British Banya

I went to the British Banya in Krasnaya Polyana recently.  The owner, James Larkin, is a native of the United Kingdom.  He came to the region in 1993 and has built one of the most unique businesses and best reputations in this part of Russia.

When we met, I expected someone much older than James.  I was waiting in the office with his assistant when he arrived.  He entered the room with the look and relaxed demeanor of a 24 year-old snowboarder from Colorado.  However, James' easy-going charm and friendly disposition belie a great eye for design and a prescience about the markets he serves.  And he is doing all of this in a culture and language not his own.

James studied engineering in the U.K., but before finishing he was drawn to Russia by the stories of a fellow student who came from Krasnaya Polyana.  When he came to Krasnaya Polyana he was intrigued by the culture and opportunities he saw.  This was 14 years before Russia won the right to host the Olympics, so Krasnaya Polyana was not on anyone's radar screen at the time.  

He started out with a small banya on the property.  The business grew and he eventually built a new, much larger facility.  James was not satisfied with the stove he was using in his banya, so he designed and built his own.  The quality and design attracted customers, so he and his wife now build commercially.  His design is more efficient, environmentally friendly and durable than those of usual construct.  His work is getting attention from businesss and political leaders in Russia.  He told me that he is in Moscow several tines a month, where he has multiple projects for the design and construction of banyas and recreation rooms in the homes of wealthy Moscovites.  James' designs include his own unique spa pool (shown below suspended on his property) and the banya stoves, which he builds on his property.

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The British Banya is popular with locals in Krasnaya Polyana.  Alcohol, although customary at most Russian banyas, is not sold because of the dangerous combination with heat and dehydration, especially at altitude. The banya has a large round room with rocks for heat and steam, the suspended heated pool and a cold water pool for immersion between sitting in the heat.  There is also a room for massage and the leaf and branch treatments that accompany a traditional Russian banya experience.  The banya features a spacious area with seating and tables for relaxing and drinking water and tea during the banya experience.

Because of his great location and growing demand for hotels in Krasnaya Polyana, James is building a 10-room hotel.  The construction is also environmentally-friendly.  The building has a dramatic spiral staircase, spacious rooms and great views.  There also will be a roof-top terrace for guests to enjoy the Caucasus Mountain scenery.  Construction is expected to be completed in February- March 2012.  Foreign Olympic organizations have already called looking to rent the hotel for the Games.