What’s the difference between a bathhouse and a spa?
Bathhouses are all about communal gathering, with shared pools, saunas and steam rooms where people can socialize and recharge. Spas, on the other hand, typically only offer private treatment rooms where guests receive individual services, which tend to be isolating. Bathhouses are communal spaces with a focus on traditional public bathing practices. Visitors can enjoy steam baths, saunas, and shared pools, emphasizing social interaction and collective relaxation. In contrast, spas often focus on individual pampering and personalized treatments.Luckily, there’s been a recent boom of bathhouses opening across the city. But these aren’t your grandpa’s Russian shvitz centres – these are stylish and modern spas. Most have several types of saunas, as well as hot and cold baths of various temperatures (and buoyancies). Some even offer spa treatments, too.
What is a private bath at a spa?
A spa bath is a spa treatment that usually takes place in a private treatment room, and will be just for you, or for you and your partner. The bathing experience will certainly feel more luxurious than your one at home. The most common spa treatments are massages, manicures/pedicures and facials. However, you might also see offered such treatments as a body scrub/exfoliation, a fingers or toes file & polish (like a mini manicure or pedicure) or a scalp massage.
What is the etiquette in a bath house?
Here’s the proper way to enjoy the bathhouse: No swimsuits, following tradition. Before entering the bath, thoroughly wash your body to respect for others. Bring bath towels and face towels from your room, using the black bag provided. Bathhouses are all about communal gathering, with shared pools, saunas and steam rooms where people can socialize and recharge. Spas, on the other hand, typically only offer private treatment rooms where guests receive individual services, which tend to be isolating.However, it must be said that not all SPAs are the same. Normally, there is a wet area called Mogyoktang where you are completely naked, separated by gender. Then, there is also a dry area that both sexes use together. It consists of saunas, relaxation areas, gaming stations, cafeterias, and other facilities.At your specific gender level, additional towels, bathrobe, and shorts will be given. You will then put everything away in your locker and change into the shirt and short provided. To enter the spa and sauna on the gender-segregated floors, we ask that no clothing be worn. Bathing suits are not allowed in the spas.
What not to wear in a sauna?
Don’t Wear Heavy Clothing In a sauna, wearing heavy garments can be exceedingly uncomfortable and risky. Such textiles limit your body’s capacity to expel heat, which can contribute to overheating. When deciding what to wear to a spa, choose lightweight options to provide a safe experience. Etiquette & Safety: Please shower before and after using each bathhouse facility. For hygiene purposes, please always sit on a towel in any sauna. Please do not wear footwear into saunas or steam rooms. Please do not pour oil on sauna hot stones or into water buckets – it destroys the sauna heating elements.You should wear a bra in the sauna if it doubles as your top, however, if you are wearing a t-shirt or a towel, then it may not be needed. Being comfortable is more important in this aspect, and you shouldn’t sauna with anything that is making you uncomfortable – especially your bra.Some basic rules for sauna bathing Do not eat heavy, stressful meals before going to the sauna, but also do not go to the sauna with an empty stomach. In the case of chronic illnesses, the consent of the doctor treating you must be obtained beforehand. Sauna bathing should be avoided: if you are clearly unwell.