Globalising the Tradition of Russian Banya Rituals

Our Wellness Spa Philosophy

Our Story

The mission at Banya No.1 goes beyond offering an outstanding wellness spa experience—it’s about preserving and sharing the heritage of traditional Russian Banya and its rituals.

Our philosophy, deriving from the Russian Banya tradition, is based on guiding guests through an exhilarating thermal experience, which alternates between intense heat and refreshing cold, invigorates the body, boosts circulation, detoxifies the system, and leaves you feeling revitalised and re-energised.

Having started as a small branch in London’s Hoxton, we quickly expanded to include a full private banya suite and have since grown both in the UK and internationally. With a second location in Chiswick, London, a retreat in Tbilisi, Georgia, and our latest family addition in Paris, we continue to bring authentic Russian Banya rituals to new audiences around the world.

Our Story
Our Story

How Our Wellness Spa Has Grown

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2012

Banya No.1 - Hoxton

Opened in 2012, our Hoxton wellness spa was the first Russian Banya to reintroduce traditional steam baths in London since the closure of Jewish baths during World War II.

 

Located in East London, it features a traditional Banya aesthetic and heritage interiors, offering an authentic experience that honours this historic practice. Over the years, we expanded the Hoxton location to include the Private Spa Suite Taiga, providing a more intimate setting for those seeking a deeper connection with this time-honoured ritual.

 

Our wellness spa family has since grown across London and internationally, continuing to share the rich traditions of the Russian Banya with new communities.

Our Story

Hoxton

2021

banya No.1 - Chiswick

Our Chiswick branch opened in 2021 in one of the capital’s most affluent neighbourhoods, offering the same authentic Banya experience with modern Scandi-inspired interiors. It has built its own passionate following among the local community, further promoting the Russian Banya ritual and contrast therapy in West London.

Our Story

Chiswick

2022

banya No.1 - Tbilisi

In 2022, we proudly launched our first international wellness spa branch, located amidst the stunning rolling countryside of Georgia, just a short drive from the capital, Tbilisi. This serene setting offers the same renowned private and public contrast therapy experiences and Russian Banya rituals that our London branches are famous for.

 

The Tbilisi spa features unique amenities, including an open-air terrace with a refreshing plunge pool and a dining area that overlooks a picturesque waterfall, creating an unforgettable experience that blends natural beauty with traditional wellness practices.

Our Story

Tbilisi

2025

Banya No.1 - Paris, Kupala

Following the success of our London and Tbilisi branches, we’re excited to welcome Paris to the Banya No.1 family. Previously known as Kupala Banya, this intimate wellness retreat in the 15th arrondissement offers the same renowned thermal contrast therapy and invigorating rituals we’re famous for.

 

Banya No.1 – Paris features two exclusive Private Spa Suites. The Petit Banya, ideal for up to 3 guests, and the Grand Banya, perfect for up to 6, provide an authentic and personalised banya experience. With its warm wooden interiors, soft lighting, and natural textures, the space is designed for deep relaxation – whether you’re unwinding after work or enjoying a revitalising break in the city.

Our Story

Paris

Press About Our Wellness Spa

Banya No.1 - Hoxton Testimonials

The Times

The weird but natural high, a mind-expanding, worry-numbing, explosive exhilaration that surges through your being all the way to your core.

Forbes

You’ll have never had, or felt anything like it before. It’s unique union of steam and Parenie that sees people coming back to the bathhouse again and again.

The Guardian

Leave it out! Banya No.1 is a little slice of Moscow transported to Shoreditch.

Traveler

This year’s hottest new spa craze…

Financial Times

You will leave feeling a mix of blissfully relaxed and amazingly clear-headed, and sleep the sleep of the dead. If Banya No.1 doesn’t knock jet lag of the head, nothing will.

The Telegraph

As soon as you walk into Banya No.1 you notice that everything is designed and arranged to guarantee an optimal experience to its guests.

The Sunday Times

Gosh, this was now several notches above pleasantly toasty, slightly painful, even. As one pulse of heat faded, another would follow straight behind. Phewee…

BBC

The Russian massage that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Bazaar

The traditional Russian treatment is making waves on the London spa scene, but are you brave enough to do it?

Time Out

The idea of some Russian dudes hitting you with sticks sounds like being assaulted. But I feel very mellow inside!

Marie Claire

If you feel like trying something different and feel amazing afterwards, look no further.

Vogue

The only one of its kind in the UK.

