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welcome to banya No.1 - hoxton
welcome to banya No.1 - hoxton
BATHHOUSE & WELLNESS SPA
Banya Experience
Hot, Cold, Rest, Repeat
Our banya spa experience is based on the exhilirating Nordic thermal cycle – a centuries-old wellness tradition.
Get out of your comfort zone in the intense heat of the Parnaya steam sauna - stimulating blood circulation, profuse sweating, detoxing and boosting immune system.
Take a dip into our icy cold plunge pool and feel the instant euphoric hit of a cold bucket shower - making you feel alive and your entire body tingle.
Allow your mind and body to bask in the feeling of vitality and clarity. All in a comfy, cozy private booth with delicious food and drinks.
When you are ready, start the whole process again to enhance your Banya experience and continue your wellness journey.
Revitalise Your Senses
The Parenie Ritual
Experience the traditional invigorating treatment – a thermal massage using leafy and fragrant bundles of birch, oak, and eucalyptus twigs performed in the super hot steam, followed by the icy cold plunge pool dip.
Experience options
CHOOSE YOUR BANYA SESSION
Explore the Public Banya, where you can enjoy communal use of the traditional steam room and other facilities, or opt for the Private Banya, offering exclusive access to the Spa Suite Taiga, perfect for groups of up to 10 guests.
our guests
Justin Bieber joined us for a relaxing Banya spa experience in London
our guests
Kate Moss is among the regulars at our Banya Spa
our guests
Emilia Clarke loves our authentic Banya
our guests
A recent regular of our hoxton banya experience
our guests
Liv Tyler loved our Parenie treatment
our guests
Tracey Ullman about our Banya spa experience
Press About Our Wellness Spa
Banya No.1 - Hoxton Testimonials
Global recognition of our banya spa
Latest awards
Our mission to take the traditional Russian Banya into the global mainstream of wellness has seen us winning and shortlisted for numerous awards. Here are just some of the recognition we've received at Banya No.1 - Hoxton:
Google & TripAdvisor Reviews
Banya Spa Experience Reviews
Hear from the people who have already begun their journey of wellness discovery with Banya No.1 - Hoxton.
Google reviews
Tripadvisor
FAQs
What is a Russian Banya?
A Russian Banya is a traditional wellness experience deeply rooted in Russian culture, celebrated for its invigorating hot and cold contrasts. It features unique elements such as a high-humidity steam room, an ice-cold plunge pool, bucket showers, and the Parenie ritual, which uses leafy branches to warm the body before cold exposure. This ritual is renowned for its revitalising effects on body and mind.
Beyond the treatments, the Russian Banya spa experience extends to communal relaxation, where guests can savour traditional delicacies and enjoy the social atmosphere. Embracing centuries-old traditions and rituals, the Russian Banya combines physical well-being with the joy of social bonding, making it a cherished practice.
What happens in a Russian Banya?
When you visit our Banya Spa, you’ll have unlimited access to our core amenities, including the Parnaya steam sauna and icy plunge pool, with the option to enhance your experience through additional spa treatments that offer numerous health benefits.
Throughout your visit, you’ll be guided through the banya cycle, invited to treatments, and provided with instructions to help you fully benefit from the experience.
During breaks between contrasting sessions, you’ll have a reserved private booth with a table where you can relax and enjoy traditional Russian food and beverages. Private banya spa bookings feature a dedicated dining space for added privacy and comfort.
Why is Russian Banya good for you?
Using a Banya Spa offers a wide range of health benefits.
A banya offers a great tool for detox, and it can help relieve stress, fatigue, and even jet lag. Banya treatments can also aid in post-exercise recovery, enhance your blood circulation, and improve your immune system.
The traditional delicacies that we serve in our relaxation area, such as our sea buckthorn tea and beetroot kvass are made with organic ingredients and aim to improve your hydration and electrolyte balance.
What’s the difference between a sauna and banya spa?
While there are similarities between a sauna and a Russian banya, there are notable distinctions. A banya offers higher humidity and lower temperatures, creating a more pleasant atmosphere that’s easier to breathe in compared to a typical sauna. It also features the Parenie ritual — a thermal treatment using leafy branches for a massage-like effect in the steam room, enhancing the thermotherapy benefits.
Why are felt hats worn in the Russian Banya?
Felt hats are traditionally worn in the Russian Banya to protect the head from extreme heat. Made from thick, insulating material, these hats help regulate body temperature by keeping the head cool, allowing you to enjoy the steam room comfortably for longer periods. Wearing a felt hat enhances the overall banya experience by preventing dizziness and protecting hair from the intense heat.
What is Parenie?
The Parenie ritual, the signature treatment of Banya No.1 – Hoxton, is an invigorating thermal treatment rooted in traditional Russian wellness practices. It uses fragrant bundles of leafy twigs, known as veniks, to work steam around the body, followed by cold water exposure to detoxify, relieve stress, ease muscle tension, and improve sleep.
In the steam room, the therapist gently waves and presses the heated veniks over your body. After the heat, you’re invited to cool down with a cold plunge, creating a powerful contrast that leaves you feeling refreshed and recharged.
What’s the difference between Parenie, Platza and Shvitz treatments?
Parenie, Platza, and Shvitz are essentially the same treatment but are known by different names in various countries. Parenie is the traditional Russian version, Platza is commonly used in Eastern European Jewish bathhouses, and Shvitz is the Yiddish term often used in American and European spas. All these treatments involve a steam room, the use of leafy branches or veniks, and alternating hot and cold exposure to detoxify, relieve stress, and ease muscle tension.
How long does Banya spa experience last?
At our Banya Spa, experiences range from shorter 90-minute sessions to longer 2 to 3-hour spa packages and custom private group sessions. This flexibility allows you to tailor your visit, whether you’re looking for a quick and refreshing contrast session or a more extended experience with our signature Parenie ritual and additional spa treatments.
What is the best value banya spa deal?
Our spa packages provide the best value, offering a combination of treatments and access to amenities at a better rate than booking treatments separately.
For additional savings, keep an eye on our special offers page, where we regularly feature exclusive deals.
Free on-street parking, including in residential bays, on Micawber Street and parallel roads on weekends and after 6:30pm.
For all other times, visitors to Banya No. 1 - Hoxton can use these parking bays at a cost of £7 per hour.