As you may have noticed, the neighborhood of South Lake Union has been going through a lot of growth the past few years. Up until now we have been at least a block away from all major construction, however, we are now faced with new buildings literally going up right outside our front door. We understand, and share, the frustration that may come up with street closures, decreased parking, and annoying construction sounds. We are doing our best to make sure your visit is a rejuvenating one and appreciate your patience during this trying period.  

Thank you

Seattle Times- Best Seattle-area day spas: Feel pampered without breaking the bank

What Seattle Freeze? The Parilka (dry sauna) of the trendy coed Russian-style bathhouse in South Lake Union could melt the coldest countenance of any passive-aggressive Seattleite. Or maybe it was the patrons, a boisterous bunch, who were both garrulous and serene. In the Parilka, instead of sitting in silence, the bathers chatted across from each other on the cascading stairs, like high-school students on bleachers.

Many of the patrons were regulars who came multiple nights a week. One, a man with a beard and handlebar mustache, proclaimed Banya 5 to be “the greatest place on Earth.” He did so while standing chest-deep in the cold-plunge pool — 45 degrees — without flinching.

He was also the same man who advised me to “just breathe” and explained, “This is sort of like forced meditation,” after my first ever-public beating — or rather, a massage (or “platza” with a Venik, a soaked oak branch) in the Parilka administered by a burly Viking type.

I laid on the top bench of the smoking hot sauna, while the big man slapped my back and legs with the leaves, which were wet and steamy from the heat. An intense feeling of claustrophobia took over and I felt dizzy. I can’t say it was pleasant but it was certainly memorable.

My friend did better with the “50 Shades of Veniks” than I: After her “massage” and cold plunge, she went to the tepid pool where a perfect stranger held her aloft like a baby as she floated on her back. After three exhilarating hours there, I could agree with the mustachioed man’s assessment of Banya 5’s greatness.

To read the full article which includes other great spa options in the area, click here: http://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/best-seattle-area-day-spas-feel-pampered-without-breaking-the-bank/

Street Construction

Times are changing! As we look around us in South Lake Union the landscape is evolving right before our eyes. The last few years have brought many changes to our particular part of this neighborhood and we are doing our best to take it in stride.

We appreciate your patience and are doing our best to work with the crew to make this as painless as possible.