National Geographic

Banya No.1’s high-end steam and scrub rituals command a loyal following — and not just with those homesick for an authentic Eastern European cleanse. Scores of signed photos of famous patrons, from Renée Zellweger to Kate Moss, hang in the reception.

Secret London

Feel like a million bucks without spending a million bucks.

The Nudge

An authentically traditional Russian spa where you can sweat out all your Christmas indulgence in a roasting hot sauna, spring back to life with an ice cold plunge, and feel thoroughly refreshed.

City A.M.

London’s worst kept secret.

The Cut

Less of a relaxing spa where you might while away the day by the plunge pool and more of an aggressive cleansing of the mind, body, and soul.

GoodSpaGuide

You’ve not experienced extreme temperatures until you’ve visited a Banya, an Eastern European concept where the steam rooms are so hot spa-goers must wear felt hats to protect their heads – yes, really.

Stylist

If you’re a fan of heat, Parenie treatment is the one for you. This traditional Russian ritual sees a practitioner gently wave and press fragrant bundles of birch oak and eucalyptus – known as venik – over your body inside a steam room.

The Spectator

For something entirely different try Hoxton’s Banya No 1, which offers the authentic Russian sauna experience. Treatments include an ‘invigorating’ encounter with birch twigs, being rubbed in honey and coarse salt, and a spell in a steam room followed by a sudden ice-cold bucket shower.

Banya No.1 - Hoxton

Celebrity Reviews

JUSTIN BIEBER

JUSTIN BIEBER

«Thank you for the relaxation. Had fun and I feel great!»

KATE MOSS

KATE MOSS

«Thank you. I feel fabulous!»

EMILIA CLARKE

EMILIA CLARKE

“You guys just rocked my world! Thank you thank you! All my love!”

LAURENCE FISHBURNE

LAURENCE FISHBURNE

«This place is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but truth!»

LIV TYLER

LIV TYLER

«Thank you Banya No.1 for my first Parenie treatment! It was wonderful.»

RENEE ZELLWEGER

RENEE ZELLWEGER

«Who knew heaven was on Micawber street? With so much gratitude to our No.1 family. See you soon! SPASIBO!»

HAYLEY ATWELL

HAYLEY ATWELL

«Exceptional service and lovely staff – always a pleasure!»

TRACEY ULLMAN

TRACEY ULLMAN

«What an experience! I have never felt so clean. I looked stupid in the hat, but I couldn’t care less. My best SPASIBO!»

CHRIS BRIDGES (LUDACRIS)

CHRIS BRIDGES (LUDACRIS)

«Hard work & hard training require hard recovery! Thank you for the best recovery experience ever!!!»

A message from our founder

“At Banya No.1, our purpose is simple: every guest should leave not just relaxed, but truly energised-ready to take on life.

 

We’re passionate about sharing the authentic Banya ritual, and I invite you to join us in bringing this powerful wellness experience to new communities. Let’s create spaces where people can recharge, connect, and thrive together.”

Andrei Fomin, Founder of Banya No.1

Our Story

Global recognition of our banya spa

Latest awards

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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:

Babtac & Cibtac Awards 2026 finalist
Fresha Best in Class award 2026
World Spa & Wellness Awards 2026 - Day Spa of the Year - Western Europe & Scandinavia
World Spa & Wellness Awards 2026 - Independent Spa Business of the Year
Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2025 - Banya No.1 Hoxton
BABTAC & CIBTAC Awards 2025 Winner Digital Marketing
BABTAC awards 2025 Banya No.1 Hoxton finalist spa leader
Our Story
CEO Monthly Andrei Fomin award 2025
London Lifestyle Awards 2025 Finalist
World Spa Awards 2025 finalist
GoodSpaGuide Awards 2025
goospaguide awards 2025 finalist
sauna37 awards
fresha best in class 2025 award
babtac Digital marketing 2024 badge
world wellness weekend champion 2024 badge
Our Story
SME 2024 awards Banya No.1 winner
BABTAC & CIBTAC AWARDS 2024 Banya No.1 - Finalist Spa Leader nomination
BABTAC awards 2025 Banya No.1 Hoxton finalist boutique spa
TripAdvisors travellers choice 2023 Banya No.1 Hoxton
Babtac & Cibtac awards winner 2023 Banya No.1 Hoxton digital marketing
Babtac & Cibtac awards finalist 2023 Banya No.1 Hoxton spa boutique
Our Story
Our Story
THA travel & hospitality award winner 2023
European Enterprise Awards 2023 Banya No.1 Winner
Our Story
Our Story
Our Story
Our Story
Our Story

Google & TripAdvisor Reviews

Banya Spa Experience Reviews

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Hear from the people who have already begun their journey of wellness discovery with Banya No.1 - Hoxton.

