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
Brace yourself for this year’s hottest new spa craze… twigged it yet? The traditional Russian banya is a sauna with a difference: the steam is wetter and therefore easier to bear, making it more hydrating and, ultimately, more detoxifying. But there’s more to it than that. At East London’s hush-hush and super-smart Banya No. 1,
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
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