Our stove and nephrite stones
The heart of the banya, where soft steam is born
The heart of our banya is the stove with nephrite stones. It is the stones that define the character of the steam — how soft, even and 'alive' it feels. We did not choose nephrite by chance.
What nephrite is
Nephrite is one of the two true varieties of jade — a dense stone made of interlocking fibres of tremolite-actinolite minerals. Thanks to this fibrous structure it is considered one of the toughest natural stones and is exceptionally resistant to cracking. Its low porosity means it barely absorbs water, does not 'pop' when heated and lasts a very long time.
Why nephrite gives soft steam
Nephrite has a high heat capacity — it stores heat slowly and releases it just as slowly and evenly. In our stove the chamber heats the stone to 600 °C, so a perfect first steam is available at any moment of the session. That steady heat release produces a fine, enveloping steam without harsh scorching bursts — which is exactly why steam masters value a nephrite heater.
A stone of health, by tradition
In banya and Eastern culture, nephrite has long been called the 'stone of health and longevity'. This is part of the tradition and aesthetics of the banya, not a medical promise: the real benefit comes from the heat, the steam and the deep relaxation, tested over centuries.
The air of the pine forests at 1500 m
Our banya stands among Canary pines at 1500 metres. Coniferous air is rich in phytoncides — the volatile compounds of pine; time spent in a conifer forest is associated in studies with lower stress and a sense of recovery. The clean, light mountain air with its scent of pine naturally amplifies the effect of the banya ritual.
The nephrite stove, the pine air and the views over the clouds — that is what makes the climb up to us worth it.
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