Google reviewsGoogle reviews

Rated
4.8
based on 847+ Reviews
alan dean
By far the best spa experience I've had, beautiful surroundings and amazing staff
Pablo
Sauna was really good. Didn't go for the food but the vibe is really welcoming. Nice experience.
Bhanvi Satija
My first ever spa and massage experiece and I absolutely will be coming back. So good 🥰
Elliot AC
Great experience, recommend to go with a partner
Corinne Brown
From the moment we got there, late…all the staff were lovely, we were never rushed, all the facilities were great, the body scrub was a highlight, my friend declared it ‘the best birthday present ever’ and we will return, for sure.
Ben Bold Voodoo
Chris was excellent - as was the food. Very enjoyable experience.
Cindy Wu
We booked a private room for 2 hours a very reasonable price, ordered some very good food and even one of us did the perenie. I would recommend as the staff seem very kind.
Alina Ward
Such authentic experience, it brought me back to my childhood! Happy days. The staff is great.
Robert Gilham
Had an amazing visit to Banya1. The whole sauna, plunge & treatment process was perfectly curated. Temp of sauna and cold plunge was perfect, staff were very friendly, professional and knowledgeable and the curated healthy snacks and drinks were delicious. All in all I would highly recommend visiting the club and trying all of their different spa and treatment offerings.

They also have a private sauna/soak area that can be rented by private groups for events, parties, etc which looked fabulous.

Congrats to Banya1 for delivering an overall amazing spa offering.
Ben P
Loved it! V relaxing and different to a typical spa experience. Highly recommended.
Jonathan B
Great experience. Will definitely be back.
Bathea Izikowitz
I was delighted with my experience. The staff are professional and caring. The treatments were exceptional. A wonderful day.
Nadezhda Liventseva
Great experience
10 out of 10 !
Andrew Lawson
I gave myself an amazing Gold Package birthday treat. The sauna was hot, the cold plunge cold, the massage deep and delicious, the parenie practically a shamanic healing. Topped off with a scrub and facial and finished with a bowl of hot, meaty borsch. It was an epic visit and I cannot recommend it highly enough. I'll be back next year!
Beth McKinlay
We had a really lovely experience on Friday. The staff were friendly and welcoming and the sauna, plunge pool and parenie were all fantastic. We also really enjoyed our lunch and we'll definitely be back!
Abdurrahman Chaatouf
I got a 25 minute massage. Very experienced professional.
Emma Abou-Haidar
Amazing experience!! Very different to any other spa i’ve gone to and the staff were so so lovely, the place is very clean, authentic, the massage was amazing too (i forgot the name of the therapist but thank you to him!). I left feeling so relaxed and refreshed, i will be back! The tea and fermented Russian drink were delicious.
Callum G
The team are incredibly welcoming, you will feel right at home if it’s your first time going.
amalia loizidou
It's my third visit here and it will not be the last. The staff are always amazing- special thanks to Chris today for the warm welcome, Marina for the incredible massage and all the staff keeping the clock ticking from offering fresh steam, serving and preparing refreshments and providing fresh towels.
Youssef Hassan
Fantastic experience from the team. From the sauna to the ice plunge to the deep tissue massage by Marcela to the parenie and aromatherapy and friendly conversations with the team especially Dennis and Andrew. Highly recommend this place to anyone that wants to relax and de-stress!
Stephanie Engel
I wasn't sure what to expect but everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Both the Parenie and Massage were wonderful, whereas the ice pool and bucket took my breath away - which of course it was designed to do. Felt at perfect 'zen' when I left. Thank you.
Nick Maisey
Fantastic spa experience
Sava Nievierov
Хороший пар, отличный дружелюбный персонал!

(Translated by Google)
Good steam, great friendly staff!
Genevieve Korol
Best banya I've ever been to! Massage from Lilia was fantastic too (I've had massages all over North America and Europe and this was one of the best ones I've ever had!)

Tripadvisor reviews Tripadvisor

Rated
Rated
based on 390+ Reviews
Our Story

We’re nominated for Spa of the Year at the British Lifestyle Awards 2026 – help us win by casting your vote!

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