Location 211 E 51st Street
Website okeanosclubspa.com
In the spa
By Leyna Inberg
Although women are welcome, Okeanos was designed as a sanctuary for men, an eager replication of the traditional Russian Banya where close friends frequently pass whole Saturdays in the steamy saunas and ice cold showers of the spa. The décor of Okeanos is definitively masculine—minimalist khaki walls with a sleek blue wave following you around corner and through hallways. Cool blue lanterns line the walls and café ; for those patrons who enjoy a good smoke, a cigar room sits adjacent to the main lounge.
Located in the hustle and bustle of east Midtown , Okeanos offers a quiet respite for former patrons of the Banya, or those looking to experience a new kind of relaxation. The treatments range from typical spa procedures like pedicures, facials, and massages, to the more traditional Russian practice of platza, the light tapping of bundles of fragrant venik on the skin of the stomach, back, arms, and legs. Venik is the term for sticks and leaves of Oak or Birch trees that when applied correctly through platza, help increase circulation, prevent premature aging, and improve metabolism. Ruslan Sudentas, owner of Russian-bath.com, explains that the widening effect of Birch venik on the bronchioles helps patrons to breathe better and release any phlegm or mucus that would have clogged their lungs. Birch venik also soothes dry scalps, eliminating dandruff; Oak venik is best for those with oily skin, as it smoothes the skin and combats inflammation. If visiting during the business week, try to make it in on a Thursday; Mr. Sudentas makes special visits once a week to perform authentic platza.
An integral part of the Russian Banya experience is consistent repetition of extreme temperatures; the steam room can reach upwards of 150 degrees, and the cooling showers sometimes contain buckets of ice water. The extreme temperatures get blood circulating and slough off dead skin better than any shower scrub; the result is glowing features and a feeling that can only be described as walking on air. Between sauna visits, throw on a plush white gown and enjoy complimentary glasses of fresh grapefruit or lemon infused water at the lounge. The flat screen loops the fantastic imagery of Gregory Colbert, whose work has previously been displayed in Nomadic Museum at Pier 54. The glimmer of Gregory Colbert’s slow motion waves and sunsets compliment Okeanos perfectly, both transporting patrons to a stretch of absolute tranquility.