Moscowcultural revolution

As the city’s oldest and most exclusive bathhouse, the 19th-century Sanduny Banya has rejuvenated everyone from dramatist Anton Chehkov to billionaire tycoon Roman Abramovich in its time. Known for its classy environs, the gilded complex is decked out with carved wood, marble columns and polished brass. Separate male and female facilities feature scorching steam rooms and icy plunge pools where travelers can ward off jetlag and other ailments by alternating between hot and cold temperatures. To really sweat like a Russian, buy a bundle of birch twigs and ask an attendant or friendly regular to give you a few lashings, which are said to relieve stress, detoxify the body and promote circulation. After three hours here, you’ll emerge relaxed and ready to take on the world (or just Moscow).