THE ANTI-STRESS HEALTH BOOST

WHAT Parenie (£28) and Russian massage (£35 for 30 minutes)

WHERE Banya No.1, London, gobanya.co.uk

THE LOWNDOWN Russian Banya is a full experience, not an in-out treatment, so if you’re in a rush, save this for another dy. After a relaxing cup of tea, you’ll be laid down in a steam room where the therapist uses birch, oak and eucalyptus twigs and leaves to “massage” you from head to toe for anti-inflammatory benefits. The strokes can only be describes as slaps, starting gently and increasing in impact.

The heat, fragrance and rhythm is relaxing. Then it’s a total-body plunge in cold water, followed by a deep-tissue massage

THE VERDICT

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

Amanda Khouv