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The Full Story

Everything You Need To Know

Please read the banya guide and rules so you can experience the best outcome for your sessions.

Sauna Bucket

Banya Guide

The experience of banya is very intuitive – the smartest suggestion would be to do what feels good.

  1. Do not go in the banya hungry, or with a full stomach. A good meal after banya feels much better and helps you restore the energy.

  2. Take a quick shower (outdoor shower on site) before going to the banya, spa and pool. It will rinse off the worries of the day, prepare your skin for the experience and set you in a right bathing mood. To help regulate body temperature during banya, it is best not to wet your hair.

  3. Dry off well, dry skin sweats faster. We also recommend wearing a special banya hat in order to make it easier to adjust to high temperature and protect your head from being overheated. (provided on site)

  4. Your first stay in the steam room should be brief on the lower bench. The more experienced you are and the more comfortable you feel the higher bench you may take. For the first time, do not stay longer than 10 minutes.

  5. In the banya room you will feel the pleasant waves of hot air. In case you choose to lie down to enjoy it, keep in mind that for the last 2 minutes you should sit to equalize your circulation. That way you don’t feel lightheaded when you stand.

  6. Shower or the pool, will make you feel refreshed between sessions. Remember, a cold plunge is a stress for your body, which means you should avoid it if you have high blood pressure or any other cardiovascular conditions.

  7. The extreme temperature contrasts strengthen your blood vessels and improve your immune system.

  8. After the steam and cold plunge/shower, your body needs oxygen – it is important to take deep breaths as you relax outside with the fresh air.

  9. A period of rest is an integral part of banya experience. There is no rush to get back to the banya room. It is also recommended to drink tea, water or juice in order to restore the body’s reserves of water and minerals.

  10. Repeat the steam room session if you feel like it. Usually 2-3 Russian sauna sessions are enough. The first session is needed for a thorough warm up, while the second or third visits to the steam are often dedicated to the venik platza treatment.

  11. For a complete banya experience, we encourage you to try the venik platza. This traditional Russian rejuvenating massage removes dry skin and increases blood circulation.

Banya Rules

Reschedule/Cancelation

We ask that you reschedule or cancel at least 1 days (24hrs) before the beginning of your appointment or you may be charged a cancellation fee $150.00.  If you arrive more than 15 minutes late we will consider it a no-show, your booking will be cancelled an may be subject to cancellation fees. Keep us in the loop if you are running late.

Waiver

You must sign a waiver before entering.  You must be 18years of age to enjoy the facility or accompanied by an adult.  Under 18years without an adult must sign an extra permission slip with government issued ID for the child banya.

Clothing

Adhere to the clothing guidelines.

Shower

Take a shower before entering the Banya and before using any of the sauna, pool or spa.  You can do this prior to your arrival or on location we have an outdoor shower to refresh under.

Footwear

Do not wear footwear in the sauna.

Towels

We provide two towels.  One for the pool/spa area and one for the banya only.  However feel free to bring your own towel for the pool/spa area.  Banya towel provided must be used to Sit/lay on the sauna benches.

Food/Drink

No food, drinks, glass, phones, water bottles, containers allowed in the banya.

Behaviour

In accordance, any guests displaying lewd and suggestive behaviour, including but not limited to inappropriate language, gestures or contact, will be asked to leave and banned from future visits.

We encourage relaxation and warm conversations with your group.

Image by Etienne Girardet
Woman and man in a sauna

Clothing Guidelines

Our Banya does not offer clothing-optional services to our guests.  All guests must wear clothes in the form of bikini, quick dry shorts, swimwear or sarong.  

  1. No street clothes are allowed in the banya.

  2. No footwear are to be worn in the sauna.

  3. Nudity is not allowed, it undermines our family-oriented image and may result in the loss of our business.  In accordance, any guests displaying lewd and suggestive behaviour, including but not limited to inappropriate language, gestures or contact, will be asked to leave and banned from future visits.

  4. Only top-optional is allowed.  During private sauna session guests of your group may choose to go top-optional (this is allowed).  Bottoms are required but you may opt to use a towel, sarong or nothing on your top.

  5. Towels in the banya.  We will provide two towels, one for the pool/spa area and one for the banya only.

  6. Remove jewellery.  Accessories such as earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and even glasses and watches should be taken off before entering the banya.  The banya reaches extremely high temperatures, causing jewellery to get hot with the potential of even causing burns to the skin.

  7. No glass, food or drinks in the banya.

  8. No phones or technical devices in the banya.

  9. Banya Hat provided and required.

 

Why you should wear a hat in banya?

The reason you should wear a hat in the banya is to prevent your head from overheating, to protect your hair and extremities like your ears.  Your head heats up faster than the rest of your body and a hat insulates it, helping to keep it comparatively cool while your core temperature rises.  It keeps the air temperature around your head at a comfortable level, allowing you to tolerate the heat of the banya for longer, thereby maximising the benefits of banya.

  • Is Russian Banya Healthy?
    Banya increase the rate of blood circulation, which is important for your body's overall health as blood moves through the heart, lungs, arteries, and veins to provide cells with oxygen and nutrients while removing waste.
  • Being slapped with branches can feel good
    Traditionally, bundles of leafy oak or birch branches called "venik" are used to swat and massage a person's body while they steam. This can look fairly violent, but it is supposed to have many great health benefits, such as: "improves blood circulation, intensifies skins capillary activities and metabolism." Supposedly, it also exfoliates and makes your skin softer, which is important in the winter. When the venik is fluttered and pressed into your back it will sting, and feel a bit painful, but should feel oddly good as well.
  • If you feel lightheaded it's time for a break
    It's very important to listen to your body when you are exposing it to extreme temperatures. Some guys might think throwing eight scoops of water on the stones makes them look tough. But hotter doesn't mean better, and if the stones become too cold the steam can become heavier and less pleasant to breath. Resting between rounds is key.
  • Relax and have fun
    The point of the bathhouse is to detox and de-stress. Keep in mind that it's not a test seeing who can steam the longest or get the hottest. Take plenty of breaks, chat with your friends, and you'll be relaxed in no time.
  • What is the temperature inside the banya?
    The exact temperature inside the banya is a highly debated issue among experienced banya-goers, and preferences vary from 65 C to 120 C. Essentially, it all depends on how well you take the heat. Just remember that you are not seeking to impress anyone with your endurance to extreme climate conditions, but rather to relax and enjoy the whole thing.
  • Drinking in banya?
    This rule is probably the most violated, and we doubt there’s a living person who has adhered to it over the years. Drinking in banya is the ultimate evil. Yet, since so many people do it, don’t fret too much about the matter. Ultimately, it’s up to you: Stick to herbal tea if you want the purest banya experience, but you won’t be frowned upon if you crack open a bottle or can during or after banya. But by all means, forget soft drinks and cold water. They’re a huge No!
  • What are benefits of banya?
    The steam of the banya opens and clears the respiratory system, unblocking your sinuses and helping you to breathe more freely. The heat from the banya creates an artificial “fever” and stimulates the immune system. Regular use of the banya helps combat common colds, viruses, laryngitis and asthma.
  • Is steam room as good as sauna?
    Saunas are excellent for relaxation and relieving tense muscles. Meanwhile, steam rooms have further benefits from the moist heat and humidity such as skin moisturizing, congestion relief, and reduced muscle soreness. Here at Banya Spa Escape Bathhouse we have both functions, talk to us about what you would like out of your Banya experience.
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