Finnmark Design & Materials: Maria Alexander Spa Boat, Regent’s Canal, London

Floating serenely on London’s Regent’s Canal, just north of the city centre, the Maria Alexander redefines urban luxury. This striking 21m by 3.7m custom-built wide beam canal boat offers a private spa experience unlike any other—where the gentle rhythm of the water amplifies relaxation, and nature’s calm is paired with the refinement of modern wellness.

Maria Alexander’s founders set out to create a one-of-a-kind floating spa. They approached Finnmark for our Design and Materials service—the ideal package for customers embarking on a self-build or working with local contractors. Our in-house Sauna Specialists were immediately captivated by the vision for this unique project and worked closely with the clients to refine their requirements, ensuring the final design met both their practical needs and aesthetic aspirations.

The Client Vision

The brief called for a sauna that could comfortably accommodate 2–4 bathers, while maintaining an intimate, luxurious feel suited to the boat’s refined design. With space at a premium, efficiency and elegance were key: a compact footprint of 1.7m x 1.8m x 2m (approx. 10m³) was specified, with every detail considered to maximise comfort, atmosphere, and performance.

Project Overview 

• Capacity: Comfortably seats 3-4 persons

• Location: Spa Boat on Regent’s Canal, just north of central London

• Timber: Aspen STP profile

• Bench Layout: Two-tiered bench system with skirting and a heater guard

• Lighting: SAAS Highline Viiva LED system

• Door: Full clear glass front with an integrated door

• Heater: Narvi Kuru 14 Wood-Burning Sauna Heater

Materials & Craftsmanship

At the heart of the sauna is aspen timber, chosen for its bright, refined appearance and cost-effective durability. With tones ranging from pale white to soft yellow, the Aspen STP cladding and SHP benching bring lightness and warmth to the interior. A two-tier bench arrangement runs along the left-hand wall, finished with under-bench skirting to conceal the framework, ensuring a seamless, architectural finish.

The space is defined by both functionality and detail: a full clear glass front wall with a door invites natural light into the sauna and enhances the sense of openness, while an additional aspen heater guard adds both safety and visual balance.

Heating Excellence

For uncompromising performance, the sauna is equipped with a Narvi Kuru 14 wood-burning sauna heater, complete with a full flue kit and protective heat shielding. Known for its reliability and Finnish craftsmanship, the Kuru features a glazed door and wooden handles, adding a tactile charm.

At 67.5cm in height, the heater sits slightly lower than conventional models—ensuring even steam distribution, reaching both the upper and lower benches. Its black steel casing not only enhances heat radiation but also provides durability and understated sophistication.

Lighting & Ambience

To complement the natural warmth of the aspen, lighting was meticulously integrated. SAAS Highline Viiva dimmable lighting strips are discreetly fitted along the bench lips and backrests, casting a soft 2700K glow. With an IP55 rating, these warm-white strips are designed to withstand the sauna environment while creating an inviting, atmospheric radiance.

The effect is subtle yet transformative: a sauna that feels both intimate and expansive, perfectly complementing the wider spa experience. 

The Experience

Exclusively available for private bookings, the boat is home to a beautifully integrated spa retreat. Guests can indulge in a hot tub, sauna, and bespoke treatments, all within a setting designed to elevate wellbeing. The result is a carefully balanced experience: privacy, luxury, and natural harmony flowing together aboard a meticulously crafted vessel.

Situated on the London Canals, this luxurious spa experience has been designed with wellness as its primary focus. Featuring the tagline, ‘The Maria Alexander has been created to refresh your body and mind by embracing the natural flow of water with innovative technologies and facilities,’ this concept is the latest launch in London’s ever-growing wellness space.

The Maria Alexander offers guests an exclusive four-hour wellness experience featuring comprehensive spa amenities, including sauna facilities, hot tub access, and personalised treatment services. During each session, clients have complete private use of the vessel while enjoying curated refreshments in a tranquil setting. 

Professional crew members provide attentive yet unobtrusive service throughout the duration of the experience, ensuring optimal comfort and privacy for all guests aboard this specialised spa vessel. Maria Alexander provides spa treatments, sauna and hot tub access, refreshments, tailored for private group experiences and bespoke occasions. 

Experience the Maria Alexander for Yourself - Discover more about this unique floating spa and book your visit directly through the Maria Alexander website: https://www.mariaalexander.co.uk/