5 of the best London spas

For a new experience

What? Banya no.1

Where? Hoxton

Why? For a traditional Russian take on relaxation, try the highly praised Banya No. 1, which serves up authentically charming treatments alongside amazing traditional food and – you guessed it – vodka (optional, but preferable). ‘Banyas’ are the steam bathhouses located all over Russia that typically favour wet and incredibly humid conditions – apparently much healthier than a hot, dry sauna. Labelled Britain’s most unusual spa, you’ll find unique treatments, lots of steam, icy plunge pools, honey tea, fetching felt hats and pit-stops of beetroot juice, pickles and dried salted fish.

Must try: Try the signature ‘Parenie’ ritual, which involves fragrant bundles of birch, oak and eucalyptus twigs being thwacked across your back and body. Sounds weirdly violent but it isn’t – it’s actually incredibly invigorating and the essential oils released during the process are said to boost circulation and prevent premature aging of the skin. Combine this with alternate trips from the steamy banya to the plunge pool and you are sure to come away feeling the definition of fresh.

From £28 for 10 mins, gobanya.co.uk