Russian Banya (Sauna)
The Russian Banya sauna is a traditional hot air bath with a temperature of approx. 100°C and a relative humidity of up to 80%. The seating benches are commonly configured in tiers surrounding the sauna oven.
The Russian Banya is designed and installed bespoke to the specifications of the client, in consideration to available space and budget. The concept follows the traditional ceremony for skincare and healing, and the treatments is kept authentic to the old Russian Banya ceremonies.
During the Banya-ceremony, guests experience the age-old tradition of the beneficial infusion with birch brew and the hitting with branches. According to the Russian practice, the ritual starts with a glass of Nikolaschka (vodka with lemon). Placed somewhere in the room are a bundle fragrant birch branches sitting in a tub of warm waters, so-called “Weniks”, which slowly release their healthy ingredients to the water. The birch brew is then poured on the hot stones in the over at the first infusion.
More and more, the Banya fills with steam and birch fragrance. The guests wear specialised hats due to the high heat. At the ceremony, the sauna guests slightly hit themselves with birch bundles on the skin all over the body in order to stimulate the blood circulation. During the final cool-down phase of the ceremony, tea is served freshly prepared from the traditional Russian samovar kettle. To conclude the treatment, a honey-salt mixture is then spread across the skin.