Anyone who’s been following Girl on the River for a while will know I am a passionate convert to saunas and their beneficial effects, ever since I raced in Finland a couple of years ago and a lakeside sauna session transformed me from a wobbly, aching, potentially-injured mess to good as new.

Some days are cold and some days are hot… but the best days, involve a banya stop!

anya No. 1 has garnered a reputation as London’s most intense sauna experience. The spa counts Justin Bieber, Emilia Clarke and Kate Moss among its fans – in fact, Biebs loved his post-parenie massage so much that he asked the therapist to join him on a three-month album tour.

What is a Banya?! INTENSE Russian Spa in London! Video review from Roaming Rebecca.

Experience the unforgettable Parenie at Banya No.1! A unique steam ritual with birch, oak & eucalyptus, followed by an ice plunge—invigorating & deeply relaxing!

Banya No.1 in Hoxton offers a unique Russian spa experience. Enjoy the Parenie treatment, icy plunge pools, and a honey and salt scrub for total rejuvenation. Book now!

Experience cold water immersion at Banya No.1 for muscle recovery and mental resilience. Enjoy the invigorating plunge after a hot steam session for full rejuvenation!

Experience total relaxation at Banya No.1 with a private booth, sauna, plunge pool, Parenie treatment, and rejuvenating Siberian body wash. A blissful retreat!

The best affordable spas in London by Condé Nast Traveller. Read more...

Discover relaxation at Banya No.1, named one of London's best affordable spas by TimeOut and Condé Nast Traveller. Enjoy traditional treatments without breaking the bank!

From Russia with tough love.

A waiter served Russian dumplings, then a naked hairy giant said it was my turn for a flogging.

Justin Bieber, Kate Moss, and more have experienced the invigorating Parenie treatment at Banya No.1. Enjoy hot twig massages, cold plunges, and ultimate relaxation!

If you’ve just got back from far-flung climes, then stepping into a Russian Banya could be the answer to fighting the symptoms of jet lag.

Oak leaves, a steam room, vodka and crayfish, Banya No 1 serves up London’s first Russian-style bath house experience – and one that certainly helps with the post-festive hangover.