
Legal highs, Review by LUXX, The Times
It’s authentic, unexpected and will leave you buzzing so hard you’ll want to book the whole place for your next birthday party.

It’s authentic, unexpected and will leave you buzzing so hard you’ll want to book the whole place for your next birthday party.

If the idea of being thwacked by branches and leaves as part of your spa treatment doesn’t scare you, consider signing up for the latest spa trend inspired by a thousand-year-old tradition out of Russia.

Extreme Beauty: Would you try a Banya?

It might take three hours, but it’s seriously good for the body, mind and soul.

Discover the invigorating Parenie ritual at Banya No.1. Enjoy the soothing heat, eucalyptus venik massage, and refreshing plunge pool for a truly revitalizing spa day!

Banya involves being hit by branches and having a bucket of icy water chucked over your head. Kate Weinberg visits a bathhouse in London.

BANYA NO. 1 is bringing the traditional Siberian spa experience to London, swapping candles and soothing music for cold water and hot leaves.

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

This is a place of relaxation; a temple to the body, mind, and, not least, stomach.

The banya is a public bathhouse complete with a sauna, icy plunge pool, and a private café with a seating area.

While Mexicans use a pre-Hispanic temazcal (“house of heat”) constructed from volcanic rock to rid themselves of toxins, native Americans repurify in a sweat lodge. The Turkish make it a social affair in the hammam, whereas Celts favour a vapour bath. But in Russia, one can find merry banter, nakedness and the ritualistic flicking of birch branches in the steamy environs of a banya.

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

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.

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

All Banyas serve food and vodka.
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