AIRE Ancient Baths London vs Banya No.1 – Hoxton: Which spa break is better for you in 2026?

Two of the most talked-about spa destinations are AIRE Ancient Baths London and Banya No.1 – Hoxton, both of which offer beautiful thermal experiences but with their own unique vibes, delivering a completely different kind of wellbeing escape. Naturally, we recommend both for different occasions - here’s what you need to know to help choose the right one for you.

AIRE Ancient Baths London

Just minutes away from Covent Garden, AIRE Ancient Baths London is a day spa that takes you to another world. In an architecturally inspiring building that was once the home of J.M. Barrie, who wrote Peter Pan, here, you step into a subterranean world of rest and relaxation.

The vibe:

Romantic, quiet, and deeply atmospheric, AIRE Ancient Baths London is set inside a restored 18th-century building with softly flickering candlelight and stone interiors that resemble an ancient underground sanctuary.

The spa experience:

Inspired by Roman, Greek, and Ottoman bathing traditions, AIRE centres around a thermal journey with multiple pools in cavernous spaces. Guests move between hot, cold, and warm baths, including a tepidarium, caldarium, and frigidarium, alongside a steam room and relaxation areas.

Spa highlights:

• Seven distinct baths with varying temperatures
• A thousand jet bath
• A flotarium (salt bath) for effortless floating
• Signature treatments such as massages and exfoliating rituals
• Unique experiences like a private red wine bath for two

Additional touches:

AIRE Ancient Baths London focuses on indulgence and creating an intimate environment, with extras added to your spa package to tie the whole thing together. For example, their Signature Wine Experience features a unique red wine soak, where you are submerged in a bath to enjoy the antioxidant properties of Spanish Ribera del Duero red grapes while having a cranial massage and a honey hair mask. The treatment is followed by a glass of Spanish Ribera Del Duero wine and cheese.

The cost

AIRE Ancient Baths London is a high-end experience with packages typically starting around £100 per person.

Banya No.1 – Hoxton

Banya No.1 - Hoxton is an authentic bathhouse based on a traditional Russian Banya, designed to leave you feeling de-stressed thanks to its exhilarating combination of ancient wellness rituals. Ideal for a day of self-care, spend time using the thermal experiences before one of their unique and traditional therapies. Then, head to their restaurant for restorative Eastern European and Russian food and wellness drinks.

The vibe:

Authentic, social, and energising. This is a bathhouse experience rooted in traditional Russian wellness culture. Unlike any other spa experience you will have in the UK, this is a wellness experience that many build into their routines, addicted to the spa ‘high’, whether they visit on their own or with friends.

The spa experience:

At its core is the Parnaya steam sauna, where high heat and humidity (around 40 to 60%) create an intense detoxifying environment. You alternate between hot steam, icy plunge pools, and relaxation periods, repeating the cycle multiple times.

Spa highlights:

• The famous Parenie treatment - a thermal massage using birch, oak, or eucalyptus branches in the steam room
• Ice-cold plunge pools and bucket showers
• A communal lounge with private booths
• On-site restaurant serving Eastern European food and wellness drinks

Additional touches:

One of the unique aspects of Banya No.1 – Hoxton, is that it is based in a cultural approach to socialising as well as wellness, so it’s great for enjoying with friends and in many ways is entertainment. You’ll chat, eat, hydrate, and recover between sauna sessions, often as part of a group. The ritual is guided by ‘steam masters’ and is designed to boost circulation, immunity, and overall vitality. It’s quite intense at times!

The cost:

Although it can be experienced as a one-off, as entertainment, a special occasion, a periodic detox, or for those wanting to try something different, for many it becomes an instrumental part of their wellness routine. As such, you can try packages that are more moderately priced - starting around £65.

Key differences at a glance

Atmosphere

• AIRE Ancient Baths: Quiet, intimate, and almost meditative
• Banya No.1 – Hoxton: Lively, communal, and interactive

Experience style

• AIRE Ancient Baths London: Passive relaxation: soaking, floating, unwinding
• Banya No.1 – Hoxton: Active ritual: contrast therapy and repetition

Unique factor

• AIRE Ancient Baths London: Underground, candlelit pools inspired by ancient civilisations
• Banya No.1 – Hoxton: The intense, traditional Parenie treatment

Facilities

• AIRE Ancient Baths London: Multiple thermal spaces, relaxation lounges, and treatment rooms
• Banya No.1 – Hoxton: A unique type of steam sauna, plunge pools, treatment rooms, plus a restaurant and social lounge

Which one should you choose?

Both of these spas are an excellent choice for different occasions. They are both based on the concept of a thermal experience, but one is more about taking your time to relax and unwind, perfect for romantic experiences or quality time, while the other is a more intense, lively wellness ritual.

Best for relaxation: AIRE Ancient Baths London

If you want to completely switch off and enjoy a luxurious, meditative environment, AIRE is perfect.

Best for health and vigour: Banya No.1 – Hoxton

While both offer immense wellness benefits, if you’re after a wellness experience for circulation, detox, and muscle recovery, and don’t mind an intense session, the banya experience is definitely one to try.

Best for couples or special occasions: AIRE Ancient Baths

Its romantic setting and premium treatments make it ideal for date nights or celebrations.

Best for groups or something different: Banya No.1 – Hoxton

Perfect for friends or anyone looking for a more interactive, cultural experience.

Which spa is right for you?

These two spas aren’t really competitors - they’re different opportunities to explore thermal experiences.

• Choose AIRE Ancient Baths London if you want luxury, calm, and indulgence.
• Choose Banya No.1 – Hoxton if you want energy, tradition, and a physical reset.

In an ideal world? Try both.