Brooklyn Banya, Brooklyn

A modern take on a centuries-old Russian tradition of relaxation for all walks of life, the female-owned Brooklyn Banya welcomes visitors of all ages, ethnicities, and genders into the comforting ambiance of their 10,000-square-foot facility. The banya—Latin for "bathhouse"—features dry and wet saunas, steam rooms, and pools soothe aching bodies and open pores. Patrons stow valuables in lockers, for which they may bring their own locks, and don flip-flops before moving between baths of different temperatures, which can increase circulation and help the immune system. The bathhouse’s therapeutic jacuzzi bubbles with cozy heat, and ice baths chill sore muscles. Staff members perform body-bettering treatments, such as sugar scrubs, which leave skin smoother than a newborn pickpocket, and Platska, a treatment that uses leafy oak branches to exfoliate skin and enhance circulation. The attached rooftop sundeck and café—serving fresh juice, black tea with honey, and authentic Russian fare—ensures that patrons leave calm, sated, and rejuvenated.