An extraordinary journey through intense heat, icy water and deep relaxation, SOMA’s authentic banya experience in Beausoleil offers a different perspective on wellness, where ancient traditions meet the modern pursuit of longevity.

Just minutes from Monaco, in Beausoleil, SOMA Longevity introduces a wellness experience that goes far beyond the familiar rituals of a luxury spa. At its heart lies an authentic banya ceremony, a 90-minute journey combining steam, traditional leafy-branch massage, cold-water immersion and profound relaxation.

Unlike conventional spa treatments, where the objective is often to relax from the very first moment, the banya takes a different approach. It challenges the senses, introduces dramatic contrasts in temperature and invites guests to experience a unique sequence of physical sensations before reaching a state of complete tranquillity.

For first-time visitors, it is important to know that the ritual can be surprisingly intense. Yet this is precisely what makes the experience so memorable.

A Ritual Guided by Tradition

The experience begins in SOMA’s beautifully designed relaxation area, where warm interiors and a peaceful atmosphere immediately create a sense of escape from the outside world.

After changing, guests are welcomed with a herbal infusion served with honey and lemon, before meeting the Slovenian banya specialist who personally accompanies them throughout the entire ritual.

The first session inside the banya lasts only a few minutes, allowing the body to gradually adapt to the heat. Afterwards, guests return to the relaxation area for tea and a short pause.

It is during the second visit that the experience becomes truly extraordinary.

The specialist begins by moving bundles of leafy branches through the hot air above the body, creating waves of intense heat that sweep across the skin. The sensation is unusual, almost as though the body were being enveloped by a hot wind.

The branches are then used in rhythmic, massage-like movements, gently striking and brushing the body in a traditional technique associated with banya bathing.

Just as the body becomes accustomed to the warmth, the ritual takes an unexpected turn.

A bucket of cold water is suddenly poured over the body, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding heat. The sensation is immediate and powerful. When repeated, it remains surprising, although increasingly refreshing.

The alternation between hot and cold is central to the banya tradition, creating a distinctive sensory experience that differs considerably from a conventional sauna.

The Cold-Water Challenge

One of the most memorable stages follows the steam ritual: immersion in cold water.

Guests are invited to enter the cold plunge three times, with the option of fully submerging the head.

For someone experiencing the banya for the first time, this can be a genuine challenge. The transition from intense heat to icy water requires determination, and the initial sensation can be quite a shock.

Yet emerging from the water brings an unmistakable feeling of freshness and renewed alertness.

What makes the SOMA experience particularly distinctive is the constant presence of the specialist, who guides every stage and helps guests navigate the changing temperatures according to their comfort.

The ritual is not about enduring discomfort at any cost. The intensity should always be adapted to individual tolerance, and cold immersion is not appropriate for everyone.

Following this stage, there is another opportunity to rest, enjoy herbal tea and allow the body to settle before the final session.

From Intensity to Deep Relaxation

The last visit to the banya introduces a noticeably softer rhythm.

After the earlier contrasts of heat and cold, the ritual becomes more soothing. A natural grapefruit scrub is applied to the body, adding a refreshing sensory element and leaving the skin feeling soft and revitalised.

It is a welcome transition from the intensity of the earlier stages.

However, perhaps the most unexpected part of the entire experience comes afterwards.

Guests are invited to lie on a suspended bed that gently sways from side to side, creating an almost weightless sensation.

With eyes closed, the subtle movement encourages a remarkable sense of calm. After the physical intensity of the banya, the contrast is extraordinary.

The body gradually relaxes, the mind becomes quiet and the outside world seems to disappear.

It is difficult to compare this moment to a traditional massage or spa treatment. Instead, it feels like a complete disconnection from everyday life.

More Than a Spa Experience

What makes SOMA’s banya particularly interesting is that it does not promise uninterrupted relaxation.

Quite the opposite.

The ritual deliberately moves between intensity and stillness, warmth and cold, stimulation and recovery. It requires participation rather than passive enjoyment.

For first-time visitors, the sensations may initially feel unfamiliar or even physically demanding. Yet the progression of the ritual, combined with the specialist’s guidance, makes the experience both distinctive and rewarding.

The full 90-minute journey is carefully structured, allowing guests to experience the traditional elements of banya bathing while enjoying the comfort of a contemporary wellness environment.

It is an experience that stays with you long after leaving.

SOMA Longevity: Where Recovery Meets Preventive Wellness

Beyond its signature banya ritual, SOMA represents a broader approach to health and longevity.

Its philosophy is built around a simple idea: healthspan over lifespan. The objective is not merely to live longer, but to maintain physical vitality, independence and quality of life for as many years as possible.

SOMA’s approach is organised around three complementary pillars:

Check-up: Comprehensive health assessments conducted in collaboration with medical specialists, including Professor Kleine-Gunk in endocrinology and Professor Uwe Nixdorff in cardiology, to evaluate key health markers and individual needs.

Treatments: Personalised longevity protocols recommended by medical professionals, combining lifestyle guidance with advanced BTL technology. The focus includes sustainable weight management, muscle preservation and cardiovascular health, alongside nutrition, movement and sleep.

Recovery: At the centre of the concept is the authentic banya experience, bringing generations of traditional knowledge about heat, cold and restoration into a contemporary wellness setting.

The philosophy behind SOMA reflects a growing understanding that maintaining good health requires consistent attention throughout life. Regular movement, balanced nutrition, preventive care and adequate recovery all contribute to healthier ageing.

With SOMA, the ambition is to make this commitment to well-being both accessible and enjoyable, combining modern medical expertise with meaningful wellness experiences.

For those looking to discover something beyond the traditional spa experience near Monaco, SOMA’s banya offers an unusual and memorable journey through the senses, culminating in a profound feeling of relaxation.

Because sometimes, the most rewarding way to unwind begins by stepping outside your comfort zone.