Outer Southeast still holds Portland surprises. Bear Banya is a Russian-style banya you can rent for the afternoon: hours of heat, cold, and rest with the space entirely to yourselves.
Find it, and the rest of the city we keep returning to, on sabi's Portland list.
What a banya is
A banya is a traditional Russian bathhouse built around a hot, humid steam room. Rounds of heat alternate with cold water and rest, a rhythm that has been passed down for generations.
Renting the whole place
Bear Banya books private sessions, so the banya, the cold plunge, and the lounge belong to your group for the booking.
A couples retreat
Booking it for two turns a sauna visit into a retreat. Time slows, and the only schedule is the next round of steam.
Booking & what to bring
Reserve by phone or email, ideally two weeks or more ahead. Add-on services are listed on the site. Bring a water bottle and plan to leave the evening open afterward.
The details
- 2130 SE 96th Ave, Portland, OR 97216
- By reservation; check bearbanya.com for current hours and pricing
- bearbanya.com, 503-345-4888, info@bearbanya.com
sabi
The sabi journal
Stories behind the things we carry