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

It’s a Russian Banya week at Pushkin House and I had an amazing opportunity to speak to “Young Pushkin” Madeleine Cuckson about my mission to bring Banya to the world. In this podcast we talk about the history of Russian banya in London – how it was brought by Jewish immigrants from Russia in 19th

As a Russian banya is a unique experience for many people, we have decided to run through the most frequently asked questions to explain how it works. Why do I need to wear a hat inside the steam room? Steam and high temperatures are good for the body, but not for the vessels inside the

Cold water immersion promises a whole host of benefits for mind and body. No wonder plunge pools and ice baths are having something of a moment. If 2021 was the year of the hot tub, then 2022 is the year to chill — literally. Cold water immersion, particularly using ice baths and cold plunge pools,

We have opened a brand new branch in Tbilisi, Georgia!   2022 marks a very special year for us. Behind the scenes, we have been working on the international expansion of our brand and opened a new bathhouse & wellness spa in the capital of Georgia.  Situated on the outskirts of Tbilisi in the picturesque mountainous

What are the benefits of visiting Banya No.1 after a long Bank Holiday weekend? The detoxifying effects of a banya session can work wonders for removing all the toxins as you sweat in the steam room and then immerse yourself in the cold water. We advise multiple shorter sessions in conjunction with continued rehydration. What’s

London’s great and all that, but sometimes we all need a change of scene. Foreign travel has been a bit tricky recently, so you could do better than visit a London spot that will transport you thousands of miles away. There are buildings, venues, green spaces, and experiences in the capital that make you feel

Dive into the experience at Banya No.1 – Hoxton, where we offer an exhilarating journey through authentic thermal wellness and invigorating contrast therapy in the heart of London, perfect for those exploring the health benefits of ice bath and hot and cold therapy! Here, we invite you to experience our traditional thermal cycle of hot,

New Year is the time when we love to embark on a “new life,” all matters have been postponed until January, and there’s no turning back. Today, I won’t write about recovering from long holidays, feasts, and alcohol intoxication. Instead, I’d like to offer advice—cultivate new beneficial habits in 2024. If you already have three

Immerse yourself in the warmth of camaraderie and the steam of tradition with these ten transformative social wellness experiences at the Russian Banya. In an increasingly digital and isolated world, the timeless practices of communal steam baths offer an organic escape and a unique opportunity to strengthen social bonds. From invigorating rituals to shared meals

Korean spas and Russian banyas both focus on social wellness and sauna experiences. Korean spas provide a modern, family-friendly environment, while Russian banyas—equally welcoming to families—offer a deeply rooted tradition known for its invigorating effects, detoxification, stress relief, and rejuvenation. This article explores and compares these two unique experiences. In recent years, both Korean spas

Award-winning journalist Janice Turner received a visit to a Banya No.1 – Hoxton as a birthday present from her sons and described her experience in The Times column. Like many of our guests, she experienced a bit of cultural shock when first introduced to the intense heat and leafy branches of our signature Parenie Ritual.

Banya is not like going to a regular spa – it’s a transformative wellbeing experience that has to be seen to be understood. Banya No.1 is bringing the best of this unique, Russian tradition to locations around the world, starting in London, and our co-founder, Andrei Fomin, advocates for its benefits around the world. In

Another birthday, anniversary or Christmas is on the horizon, and you have no idea what to buy. You want something personal but not predictable; meaningful but not complicated. That’s where a spa gift comes in — a thoughtful experience that suits anyone: your friend, partner, colleague or parent. At Banya No.1 – Hoxton, we believe

The naked sauna has always been more than heat and steam. Across cultures it symbolises freedom, equality and community. For newcomers in the UK, it can feel unusual – but once you understand the history and etiquette, the experience quickly makes sense. This guide explores naked sauna traditions and nude sauna culture, from Russian banya