Offering a Nordic meets Russian edge to the traditional spa experience, sauna sessions have never felt so Slavic. Editor Sophie Ritchie pulls on a swimsuit to explore the alpine-esque space at Banya No.1 – Chiswick and find out more…
It is not unusual to find a spa in London. With the wellness industry booming by the minute, chic places to pop in for a facial, massage, little botox fix or general pamper session can be found by the dozen in the capital. But at Banya No.1 Spa in Chiswick, guests can expect something considerably more unique.
Banya No.1 has three existing locations: two in London and one just a tad further away in Tbilisi, Georgia. Each venue is designed to be a place of rejuvenation, a space to recharge the body and mind through the magic of Nordic-based wellness principles.
Following a quick check-in process by a firm but friendly receptionist (guests are encouraged to complete forms prior to a visit), we’re led to a fairly snug female changing room area, where guests can slip into their swimmers and don a mandatory sauna cap and towel before heading over into the main area.
The Venue
Everything here is centered around the thermal cycle of Hot-Cold-Rest-Repeat, with authentic wellness treatments specifically curated to provide unique and invigorating spa experience that’ll propel the body into feeling both energised and raring to go. Walk in sluggish, leave feeling refreshed – at least that’s the goal.
Based in a leafy street of West London, this tucked away pocket of wellness offers guests a mini world of wellness to explore, including an authentic steam sauna, freezing plunge pool, hot stone rooms, massage rooms and a seperate rest and relaxation area for guests to relax (and dine) in-between sessions. For those brave enough, there’s also several hanging buckets filled with bone-chilling ice water to stand under.
Visitors book in for certain time slots and packages to enjoy the facilities at Banya No.1 in order to ensure a clean and easy changeover. Our own session – the Package No1 – starts off with a welcoming pot of hot tea and fruit-infused water awaiting over in a private booth to help settle in before we explore the main spa facilities.
The designated package includes a 3-hour session with access to the Banya facilities, our own private booth and of course, the all important Parenie treatment, of which this banya is known for.
The Treatment
A sauna or hot stone room is not highly unusual for a spa, but when it comes to uncommon treatments, Banya No.1 – Chiswick raises the game with its Parenie experience. Of course, there’s still a range of more traditional massages, scrubs and wraps – but if you’re after something with a little more ‘wow’, get outside of your comfort zone and book this famous thermal massage.
Parenie feels less like a treatment and more like a ritual – it involves an invigorating, traditional thermal treatment which truly ‘branches’ out. I find myself lying down upon a wooden bench in the hot steam sauna, with my head resting upon a pile of slightly damp leafy branches. From here, the therapist then uses a leafy bundle of birch, oak or eucalyptus twigs (called venik) to waft hot steam down onto, and around, my body.
It’s worth noting that Parenie isn’t painful but it’s absolutely intense – from the sounds of the wafting venik alone to being lightly slapped with the branches across your body. In the pitch black it’s an assault on the senses – in the best way possible.
Designed to release adrenalin and stress hormone, it boosts your blood circulation, and relieves tension and stress – a prime example of why so many Nordic countries have been worshipping sauna culture for centuries. The steam is carefully directed and controlled to heat your body deep within during the 15 minute session – but of course, what comes up must go down.
After the steam treatment, we’re led back out to the main area where I’m directed to plunge into the chilled water pool (head under or it doesn’t count, my spa therapist tells me) before both me and my friend receive a final freezing shower courtesy of two ice-water buckets.
This waterfall of arctic aqua is designed to release a wave of adrenaline and stress hormones – generating a feeling of intense invigoration throughout the body. I’m not sure about feeling completely revived but I can’t help but grin somewhat giddily at my friend as I watch the icy water pour over both of us, a far cry from our usual very tame afternoon coffee meetings.
The Food & Drink
The banya is intended to be as social as it is soothing. Back over in the separate rest and relaxation area, each guest is given a designated booth which offers both privacy and a space to chat, unwind and of course, feast upon the spa’s varied menu.
This goes completely against the grain when it comes to traditional spa food. No smoothies, no tofu and not a quinoa grain in sight. Instead, picture a wide mix of Russian favourites such as dumplings, soups, cottage cheese pancakes and enough smoked fish and seafood to keep a seal happy for at least a week.
Discreet ‘call’ buttons placed in each booth to provide guests with easy access for ordering dishes and drinks, which vary depending on the package purchased.
Eating is usually the last thing I want to do post anything heat-related, but even my picky eater habits can’t help from enjoying the Nordic spread before us once our treatments are finished.
As part of the package, we both receive a bowl of Borsch, a gorgeously flavoursome bright pink beetroot soup, along with a trio of Sirniki, fluffy homemade cottage cheese pancakes served with an unusual sour cream. For anything that isn’t consumed, staff kindly offer to pack up the extras in a takeaway box too.
The Wordrobe Verdict
Lying down in the surreal darkness, having just had my body smacked with piping hot foliage by a shirtless muscled man, I can’t think of a more unusual way to spend my Friday afternoon in comparison to the usual office environment I find myself in.
Facing up to the ceiling with the steam still circulating through the fiery room, forming a coherent sentence has become seemingly impossible.
“Well, that was definitely… AMSR.. an ASMR…how do you say it?” I question aloud in the foggy space to my nearby friend, also laying upon a wooden slab, once the treatment has finished.
“ASMR!” A friendly voice suddenly shouts back from the sauna sidelines, revealing a spectator curiously watching the spa ceremony whilst enjoying the group facilities (and reminding me of the community-like feel here).
And there you have it.
Make it happen
Where: 404-406 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 5TF
How: Find out more and make a booking via gobanyachiswick.co.uk
Wallet: Prices from £85.00pp for the No.1 Package.
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
