A Hammam, One of Istanbul’s Most Relaxing Spots

If you’re going on vacation to Istanbul, planning to wind down and catch your breath, make sure you schedule time for a spa day. A spa day in Turkey, however, is unlike any other in the world. Turkey is famous for Turkish baths — imagine a grand marble palace where you can let your hair down and soak to your bones. Depending on the hammam you choose, the experience will be slightly varied, but most have the same flow.

All hammams have separate entrances for men and women, so you will have roughly the same experience, no matter what.

Image courtesy of _Bentom Weymji_ from Flickr

First You Disrobe

After paying your entrance to the hammam you will be given a key to a locker, a glob of black oily paste (typically in a plastic container), and a scrubbing mit, unless you brought your own. Now is where you have to let your nerves, upbringing, and rules take the back seat — it’s time to strip down with strangers! Don’t worry, it’s second nature to locals here to be in the hammam naked, and you will soon adapt. The sooner you do, the sooner the luxurious experience begins. Remember to lock up your belongings, always keeping the key with you. If you’ve brought water, now’s a good time to hydrate, as you’re about to start sweating it all out.

Time to Heat Up

The large marble rooms are laid out in order with each room growing in temperature and humidity, so it’s best to acclimate yourself slowly,  or you risk overheating and passing out. Lay on the marble benches, let the stress melt away and listen to the ambient sounds of those around you unwinding. Once you’re ready for the heat, move into the next chamber. If you’ve asked for the full body scrub, either an attendant will have been provided to you, or you will see which people in the hammam are working on others, and ask to be next. If you don’t speak Turkish and they don’t speak English, it’s not a big deal. Use your body language to sign that you’d like to be scrubbed next and they will find you an assistant.

Now, Just Let Go

Admittedly it’s odd at first to have another person scrubbing off your dead skin, but once you let go, the experience becomes pleasant and relaxing. Pay attention to the silkiness of the black olive soap against the contrast of the harsh scrubbing (yes, it can be a bit painful at times) and think of how fresh and glowing your skin will soon be. Before you know it, you will be clean, and relaxing in the next room, the hottest one yet, where you will steam for a while before getting an invigorating massage.

Image courtesy of L’amande from Flickr

Don’t Forget the Cool Down

It’s important not to transition back to the locker room immediately afterwards, but go slowly, taking your time in each room. Once back in the locker room, you should drink water again — because of all the humidity you won’t notice that you’re very thirsty.

Now you can get dressed and admire your shiny, new, tender skin before hitting the streets of Istanbul a new person! If you want the hammam experience but don’t have much time, think of staying at the Four Seasons, as they have an in-house hammam and offer an ultra-luxurious experience.

Please note : This is part of a series for #HipmunkCityLove. Hipmunk.com is low-cost and budget travel service that I use while planning budget travel, and am thrilled to write for. I know you will find the articles as well as their services useful.

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