A3236FTjamesj / TripAdvisor

From arrival to departure I was treated like royalty, I had booked in advance the Platinum Package and this was my first time to Banya No.1 and to a Banya anywhere. Reception were really friendly and helpful and I arrived a little early but was allowed to start my session. The place was quiet and immaculate, my only criticism would have been to have have had showers in the designated changing rooms in addition to Banya side and some tissues, cotton ear buds were supplied and is the only place I’ve been to where the were. Firstly I warmed up (very quickly) I the Banya which was a new experience compared with a standard dry sauna. The heat was more intense yet more bearable and got you sweating a lot faster. I was then greeted by the staff whom came and found me for my first treatment which was the Parenie. I was gentle brushed and tapped with the special leaves, I think as advised it was my first experience the staff went easy on me but I would not be afraid to ask for more of a beating next time. The staff remained professional and explanatory or what was happening throughout, so you knew what to expect. I went on a Friday and so it was males only meaning you could forget the swim shorts and embrace the experience true to its roots and culture. After my Parenie which I would recommend to all visitors, I enjoyed an ice bucket shower and followed by three plunges in the ice pool. I then element and had a rest in the relaxation area where a table and a refreshing pot of hot herbal tea was already waiting for me. Again when I was ready and it was time for my next treatment the staff came and found me, so you can really relax and not worry about clock watching here. The second treatment was the honey and salt scrub which left my skin feeling super smooth and nourished and this was on the hot stone in the hammam room although the stone was not as warm as in a Turkish hammam from memory, so there was no point to using this room unless you had a treatment booked which was a small shame. This treatment was followed my a return to the Banya for the honey to really warm up and soak in. My third treatment was the Mud Mask, reminded me of my trip to the mud baths in Turkey again and this was my first experience of a facial. It was nice and again helped my skin feel great but I would have preferred the Siberian Body Wash so I guess you would need to request this upon making the booking or upon arrival as it was an either or. After another rest and some more tea I had looked at the food menu and decided what I wanted to try after all of my treatments. Back to the Banya, followed by the Ice Shower and Plunge Pool again before my fourth experience which was the Aloe Vera Body and Hair mask. This was a lovely experience again in the Hot Stone Room and really acted as a great moisturiser for the skin after all the Banya sweats. You are very slippery after this treatment and so the staff offer to help you get up and on your feet, it is highly advised you let them do this. Finally I had some free time before my final treatment so I went and had another rest in the relax room and a couple of Banya sessions before I was called for my final treatment, a massage. This was conducted by a specialist staff just like the Parenie was as they have the knowledge and experience, all of the staff were great, helpful and experienced but they each performed their specialism so you would always have the best experience. The massage was 25 minutes which took me up to the 3 hours experience time frame although I would request, and I’m sure it would be no issue, to pay a little more and have a full body massage next time as this would have completed my whole experience. As it was I had a great firm back massage as I requested and this again was done with no swimwear or disposable pants and so added to the relaxation for me. Finally, I returned to my table where another fresh pot of hot herbal tea was awaiting me and I ordered some bread and ham and the meat dumplings to finish off the whole experience. I was allowed to return to the Banya to shower and then get dressed after enjoying 4 hours of bliss which I wish could have continued for a lifetime. Banya, I will back. Thank you so much all