Vëska (Вëска) in Belarusian language means “village”. It was the original way for local people to live in small communities where they were free, owned the land they lived on and cared for it. Since the introduction of nations and governments, this lifestyle have almost been lost and only small remnants of it still exist in Belarus (and other countries across the world).
One of the many essential elements of village lifestyle in Belarus is wood-fired sauna, called “Banya”. Its essential healing properties were well understood and used to reinvigorate the human body and mind on a regular basis.
Vëska By The Lake brings traditional ancestral Belarusian village style cuisine and Eastern European sauna “Banya” therapies to Australia.
We offer:
Cafe with ancestral Belarusian village style cuisine
Gift shop with natural and handmade products
Personal and group sauna therapies (by appointment only)
Regular social sauna sessions (by appointment only)
Banya – Eastern European Sauna Therapies
Indulge yourself and bring your friends for a day of natural sauna therapies that reinvigorate your body and mind. Whether you wish to recharge after long hike, bike riding, that marathon training or simply because you like sauna, we will help you to feel born again the Eastern European way!
What is ‘Banya’?
‘Banya’ is a special place where four of nature’s elements; fire, water, earth and air align to reinvigorate body, mind and spirit.
How is Banya Different?
Banya’s distinctive feature include a wood-fired stove, steam heat and traditional sauna therapies using bundles of leafy tree twigs called ‘Veniki’. The Banya Master uses Veniki to direct energy flow of the four elements to the body. It is a different experience to the dry or contempary infra-red saunas that dominate Australia today.
We are available for individual and group bookings:
Individual one-on-one
Sauna therapy that is focused on you (normalizing energy flow, physical and mental relaxation, muscles recovery after sport training and more). It runs for about 2.5 hours.
Two of you (booking for 2 people)
It includes group therapies and one-on-one sessions for each of you (similar to option #1). Duration about 3-4 hours.
Group booking for up to 10 people
Includes group therapies as well as one-on-one individual treatment for up to 6 guests.
Complimentary:
-Belarusian tea and light refreshments for all our therapy sessions.
Optional:
Belarusian Lunch or Dinner (please ask us about the Banya menu)
Massage therapy (coming soon)
Please contact us to discuss prices and details.
Cafe – Ancestral Village Cuisine from Belarus
We are a boutique family owned café that offers home-style dishes prepared based on original Belaurisan village recipes and cooking principles.
Be our guest and enjoy a peaceful brunch or lunch amongst beautiful lakeside gardens.
Our Cooking Principles
Only good fats and oils are used: butter, lard, extra virgin olive oil and similar. No margarine, seed or vegetable oils are used in our kitchen. Most of the ingredients are simple whole foods without external processing or additives. We source our ingredients locally where possible. We only use non-toxic cookware, such as cast iron and stainless steel. As most dishes are freshly cooked on order, wait times may exceed your expectations. Please keep this in mind if you have a tight schedule.