Banya No.1 - Hoxton

What is a Russian Banya?

A Russian Banya is a traditional wellness experience deeply rooted in Russian culture, celebrated for its invigorating hot and cold contrasts. It features unique elements such as a high-humidity steam room, an ice-cold plunge pool, bucket showers, and the Parenie ritual, which uses leafy branches to warm the body before cold exposure. This ritual is renowned for its revitalising effects on body and mind. Beyond the treatments, the Russian Banya spa experience extends to communal relaxation, where guests can savour traditional delicacies and enjoy the social atmosphere. Embracing centuries-old

What happens in a Russian Banya?

When you visit our Banya Spa, you’ll have unlimited access to our core amenities, including the Parnaya steam sauna and icy plunge pool, with the option to enhance your experience through additional spa treatments that offer numerous health benefits. Throughout your visit, you’ll be guided through the banya cycle, invited to treatments, and provided with instructions to help you fully benefit from the experience. During breaks between contrasting sessions, you’ll have a reserved private booth with a table where you can relax and enjoy traditional Russian food and beverages. Private

Why is Russian Banya good for you?

Using a Banya Spa offers a wide range of health benefits. A banya provides an excellent tool for detox and body stress release, helping to relieve stress, fatigue, and even jet lag. Banya treatments can also aid in post-exercise recovery, enhance your blood circulation, and improve your immune system. The traditional delicacies that we serve in our relaxation area, such as our sea buckthorn tea and beetroot kvass are made with organic ingredients and aim to improve your hydration and electrolyte balance.

What’s the difference between a Finnish sauna and Banya Spa?

While there are similarities between a sauna and a Russian banya, there are notable distinctions. A banya offers higher humidity and lower temperatures, creating a more pleasant atmosphere that’s easier to breathe in compared to a typical sauna. It also features the Parenie ritual — a thermal treatment using leafy branches for a massage-like effect in the steam room, enhancing the thermotherapy benefits. For those exploring sauna in London, this difference is important. Many sauna experiences focus on dry heat, while a Russian banya follows a ritual-led approach that combines steam, heat, cold

Can I use my own venik?

Using personal veniks is not permitted anywhere in the public area. You are welcome to use your own venik in the private banya only.

What the difference between Turkish bath and Russian Banya?

The Russian Banya and Turkish hammam differ in heat intensity, humidity, and heating methods. The banya uses a powerful stove, where water is splashed onto heated cast iron to generate superheated steam, reaching 70-100°C with moderate to high humidity (40-60%). In contrast, the hammam is heated by an underfloor system, maintaining a lower temperature (40–50°C) with consistently high humidity (100%). The banya features steam bursts and temperature contrasts, while the hammam provides a mild, uniform warmth throughout the space.

Why are felt hats worn in the Russian Banya?

Felt hats are traditionally worn in the Russian Banya to protect the head from extreme heat. Made from thick, insulating material, these hats help regulate body temperature by keeping the head cool, allowing you to enjoy the steam room comfortably for longer periods. Wearing a felt hat enhances the overall banya experience by preventing dizziness and protecting hair from the intense heat.

What is Parenie?

The Parenie ritual, the signature treatment of Banya No.1 – Hoxton, is an invigorating thermal treatment rooted in traditional Russian wellness practices. It uses fragrant bundles of leafy twigs, known as veniks, to work steam around the body, followed by cold water exposure to detoxify, relieve stress, ease muscle tension, and improve sleep. In the steam room, the therapist gently waves and presses the heated veniks over your body. After the heat, you’re invited to cool down with a cold plunge, creating a powerful contrast that leaves you feeling refreshed and recharged.