After a particularly rough week or so working hard on a story, I needed a little pampering to lift my spirits. A friend recommended that I check out this hot Russian spa on the East Side called OKEANOS. So I did—and was I in for an adventure!

I was talked into trying this Russian sauna treatment called “platza” before getting a massage. If you’ve never heard for platza, here’s what it is:

Imagine laying on your stomach on the top bench of a really hot sauna while a “platza master” shakes, sweeps and smacks your body with bundles of birch leaves soaked in essential oils and water. The best part is that the longer the bundles are out of the water, the hotter the drips of water become. After about 5 or 10 minutes, when your body is just about to combust, you rush out of the sauna and take a cold shower. Then you go back in and do it all over again while laying on your back before taking another cold shower.

Now, I know that this might sound absurd and not the most appealing way to relax, but after that second shower you’re in this crazy state of euphoria—almost light-headed but in a good way. When you finally finish wit a massage, you’re a puddle of mush. It was simply amazing. Apparently, it’s a great Russian tradition that is meant to revitalize and stimulate your body. And, saunas can be wonderfully therapeutic and detoxifying.

But Platza and massage aren’t the only reason to visit OKEANOS. They are the only spa in the US that offers Molton Brown facials that are specifically designed for men. I’m going to go back for one and I’ll report how it is. But in my mind, Molton Brown can do no wrong.

If you’re not obsessed with Molton Brown, the spa also includes a bar that serves fine Russian vodka (of course) and food from Petrossian, a fabulous restaurant and caviar importer, includes a cigar room, and offers the services of a barber and esthetician for straight-razor shaves and waxing.

I think could be the perfect urban getaway for guys or weary travellers who don’t do spas but need a little pampering.