
Review by Etcetera – Banya No.1: ‘all you need is a good thwacking at a traditional Russian spa’
All you need is a good thwacking at a traditional Russian spa.

All you need is a good thwacking at a traditional Russian spa.

MY DAY AT A RUSSIAN SPA

Russia has developed one of the most unique bathing traditions in the World. Here’s how we like to do it at Banya No.1.

All Banyas serve food and vodka.

It may be a Russian spa, but let’s not keep it just for Russians!

RBTH correspondent Ilaria Parogni visits the first-ever Russian banya in London and shares her impressions and thoughts on one of Russia's favourite activities.

The healthy effect of Russian banya has been enshrined in Russian sayings such as Banya parit, banya pravit (banya steam makes the body right), Zharky par lyuboy nedug istselit (hot steam cures any illness) etc.

Russians refer to banya as their “first doctor” (vodka is the second, garlic the third).
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