Forest Sauna (Banya) ritual

A sauna is a hot room you sit in. The banya ritual is a guided sequence of heat, steam, cooling and rest: about 1.5–2 hours in the banya itself, three hours in all with tea on arrival and rest afterwards. Two banya masters are with you throughout. The heat builds gradually and never to extremes. Between rounds, the masters air the banya and keep the air fresh, so there is no need to step out. You simply rest while they cool you with water, move the steam with fans and give a rhythmic massage with leafy oak whisks.

Arrival. Herbal tea and fruit at the house, time to settle in and meet your banya masters.

The banya — about 1.5–2 hours. Two sessions of three rounds each. An infusion of fresh herbs — eucalyptus, oregano, wormwood, cypress — is poured onto the hot stones, and the steam is moved around the body with fans. Between rounds, water is poured over you to cool the skin. The banya masters give a rhythmic massage with leafy oak whisks, to quiet live music of voice and acoustic instruments. Between sessions, you can cool off in the cold mountain water of the levada beside the banya. This is always optional.

Rest. Back at the house: tea, fruit and time for the body to return to its normal temperature. We never rush this part. It is part of the ritual.

For most healthy adults, yes. The heat builds gradually, and the banya masters keep an eye on every guest throughout. You can step out, cool down, drink water or stop at any moment, and cold immersion is always optional. This is never about endurance.

Guests must be 18 or over.

Please do not take part if you:

• are pregnant
• have serious or unstable cardiovascular disease
• have uncontrolled high or low blood pressure
• have epilepsy or another seizure disorder
• have a fever, an active infection or are acutely unwell
• are recovering from recent surgery or a medical procedure
• take blood-thinning medication or have a bleeding or clotting disorder
• have severe or uncontrolled asthma, or another serious respiratory condition
• have open wounds, a skin infection or a contagious skin condition
• have had alcohol or recreational drugs in the past 24 hours

If you have a chronic condition, take medication that affects your heart or circulation, have an implanted medical device, or are unsure how your body will respond to heat and cold, please check with your doctor before booking.

No previous banya experience is needed.

• Avoid eating for about two hours beforehand.
• No alcohol or recreational drugs before or after the ritual.
• Come well hydrated, and allow time before and after so you don't have to rush.
• Swimwear is fine, but natural, breathable fabrics feel better in the heat. Cotton underwear works well.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk down to the banya.

Everything else is explained when you arrive.

We are just 15 minutes from central Funchal, easy to reach by Uber, Bolt or your own car. We are on a mountainside, so the road is steep in places. From the entrance, it is a walk of about 200 metres down through our land to the banya. We send detailed directions once you book.

No. Book places in an open ritual at €120 per guest and share the banya with a small group of other guests. Write to us and we will tell you which open dates are coming up and how many places are still free. A private ritual is for when you want the banya and a date entirely to yourselves.

Open rituals go ahead with at least four guests. If a date doesn't reach that number, we let you know 24 hours in advance and offer you another date or your money back. If you'd rather not wait, you can also upgrade to a private ritual for two at €460.