Blakes is partnered with the South Kensington Club (SKC), a private members' health and wellbeing sanctuary located within a spacious Georgian townhouse.
SKC brings together influences from all over the world, including a truly unique and authentic communal Russian banya, a Turkish hammam, cold plunge pools and private treatment cabins. The traditional wood-panelled Russian banya is considered more humid and less hot than the conventional Nordic sauna. After the heat, take a room-temperature shower, a dip in the cold-water jacuzzi or a plunge in the ice-cold tub. The overall effect is nothing short of euphoric: detoxification of the body and an awakening of the mind.
For those who wish to experience a banya treatment or ‘parenia,’ SKC offer a number of traditional treatments. In the treatment room, veniks (large leafy branches) are dipped into ice-cold water and firmly stroked over the body by the banschik (banya therapist), encouraging the skin to absorb the essential oils of birch, oak or eucalyptus. Cold water will close the skin’s pores to cleanse the body, improve circulation and boost the immune system.
There are two private banyas (‘Altai’ and ‘Baikal’) offering additional privacy, which are available to hire for a minimum of two hours. They include an external entrance, private balcony, plunge pool, treatment room and a dedicated banchik therapist. One of the cabins has a treatment room specifically designed for couples. This is the ultimate way to enjoy the Russian banya.
SKC also has a spacious skylit cardio gym, a weights room and multiple fitness studios with daily classes, including reformer and mat Pilates, HIIT, yoga, barre, boxing and more. Gym equipment is by Technogym, Peloton, Concept2 and Rogue Fitness.
To visit the South Kensington Club, please contact Blakes reception desk.
South Kensington Club
38 – 42 Harrington Road
London
SW7 3ND
reception@southkensingtonclub.com