At Archimedes Banya, we know that details are crucial. The state-of-art facility features heated floors and benches, sophisticated ventilation and dehumidification equipment, hi-tech temperature and humidity controls, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and pools: all engineered to bring you the best banya experience possible. We work hard to provide a perfect place both for calm relaxation and breathtaking fun of dramatic temperature contrasts. All rooms, including spa treatment rooms are finished with artistic tile works and original murals specially developed for Archimedes by internationally known artist Vadim Puyandaev.
Russian Sauna
Heated to 170 – 190 F with just enough humidity (less than 30%) to soothe your respiratory system, two Russian Saunas (parilki) are the most unique and important places of our banya complex. The center of each sauna is the huge 22,000 lb stove covered by handmade ceramic tiles (izraztsy) from Russia. The size of the stove and the special features of the tiles allow the stove heat to be soft and pleasant for your body. The special high temperature cameras for light steam cooking are heated independently from the stove and filled with rocks from Finland and known for producing negative ions. Sixteen-foot high ceiling allows seating benches on different heights that give gradually changing temperature and satisfying different customers tastes. Constant circulation of fresh hot air triggers profuse sweating and thus eliminates the impurities and toxins that cannot be removed by a regular shower or a bath. Together with venik platza it provides an ultimate invigorating and detoxifying method.
Turkish Hammam Steam Room
With its almost hundred percent humidity and mild (below 140 F) temperature, it is a perfect place to calm your senses and conceal from the stresses of the outside world. Invigorating warmth and peaceful, an almost dream-like state of relaxation is created in this kind of a Turkish Hammam by heated benches and aromatized steam. It increases blood flow to the skin that brings nutrients to its surface thus rehydrating it and making it look fresh and radiant. For an even greater result, the seam room experience can be followed by procedures of the Hammam body wash, massage, and scrub on heated benches outside, in our magnificent washing area.
Finnish Dry Sauna
Dry (humidity below 5%) and hot (220 F and above) air of this sauna was used for centuries to recover from physical activities. Comforting aroma of heated wood (California cedar) and the thermal exposure relieves the strain in muscles and joint stiffness. Hot dry air also induces sweating which results in cleaner pores and therefore cleaner skin and complexion.
Cold Water Plunge
A source of excitement for those who value the adventurous part of Russian Banya. Washing the heat of the sauna in the ice-cold water is quite literally breathtaking. It also is a great exercise for the whole cardiovascular system and a key to almost euphoric emotional state.
Warm Water Pools and Jacuzzis
An intermezzo between sauna sessions, our warm water swimming pool and Jacuzzis are family-friendly, refreshing and fun.
Bar Mezzanine
Our bar mezzanine is a great place for intermediate between sauna visits. There you can get drinks, food, talk to friends and watch TV.
Roof
Our roof offers breathtaking views of San Francisco, Oakland and the East Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Mount Diablo. We are blessed to live in the climate that allows use of the decks through the whole year.
Quiet Relaxation Room
This room offers leather armchairs extendable to a full bed. You’ll find this an excellent place to have a nap or to quietly watch TV.
Private Rooms
Hourly rentals of private rooms are available for events. Reservations are required. Click here for details.