About banya
Banya No.1 – Hoxton is more than an ordinary bathhouse or spa – it is an authentic, deeply elemental journey designed to reset both body and mind.
Rooted in centuries of tradition, banya embraces the exhilarating intensity of true thermal contrast that awakens your senses and leaves you thoroughly clean, deeply relaxed, and grounded in a glowing sense of contentment.
At first glance, banya may look like sauna’s close relative. There is a steam room. There is an ice pool. There are felt hats. Up close, however, the resemblance begins to unravel.
50–70% Humidity
Banya produces a remarkably fine, barely visible steam rather than dry air. Enveloping you like a hot, aromatic blanket, this deep moisture penetrates muscle tissue and opens pores without feeling harsh on your lungs.
60–70°C Climate
Banya trades scalding temperatures for a milder 50–70°C environment. Combined with high humidity, it creates a perfectly balanced climate, intense enough to induce a deep sweat, yet comfortable enough to breathe effortlessly.
Guided by Steam Masters
At the heart of Banya lies Parenie, the peak of your banya journey. A Steam Master layers hot steam around your body with fragrant veniks – leafy bundles of birch or oak – enveloping you in waves of soothing, deep-penetrating warmth.
Total Skin Renewal
Complement your journey by pairing thermal contrast with wellness treatments. Choose a Honey Detox Massage, a nutrient-dense Mud Wrap, or an invigorating Siberian Body Wash to leave your skin smooth and glowing.
Hot – Cold – Rest – Repeat
Banya follows a time-tested rhythm. Each stage gives your body a distinct stimulus, while regular practice allows the benefits of heat exposure to compound over time.
Warm up gradually in the steam room. Stay for as long as the heat feels comfortable, then step out.
Heat increases blood flow and gives your cardiovascular system a controlled workout. Regular heat exposure improves blood vessel flexibility, reduces arterial stiffness, and supports healthier blood pressure.
After the steam, cool down in the plunge pool, under a bucket shower, or with a regular shower. Choose the intensity that feels right for you.
Cold water triggers a release of noradrenaline, creating an instant wave of focus and alertness. It also boosts metabolic activity as your body naturally responds to the sudden drop in temperature.
Take your time between rounds. Sit back, hydrate, and allow your body to settle fully before returning to the steam.
Resting shifts your nervous system out of stress mode and into recovery mode. This gives your heart rate time to settle, supports natural recovery, and allows you to replace fluids lost through sweating.
When you feel ready, return to the steam and begin another round. Keep individual rounds measured, with cold and rest in between.
Cycling through rounds lets you build heat exposure gradually rather than relying on one prolonged stay. Long-term research shows that regular heat practice pays off, linking frequent thermal bathing with better heart health and overall longevity.
Heat increases blood flow and can improve the way blood vessels dilate. Regular heat exposure has also been associated with lower blood pressure and improved vascular function.
Heat provides a strong physical stimulus, followed by a shift into recovery. This change in nervous-system activity can help you switch off, feel calmer and emerge more mentally settled; whole-body heating has also demonstrated measurable effects on mood.
Heating the body before sleep can help shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep efficiency. The cooling period afterwards works with the natural fall in body temperature associated with sleep.
Cold-water immersion can reduce post-exercise muscle soreness and support recovery of physical performance. Heat can also relax muscle tension, making the combination particularly suited to recovery days.
Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis — the processes the body uses to generate heat. This temporarily increases energy expenditure and affects glucose and lipid metabolism.
Regular heat exposure affects the skin as well as the cardiovascular system. Sauna use has been associated with better skin-barrier hydration and lower surface sebum; adding exfoliation removes dead surface cells and leaves skin smoother and refreshed.
Sweating causes a temporary reduction in body weight through fluid loss. It is water weight rather than fat loss — but the immediate physical sensation of feeling lighter is quite real, provided the lost fluid is replaced afterwards.
Like any bathing culture, banya has its own code. Nothing complicated — just a few simple rules to help you feel comfortable, stay safe and get the most from your visit.
Wear a felt banya hat, banya clothing in breathable natural fabrics, and flip-flops in the wet areas.
Linen wrap shorts or a two-piece banya set are designed specifically for the heat. If you have treatments booked, choose a style that gives easy access to the skin.
Begin with a short steam — up to 10 minutes is a good guide.
Sit or lie on a towel to protect your skin from the hot bench, and come out before the heat becomes too intense. You can always return for another round.
Choose the bench that suits the level of heat you want.
Lower benches are gentler; higher benches are hotter and more intense. Start lower and move up as your body warms and you feel ready for more heat.
Start your session with a gentler contrast.
After the first steam, use the bucket showers to cool down rather than going straight into the plunge. As your session progresses, you can gradually introduce stronger cold.
On your second or third round, once you are thoroughly warm and comfortable with the contrast, add the cold plunge.
Before entering, take a quick warm shower to rinse off, then go straight to the plunge while you are still warm.
After heat and cold, take a break in the lounge.
Sit comfortably, drink plenty and give your body time to recover before the next round. A light snack is fine between rounds, but save heavier food and alcohol until after your final steam.
If you have treatments booked, there is no need to keep checking the time.
Our team will let you know when it is time for yours — simply enjoy the banya in between.
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