When people think about wellness in Dubai, a sauna is often the first thing that comes to mind. Step into the heat, sweat for a while, cool down, and head home.
At Banya Forrest, we believe wellness is much more than that.
The heat is only the beginning.
So, what’s the difference between a sauna and a banya?

Heat and Steam

The first difference is the type of heat.

A traditional sauna, especially a Finnish sauna, uses dry heat at high temperatures: between 70°C and 100°C with very low humidity.

A banya uses humid steam created by pouring water over hot stones. The temperature is lower, usually 60°C to 80°C, while the humidity is much higher. Instead of feeling dry and intense, the steam feels soft and enveloping, allowing your body to warm up gradually. The humid steam feels gentler on the skin and more comfortable to breathe, making longer steam sessions more enjoyable.

Hot and Cold Contrast

The next difference is what happens after the steam.

In a sauna, cooling down is optional.

At Banya Forrest, the hot and cold contrast is an essential part of the ritual.

After each steam session, you cool your body in a cold plunge, snow room, or cold shower before taking time to rest. Herbal tea helps you rehydrate and prepare for the next round.

Once your body has recovered, you return to the steam room and repeat the cycle.

Hot and cold contrast is what makes the ritual so unique. Each round leaves you feeling refreshed, re-energised, and alive.

Traditional Treatments

Another distinctive feature of a banya is the treatments.

At Banya Forrest, traditional venik therapy, body scrubs, and massage aren’t optional extras - they’re part of the ritual.

If you’ve never experienced venik therapy before, it might come as a surprise. A Master of Banya uses bundles of fresh oak or birch branches to gently tap the body while directing the warm steam around you. It may look unusual at first, but it’s one of the experiences guests remember most.

Together with the steam and hot-and-cold contrast, these treatments create a complete wellness experience that goes far beyond simply sweating.

The Experience

The atmosphere is different too.

A sauna is often a place for a quick wellness session before or after the gym.

Banya Forrest invites you to slow down.

Friends catch up over herbal tea, couples reconnect, and families spend quality time together between steam sessions. It’s as much about the experience as it is about the benefits of the heat.

As wellness continues to evolve, more people searching for a sauna in Dubai are discovering that Banya Forrest offers something entirely different. Instead of spending twenty minutes in a heated room, guests often spend several hours moving through the ritual at their own pace.

Both experiences have their place.

A sauna changes your body temperature.

A banya changes how you feel.