Escape the winter chill at Bear and Birch, Freehold's authentic Russian spa. Offering classic spa treatments, rejuvenating saunas, a soothing jacuzzi, and delicious traditional Russian cuisine, this unique spa provides a full-day experience. Discover the benefits of the Russian parka treatment and enjoy the social atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Russian banyas.
Published: Jan. 30, 2025, 6:00 a.m.As cold winter chills freeze our Garden State, the thought of stepping into a hot, steamy sanctuary sounds like pure bliss. In Freehold is one of New Jersey’s most authentic Russian spas, and has offered an ideal escape from the frost since 2012 — though it’s certainly different from most. Owner Peter Kizenko lived and worked in Moscow, Russia’s capital, for 15 years.
He wanted to bring a similar experience of the traditional Russian banya (steam bath or bathhouse) to New Jersey. “In Moscow, we would go to the banya every Thursday night to steam up, then sit down and have a meal afterwards,” Kizenko told NJ Advance Media. “The main component of the Russian banya, in addition to the health benefits, is the social aspect to it.” Bear and Birch offers classic spa treatments like facials, waxing and massages. There are three saunas in total, a jacuzzi, a tiny ice cold plunge pool and a full BYOB restaurant serving traditional Russian dishes. But for the authentic Russian spa experience, you need to try the Russian parka treatment ($50) — a therapeutic practice in which guests are gently struck with oak branches in the sauna for about 20 minutes — an old Russian tradition that is said to improve digestion, breathing and circulation. I booked my appointment online the day before my visit and was told to bring a bathing suit, a change of clothes and flip flops. A day pass to the spa is $60 (though first-time customers get a discounted price of $40.20), $50 for students and military and $30 for children under 13. Though some services, like the parka treatment, are extra.I checked in at the lobby where I was given a wristband (to track of food and drinks purchases) and three towels. I was then guided to the locker room — one each for men and women — where I changed into my bathing suit, got in my flip flops and stashed my belongings in a locker. The main area features three saunas. The “American Steam Room” (125 degrees Fahrenheit) and “Russian Room” (205 degrees Fahrenheit) on one side while the “Swedish Dry Sauna” was on the other side, along with a small cold plunge pool and shower to rinse off in the middle. Beyond that there’s a seating area, a bar with a few TVs, a restaurant, and a corner jacuzzi. Upstairs, several tables provide a quiet spot for getting work done — which some customer do take advantage of, Kizenko says. An employee led me to the more than 200-degree Russian sauna, where I was given a small cloth hat to use as insulation and protect my head from overheating. He regularly checked on me, offering water and asking if I needed a break. The sauna was indeed extremely hot. First-timers should exercise caution, stay hydrated and let the staff know if a break is needed. After laying out towels and heating oak branches in the sauna stove, he gently struck me with them — hitting every part of my body, front and back. The branches were hot but not painful and had a soothing effect, helping open my pores.We did this treatment in two 10-minute sessions, after which I took a quick dip into the 34-degree cold plunge pool. I felt refreshed and extremely relaxed. Kizenko explains that the leaves help open pores to release toxins, the sauna boosts immunity and the cold plunge improves circulation. Afterward, I was ready for refreshments. Each table in the seating area had a QR code to the menu, offering a variety of Russian dishes. I ordered the “Birch Green Forest” drink ($10), a fresh green juice with cucumber, celery, green apple, lemon and ginger.For food, Kizenko highly recommended pelmeni ($22 for 25-30 pieces) — hand rolled Siberian dumplings that were rich and savory. I also tried the chebureki ($9) which was essentially a giant empanada filled with seasoned pork that offered a satisfying onion flavor. I also tried the chicken shashlik ($27), beautifully charred and smoky grilled chicken kebabs that come with a side of fries or yellow rice. Overall, Bear and Birch provided a much-needed escape from the winter cold with rejuvenating saunas, a soothing jacuzzi and delicious food. Kizenko notes that the retreat is designed to be a winter destination, especially since it’s closed during the hot summer months of July and August. My only complaint? Nearly slipping on the wet floors while wearing flip-flops. I’ll be sure to bring sturdier footwear next time. At $60 for an all-day pass, the price is reasonable — guests can bring work and easily take a break in the jacuzzi or unwind in the sauna throughout the day. There is certainly enough offered here to make a daylong excursion worth it. I never thought I would pay someone to hit me with oak branches. But I’m already looking forward to going back
Russian Spa Bear And Birch Freehold NJ Sauna Experience Russian Parka Treatment Banya Tradition Traditional Russian Cuisine
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