Upon setting foot inside Russian & Turkish Baths, guests trade their modern-day trappings for a cozy robe, a pair of slippers, and a veritable playground of Old-World relaxation. Since 1892, the bathhouse has carved out a nonjudgmental space where its guests comfortably indulge themselves in its panoply of sauna, steam, and massage treatments. Certain hours of the schedule are blocked off to keep things single-gendered, while others maintain a respectful coed atmosphere.

Once comfortably draped in terry cloth with their street clothes safely stashed in a locker, guests meander into the labyrinthine facility, where behind every door a different steamy realm awaits. Bodies surrender toxins to the air inside of the Russian sauna, where 20,000 pounds of heated rock—much like perfectly spiced Thai food—drives guests to tap ice-cold water into buckets and pour it over their heads. In the Turkish room, hints of eucalyptus infuse the balmy air, and the aromatherapy room furthers the olfactory buffet with detoxifying steam and scented oils.

Between steamy excursions, guests can cool off in the ice-cold pool, savor light fare or Russian feasts in the restaurant, or stretch out on the sun deck for a nap. Specialists stand by ready to dole out relaxing massages or render skin silky smooth with soap-drenched oak leaves, and a triple-jet Swedish shower leaves both regular visitors and those stuck in three-legged races fresh and clean.