FIVE LONDON SPAS OFFERING FOREIGN WELLNESS RITUALS

EXPLORE SPA TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD IN THE HEART OF THE CAPITAL. WORDS: AMELIA DUGGAN

From a luxurious update of the Roman thermae tradition and an authentic Russian banya to the city’s best hammam-style spas, here’s where to book treatments in London.

AIRE ANCIENT BATHS

BEST FOR: ROMANCE & RELAXATION

Just moments from the busy Strand and Covent Garden, a subterranean world of candle-lit bathing awaits. Unveiled in summer 2021, this is the AIRE brand’s first opening in the UK, set within the vaults beneath an unassuming townhouse. Its sizeable complex of atmospheric pools are inspired by the ancient Roman thermae tradition, lit almost exclusively by flickering tealights, tucked in alcoves or suspended from chandeliers. beaire.com

THE BATH HOUSE — BANYA LONDON

BEST FOR: INVIGORATION & SOCIALISING At this former bank just a short walk from Victoria station, guests can immerse themselves in the classic Russian sauna experience. It all starts with the vigorous parenie ritual, whereby guests are ushered into a private room, low-lit and designed to resemble a Siberian timber sweat lodge, in which a bare-chested male banshchik beats the skin with a bundle of soaked oak branches, known as a venik. The hot massage ends with an icy bucket sloshed over the head and a dunk in the chilly plunge pool. A parenie is said to remove toxins and improve metabolism, and it’s just one of many pillars of an authentic banya (Russian steam bath). banyalondon.co.uk READ MORE ONLINE