Russian Bathhouse

[lisa]

I consider it a good weekend if I do at least one thing I've never done before. Today, that was visiting Banya 5, a Russian "urban spa" in the developing South Lake Union area. I've visited Japanese and Korean bathhouses, and now having been to a Russian spa I'm glad to find more similarities than differences. They're all based on hydrotherapy - a

Comments

[wingedcorset]

OK, this is funny. I'm listening to a Seattle radio show/podcast right this very second that's doing a segment about this place: http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=78&sid=122578#comments

[lisa]

I hope they're saying nice things!

I miss Kabuki Springs in SF. I didn't take advantage of it as much as I should have! That remains the nicest (in terms of presentation/cleanliness/general aura) bathhouse I've visited. And cheapest!

[killervee]

I was given a gift certificate for there by BAD for being on the Events committee. I've never been and I'm a little shy...

[lisa]

You could go on Sunday which is a co-ed day. Everyone wears bathing suits so it is a little more social. I've been on just girl days and it is fine, takes just a few moments to get used to it. If everyone is naked, nobody is!

[obomb]

heard something about this place on the radio this week. i can't wait to go to this sauna and play tough guy with surly old russian dudes.

[lisa]

Without those dudes I probably wouldn't have taken the cold plunge. I'll do almost anything on a dare!

[chris]

yeah it'll be like that fight scene in Eastern Promises

[whitaker]

OMG I totally went to Banya in Moscow. Do you have to beat each other with bundles of birch leaves while in the naked sauna at this one?

[lisa]

I personally avoided confrontations with birch leaves but I did see it mentioned as a possible "treatment"

[rettig]

I think I would be kicked out for insisting upon speaking in a terrible russian accent the entire time I was there. I have a feeling I wouldn't be able to help myself. I'm annoying myself just at the thought of how annoying I would be.