Banya 5

it took a year for me to get here, and i’m so glad i finally made it. it’s not nearly as big as i imagined [i had visions of ancient turkish bath houses], but it didn’t matter.
the steamroom is pretty oppressive and hovers right around 115; it was hard to see more than two feet away.
the lowest [and coolest] part of the russian banya [dry sauna] hovered right around 190 degrees. i had no idea the body is alright with those kind of temperatures. it was outstanding. and because of the wooden benches – when i breathed deeply it felt like i was actually breathing cedar. i loved it. and the best part was walking out of the banya and jumping straight into a 55 degree cold pool. it made the 80 degree salt water pool feel nice and toasty.
when i left i felt utterly relaxed and healthy and calm. i can’t imagine a better way to spend part of a day.

I have still only gone once, but it was an awesome experience. I came out feeling so awesome.

I haven’t been to many spas but after just one visit to Banya 5 I knew I was hooked.

There’s almost no way to describe the feeling you get after brushing and fanning yourself with the venik (or hopefully having someone assist with such) in the russian sauna then hopping into the cold pool. My skin felt like it was stretching, coming away from the rest of my body, then reattaching more firmly. I tingled and pulsed for quite some time after.

Once I can afford a membership, I’ll be getting myself here once a week at least.