RBTH correspondent Ilaria Parogni visits the first-ever Russian banya in London and shares her impressions and thoughts on one of Russia’s favourite activities. I have a confession to make. Despite having lived in Russia for a while in the past and writing about this country for a living, I had never been to a Russian […]
Americans repurify in a sweat lodge. The Turkish make it a social affair in the hammam, whereas Celts favour a vapour bath. But in Russia, one can find merry banter, nakedness and the ritualistic flicking of birch branches in the steamy environs of a banya. I’ve never tried the latter, but luckily for me, the first […]
If the idea of being thwacked by branches and leaves as part of your spa treatment doesn’t scare you, consider signing up for the latest spa trend inspired by a thousand-year-old tradition out of Russia. According to trendspotters at Condé Nast Traveller UK, after Ayurvedic and Turkish baths, Russian banyas are poised to be the next […]
Wear a felt hat to protect your head from overheating Spend no more than 5-10 minutes in parnaya (steam room) to begin with Cool down in the lounge area for about 15 minutes and re-hydrate with some herbal tea Back to parnaya for a detoxifying honey & sea salt scrub, which will melt deep into […]
