Southside Sauna Club

Backyard Banya

Ritual. Heat. Cold. Calm. (Minus the vodka.)

I built this banya in my McDonough, Georgia backyard with my friend Victor after a trip to Siberia—one of those trips that changes how your brain is wired. What I’m sharing here is a real Russian banya experience: wood-fired heat, a cold reset, and the Venik, explained What it is: a bundle of leafy branches, often birch or oak. What it does: moves steam, adds scent, and boosts circulation. How it feels: rhythmic, warm, surprisingly relaxing. Not a beating: it’s a massage, not a punishment. Tip: ask for “gentle” if it’s your first time. ritual… delivered in a friendly Southside way.

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How this banya happened

Victor and Vera’s daughter, Tatyana, lived with our family in Georgia during her Rotary Scholarship program. Later, I went to Siberia to spend time with Victor and Vera—and Victor made sure it wasn’t a “quiet little visit.”

We skydived from an old Soviet helicopter. We hiked, camped, and paraglided off the Altai mountains. We trekked to a beekeeper’s home to harvest Altai Mountain honey. And yes… we drank way more vodka than we should have.

To cap the trip, we visited the dacha (family summer house) of Victor’s friend Volodya. We smoked fish, ate like kings, and enjoyed Volodya’s banya—where I experienced my first sauna and my first venik massage. That was the moment the whole “Backyard Banya” idea clicked.

The goal now is simple: recreate that authentic banya feeling for people here—real heat, real ritual, real reset— but with a Southern vibe. Authentic Russian banya… minus the vodka.

What you’re getting

This isn’t a spa and it’s not “Instagram sauna cosplay.” It’s a legit wood-fired banya built for the classic cycle: heat → cold → rest → repeat.

  • Wood-fired heat (the real kind)
  • Optional cold plunge (if you're brave enough)
  • Quiet time or conversation — your call
  • Beginner-friendly pacing

The venik ritual

Done right, it’s not about pain. It’s about heat, scent, circulation, and that “reset button” feeling. If you want the full venik experience, we can build it into your session.

(Hover the word venik up top—or tap the ?—for a quick explanation.)

What to bring

  • Swimwear if you're modest. This is a naturist-friendly space
  • Sandals / slides
  • Water bottle (I’ll have water too)
  • A towel for drying off afterward (I have towels to sit on)

Pro move: eat light beforehand and plan to take it easy afterward.

What to expect

  • Quick orientation + safety talk
  • 2–4 heat/cold/rest rounds depending on your pace
  • Optional venik segment (by request)
  • Time to chill between rounds

New to sauna? Perfect. We’ll keep it friendly and controlled.

Ron’s rules (said with love)

Hydrate like it’s your job.
You can’t “tough guy” your way through dehydration.
No alcohol before or during.
The Siberia trip had its moments. This isn’t that.
Your pace is the pace.
If you feel overheated, step out. This is not a competition.
Be cool. Be kind.
It’s a reset space. Leave drama at the gate.

Book a private session

Book your own session - heat up, cool down, reset your brain. Great for small groups, birthdays, or a "we need a reset" night.

New to banya? Start with the short guide below before you request a session. It explains what to bring, what to expect, how the heat-cold-rest rhythm works, and how the venik ritual fits in.

New to Banya? Start Here Learn More About Private Sessions