A traditional Finnish sauna is very similar to a Russian banya. However, there are some extremely significant differences. For example, a Finnish sauna is usually something you can find in any sports club or spa. By contrast, a Russian banya is all about the unique experience, which is why it always stands out on its

Here at Banya No.1 our signature treatment is Parenie – an invigorating thermal treatment using leafy and fragrant bundles of birch, oak and eucalyptus twigs performed in a steam room. In Russia, this bundle is simply called Venik. The treatment we offer is quite intense. And, no, it’s not about the slashing you with Venik,

The air in the banya may be up to 70 degrees Celsius, but a felt hat will keep the air around your head at a comfortable temperature. So the felt hat comes to the recue! It keeps the head dry and cool, and – this is for the ladies – it prevents your hair being

While Banya No.1 opened as recently as 2012, the story of Russian bathhouses in London goes back much further. It all began in Odessa in the 1820s during the Russian Empire. This is when the first anti-Jewish pogroms (targeted anti-Jewish riots) occurred. The reason for these violent attacks was that there had been rumours that

After Christmas holidays and unlimited food on our tables we all face the same problem of extra weight. Every Russian knows that Banya is one of the best ways to detox. The typical visit to Banya involves a treatment called Parenie – at the steam room with the temperature up to 60-70ºC and full of

Banya No.1, Islington Where: 17 Micawber Street, London N1 7TB Price: From £45 to use the spa space, treatments extra Apparently, Kate Moss, Liv Tyler and Renée Zellweger have all been for a session here. There are plenty of traditional treatments to try while enjoying the Slavic -style hot room. The plunge pool is a