How to Choose a Private Spa Experience in London
London has no shortage of spas, but private spa experiences are a category of their own. No shared facilities. No strangers. No compromises. Just uninterrupted time in a space designed entirely around you.
If you’re choosing a private spa in London – for a couple, a group, or a special occasion – here’s how to do it properly and avoid paying premium prices for something that only sounds exclusive.
What makes a spa truly private?
Many venues advertise “private” sessions, but in reality that often means a quieter time slot in a shared space. A genuinely private spa experience means exclusive use of the entire facility, not just a room.
A proper private spa should include:
- Exclusive access with no other guests
- Your own steam or sauna area
- Dedicated cold exposure facilities
- A private relaxation and dining space
- Optional treatments without leaving the room
At Banya No.1 – Hoxton, this level of privacy is offered in the Private Banya Taiga – a fully self-contained spa space created specifically for private use, whether you’re coming as a couple or a group.
What is a private Russian banya – and how does booking work?
A Russian banya is very different from a standard sauna. It’s hotter, more humid, and built around cycles of heat, cold, and rest rather than quick sessions.
Key features include:
- High-humidity steam that’s easier to breathe
- Alternating hot and cold exposure
- Optional Parenie rituals using traditional oak or birch venik
- Slower pacing focused on recovery and connection
Booking is straightforward. You choose who the experience is for, how long you want the space, and whether you’d like to add rituals, massage, or food. Everything happens within your own private area – no moving between rooms or sharing facilities.
Choose the experience based on the occasion
Romantic spa experiences for two
If you’re planning a date, anniversary, or simply want uninterrupted time together, the Private Spa for Two is designed specifically for couples.
It includes exclusive use of the banya, hot and cold facilities, and space to relax between heat cycles. You can also add massage or food to turn it into a full half-day reset rather than a rushed visit.
Birthdays, hen parties and small groups
For social occasions, shared rituals make the experience far more memorable. A Private Group Spa allows up to 10 guests to enjoy the space together, often combined with a guided Parenie ritual.
This format works particularly well for birthdays, hen or stag parties, and small corporate or team-building events, where privacy and shared experience matter.
Flexible hire by the hour
If you want maximum control over timing and structure, Private Banya Spa Hire lets you hire the entire space by the hour for up to 10 people.
This option suits groups who want a longer session, a custom schedule, or a more relaxed, social atmosphere without a fixed programme.
Recovery features are not optional
A private spa isn’t just about comfort – it’s about how you feel afterwards. Cold exposure is a key part of that.
A proper private spa should include access to an ice bath or cold plunge to balance the heat and support recovery. Without it, you’re missing half the benefit of the experience.
Many guests also add massage treatments to enhance muscle recovery and deepen relaxation between heat cycles.
Food and drinks elevate the experience
Leaving the spa mid-session to find food breaks the flow completely. That’s why having food and drinks available within the private space matters more than most people realise.
At Banya No.1 – Hoxton, guests can order directly from the food and drinks menu and enjoy it without leaving their private area – turning a spa visit into a genuinely restorative experience rather than a quick activity.
Booking as a gift? Use vouchers
Private spa experiences are one of the most reliable premium gifts – as long as the recipient has flexibility.
A private spa gift voucher allows the recipient to choose the date and format that suits them best, without pressure or guesswork. You can explore all available options via the vouchers page.
If privacy isn’t essential
For those who enjoy a social atmosphere or are simply looking for a shorter sauna session, Banya No.1 – Hoxton also offers public sessions. However, if privacy, pace, and exclusivity are priorities, a private experience is the better choice.
