By Theresa Catena
Photography by Eric Piasecki

Traditional Russian saunas with steam, or Banyas as they’re called, have long been heralded for their therapeutic and medicinal benefits. But clever new spa creators Andre Izrailov and Simon Mirzokan have opened OKEANOS in Manhattan, adding a luxe Zsarist twist to classic steam-bath therapies. Originally intended as an upscale, men-only establishment, the sleek spa honors the great titan OKEANOS, (supreme being of earth’s fresh water), while its décor reflects the masculine power of the sea with dark woods, porthole windows, stone tiles and shiny metal accents. Russians innately know the power of Platza, and no trip to OKEANOS is complete without it. The centuries-old rejuvenation takes place in an intensely hot sauna, where a buff Platza master fans bundles of oak branches, or venik, over your glistening body. As you lay on a cedar-wood bleacher, the fanning of venik amplifies the heat as it passes over your skin, releasing tannins that are believed to have anti-oxidant properties.

Just when your temperature reaches its near-boiling point – you’re escorted out of the steam room and doused with icy water, which oddly, doesn’t seem to rattle your senses the way you’d expect. Sound scary? Forgive the pun, but it’s really quite cool. Besides, where else can you spend several hours at a spa/sleek bar-lounge, either alone, or with friends, all while kicking back in a downy bath robe and occasionally hopping off for a facial here, or more Banya there? First timers often feel weak from the dense heat, however research confirms the rewards of such steam baths, including deep relaxation and improved circulation, not to mention a night’s sleep like no other.

In fact, athletes also agree the theory holds water. The New York Rangers frequented the spa prior to the Olympics because the combination of deep tissue massage, stretching and warmth significantly help to restore the body, while many ballet dancers turn to Platza for revitalization after their intense training. Complementing the Russian therapies, OKEANOS provides a lengthy list of body massages, including a caviar wrap and black sea scrub, while they are currently introducing a new menu of Molton Brown treatments, such as a tension relief massage and regenerating facial for men. The spa is no longer just for men, but it does have a men’s grooming salon for expert barber services and hair styling.

OKEANOS boasts a fantastic atmosphere for socializing, making it a must-try treat for couples and friends, while Andre’s gracious and beautiful sister, Angela, is always on hand to ensure that you thoroughly enjoy and understand the nuances of Banya. The experience is topped off with a chilled shot of vodka in the bar area, followed by Russian gastronomical treats, like blinis, from famed restaurant Petrossian. “A day in banya, is a day without aging,” so says a Russian proverb, but at OKEANOS, it’s a day of indulgent delights fit for royalty.

www.okeanosclubspa.com