Nearly nude in Voda's dry banya

Every May, Conde Nast Traveler releases its Hot List, a collection of the best new hotels, spas, restaurants, and nightspots. Check the Daily Traveler every day for a new post from this year's list.

Step off Santa Monica Boulevard and onto the steppes of Russia in this sleek, contemporary bathhouse under a soaring 20-foot ceiling with exposed beams. This section of West Hollywood has long been a Russian enclave, but at Voda a hip mash-up of trendy spa services, such as the Siberian Wild Berry Scrub ($120), is proffered along with the traditional. The Russian banya treatment ($25) is a circuit of saunas, cold showers, and a platza session (the brisk massage with a venik, a bundle of hot-water-soaked oak branches and leaves). Don't forget your bathing suit so you can linger with a smoothie while lolling in the whirlpools and swimming pool (massages, $95-$250).

Further reading:
* Hot List 2008
* Check out what's new in LA from Chef Jose Andres
* Nearby Malibu makes it onto this year's Word's Sexiest Beaches
* An insider's guide to LA