The Banya in Mullumbimby is a brand-new bathhouse experience that is here to help you hit the reset button. The bliss-inducing new space has completely transformed the 1920s building that was historically the town’s bank. Preserving the building’s unique character – from the sunbaked bricks with tiny possum footprints etched in to the original bank safes – was of utmost importance to The Banya’s owner and local publican, Brenden Lawless. To realise his vision, he enlisted the help of interior designer, Mardi Borrack from Style Agenda to honor the history whilst seamlessly integrating modern elements. Hand-painted finishes and luxurious soft furnishings round out the aesthetic offering to deliver a new lifestyle experience for the Mullumbimby community and surrounds. The end result is a work of art. A tiled lap pool takes pride of place, flanked by three large hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge. Up on the rooftop level, you’ll find massage treatment rooms and a rooftop sundeck for post-treatment relaxation.
Upon arrival to The Banya, there’s a cafe nook at the front, which is accessible to the public. Only guests, however, can make their way through the doors to discover what’s beyond. If you’re new to the bathhouse experience, guests are shown around the facilities and then left to their own devices to navigate their 90-minute session however they please, although it is recommended to take a dip in the cold plunge pool or rinse off under the banya bucket in between heat treatments. The micro-dose of wellness presents a slightly different offering to the bathhouses we’ve come to know and love, in that The Banya puts a modern spin on the traditional European bathhouse experience. “In Europe going to the banya is a social experience, it’s in their blood. While we might go to the pub or a restaurant, they’ll go to the banya for a few hours: it’s food, it’s drinks, it’s wellness and connecting,” Brenden said. To that end, The Banya has established an exclusive restaurant space for guests of the bathhouse to sit and savour a meal before, during or after their treatment. There are various wet areas where guests can enjoy a cocktail and a bite, and, when you’ve completed your 90-minute rotation, you can take a seat in the restaurant for a more substantial sit-down service. Rather than being hustled out the second their timeslot is exhausted, guests are encouraged to linger for a long lunch or enjoy a few drinks with friends and really relish in their newfound state of bliss. The onsite bar and dining are focused on casual refinement with small share plates and nutritious staples such as rock oysters on ice, Ballina king prawns on garlic-butter brioche or the Banya Board piled with various pickled and preserved local vegetables, olives, warm bread and whipped butter.
Ready to dive in? Make a booking at The Banya’s website. Hot tip, The Banya is opening of an evening, too! For a slightly different vibe, opt for the evening session and enjoy sips by the pool lights.
Image credit: Kristian Beek
