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. Just bring your bathing suit, (non-glass) water bottle and some good vibes. Towels, slippers and personal care products are supplied in our locker rooms. Locks are not needed, there are integrated locks on the lockers that allow access via wristband. Please be sure to secure your belongings.Once in the changing area you will need to undress completely (no clothes, underwear or swimwear are permitted in the bathing area). You can leave your belongings in the designated baskets or lockers. If you like, you can take a small ‘modesty’ towel with you to cover the important bits!
What to expect at a Russian bath house?
A banya typically includes a steam room with wooden benches, leafy branches that are used for massages, and buckets or pools of cold water. On a recent trip to Russia, I visited a 200-year-old traditional bathhouse in Moscow, where I paid $85 to be whacked with branches and doused in ice-cold water. A banja is the Cyrillic term for a traditional public bath in Russia. In a Russian banja, the temperature does not exceed 70°C, but the humidity level can be up to 100%. A stove is situated in the centre of the room, and is generally fired by wood.
What is the difference between a bathhouse and a spa?
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. 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.