flogging/herbal branches Russian/Turkish Bathhouses in NYC

[Ander]

I'm wondering if anyone on this list has ever gone to the Russian/Turkish baths in NYC, and if so how gay friendly are they. There is one in Manhattan, but one that has a very good reputation just opened a 'Men's Only' club where you get full treatment of massage, spring waters, and a Russian sauna flogging with herbal branches. Hot tubs, then you jump into ice cold water [40 degrees]. I've had this done twice now, once in Russia and more recently in Budapest.  I know it sounds odd, probably kinky; but believe me it is very invigorating. With these spa's in NYC have a little gay activity, that would be even better; or a gay masseur to make me feel extra comfortable! These are called Platza treatments and it is when a massage specialist continuously applies a bushel made of oak leaves or eucalyptus branches called a venik which is soaked in warm water over your entire body. The procedure has benefits of naturally removing toxins and skin-dulling residue from your body. This is a traditional Russian experience unlike any other.  The Treatment is performed on the uppermost bench, to maximize the amount of heat rises from the stone oven The venik creates a sedative effect which melts away stress, open your pores, remove toxins, and exfoliate dead skin. If you have had any experience with this at the Spa's or are a a masseur familiar with this treatment and can  host, please contact me.

[MichaelM]

Where are these located.  I know of only one in the east village 

[Wolfer]

I just saw a Tiktok of a (presumably gay) couple who just went to the Turkish Russian baths in NYC and the comments are popping off about potential gay activities there. So I came to this site to see if anyone knew more about it. Because the videos of the bathhouse itself makes it seem like a completely regular, mixed gender bathhouse. 

Edited September 17, 2024 by Wolfer

[JMan]

Any more experience with treatments here?   How are the providers?

[13thstguy]

The East Village location has men’s only hours on Sunday morning - from 9am to 2pm. If you’re looking for more than just a steam, this is the time to go. When I went it was packed and very fun. The staff is on location to keep things from getting out of control but stuff still goes down. The spa itself is a little run down and gross. But it is what it is and one of the only spots in the NYC area of its kind. At 2pm on the dot, the men’s hours end and the spa goes back to a mixed crowd. 

[Tx_orange]

On 1/8/2025 at 8:57 PM, 13thstguy said:

The East Village location has men’s only hours on Sunday morning - from 9am to 2pm. If you’re looking for more than just a steam, this is the time to go. When I went it was packed and very fun. The staff is on location to keep things from getting out of control but stuff still goes down. The spa itself is a little run down and gross. But it is what it is and one of the only spots in the NYC area of its kind. At 2pm on the dot, the men’s hours end and the spa goes back to a mixed crowd. 

What about the Thursday men-only hours? It’s listed on their site. Just want some nudes bath house time, but curious. Thursday 12-5pm.

[WAANFI]

I’ve been on both Thursday and Sunday men’s only hours. Sunday definitely gets more rowdy whereas Thursday is more local folks taking a midweek break. There is definitely fun to be had on Thursday, but you have to be more inconspicuous and keep it to the specific rooms at the end of the hallway.
 

My question is, I received a body scrub from one of the guys and afterwards there were some more attractive, shirtless guys walking around offering scrubs, and I’m wondering if they give some above and beyond service. 

[Roose71]

I’m not sure about now but about 10 years ago, a few masseurs definitely went above and beyond. They all left though. 
 

 

[parkneedler]

It’s a busy hell hole and they yell at you if you try anything 

[Ander]

Gee, I haven't checked this posting in a while but thanks for all the updates. I'm thinking I should get my ass out of bed early tomorrow and check it out:)

[andytomjason]

On 1/8/2025 at 9:57 PM, 13thstguy said:

The East Village location has men’s only hours on Sunday morning - from 9am to 2pm. If you’re looking for more than just a steam, this is the time to go. When I went it was packed and very fun. The staff is on location to keep things from getting out of control but stuff still goes down. The spa itself is a little run down and gross. But it is what it is and one of the only spots in the NYC area of its kind. At 2pm on the dot, the men’s hours end and the spa goes back to a mixed crowd. 

East men open 24 hour men.s only massage ,very very close

[Noah]

On 2/9/2025 at 4:52 AM, Ander said:

Gee, I haven't checked this posting in a while but thanks for all the updates. I'm thinking I should get my ass out of bed early tomorrow and check it out:)

Sunday morning until 2pm is amazing!  Most of the guys are on the younger side 20-30s and attractive.  Many are totally hot with their towel barely hanging on.