The Banya
The Banya in Mullumbimby recently opened its doors – step inside the European-inspired bathhouse, where wellness and connection reign supreme.
Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Kristian Beek & Hande Renshaw I Architecture: Space Studio I Interior Design: Style Agenda I Builder: Swell Building Group
The Banya includes various wet areas where guests can rotate and enjoy each experience. Photo: Kristian Beek
Design details at The Banya. Photo: Hande Renshaw
The bliss-inducing new space has completely transformed the 1920s building that was historically the town’s bank. Photo: Kristian Beek
Photo: Kristian Beek
The Banya is an immersive social, bathing and dining experience in the heart of Mullumbimby. Photo: Kristian Beek
The Banya puts a modern spin on the traditional European bathhouse experience. Photo: Hande Renshaw
Guests are encouraged to linger for a long lunch with friends post their immersive bathhouse experience. Photo: Kristian Beek
In many European countries, the banya – translating to bathhouse – is a space where community come together to socialise, recharge and relax.
The recently opened Mullumbimby bathhouse, The Banya, is a modern experiential twist on a traditional European bathhouse – the first of its kind in the heart of Mullumbimby.
Built upon the sun-baked bricks of a 1920’s bank, The Banya is an original concept, exuding contemporary fun and traditional wonder. From possum footprints embedded in the 1920’s bricks and the original bank safes to hand-painted finishes by artisans and luxurious soft furnishings, this is a space which will be hard to leave.
The Banya’s owner and local publican, Brenden Lawless, wanted to breathe new life into the space while preserving the original building.
His strong local footholds, business acumen, and appreciation for old-world style have allowed him to bring the concept to fruition.
Interior Designer, Mardi Borrack from Style Agenda, was commissioned for her background in the film industry and her experience in designing for specific periods — an essential element to preserving the old bank’s history.
Architects Space Studio worked with local builders Swell, meticulously transforming the building into a new era, honouring the building’s rich history while overlaying contemporary elements designed to inspire relaxation in style.
“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.”
The onsite bar and dining are focused on casual refinement with small share plates and nutritious staples such as rock oysters on ice. Photo: Kristian Beek
The new space has completely transformed the 1920s building that was historically the town’s bank. Photo: Hande Renshaw
The Banya is headed up by General Manager, Carlee Bufalino - a well-known hospitality identity and former owner and operator of Tasca, Coolangatta.
The bathhouse features a tiled lap pool, three large hot mineral pools, a wood-fired sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge.
For ultimate relaxation, there are five treatment rooms and three types of massages on offer: relaxation, deep tissue, and pregnancy.
After the Bathhouse, guests are encouraged to stay for a long lunch or enjoy a few drinks with friends. The on-site bar and dining are focused on casual refinement with small share plates and nutritious staples. Wine, cocktails and health elixirs round out the offering — designed to enhance the incredible bathhouse experience.