cold Exposure and  Commitment, teaching participants how to utilise oxygen and cold exposure to optimise body and mind to help you rise and thrive. 

Rob shared his excitement, saying: “Josie and I and our crack  team of sauna aficionados have been beavering away on this project for over a year now and  we’re in the final stages of finishing our floating sauna. We cannot wait for a winter of floating  whilst steaming, dipping in the lake and our awesome six-person ice bath. Contrast therapy at  its finest!” 

If you’re looking for an alternative way to unwind, Slomo’s contrast therapy offerings might just be the perfect escape. From the soothing heat of Nordic saunas to the invigorating chill of ice baths, this unique blend of ancient practices and modern wellness is transforming the way we approach health and relaxation.

Where to Find Slomo

For those ready to dive into the world of contrast therapy, Slomo’s locations are as serene as they are invigorating. Whether you visit Tapnell Farm with its lakeside views, Christchurch with its tranquil riverside setting, or Compton Bay with its stunning seaside vistas, each site offers a communal experience that feels like a much-needed retreat from the chaos of daily life.

As Josie puts it, “At the heart of it all, we just love making people happy—creating moments that help shift negative energy and leave you feeling lighter and brighter.” And with Slomo, that’s exactly what they’re doing.

DISCOVER: slomo.me