Turiksh Bath

I like trying the 'local' spa treatments wherever I travel to...cupping in South Africa, foot reflexology in Malaysia, Thai massage in Thailand...as great as all these experiences were nothing compared to the Turkish Bath in Istanbul. By far the most amazing experience I've had on this journey.

I chose the full spa treatment, which consisted of 3 stages (sauna, scrub and massage) and lasted about 2 hours. Many people opt for just the sauna and scrub. These 'hamams' are open from 7 am to midnight and have separate operating hours and areas for men and women. Once you choose your service, you are assigned a room where you unrobe and are given a 'towel' (it's like a big handkerchief), which you wrap around your body. Then you are taken to a sauna (everything is marble), where you relax on your handkerchief. At first I was self-conscious about being au natural as the entire procedure occurs among other spagoers. However, everyone else is as well and after a few minutes you are chatting with everyone and don't take notice. After the sauna you are taken to another room to rinse off from water fountains with varying degress of temparture. Then an attendent will retreive you, who is naked as well.  I was glad to have a female attendent as it is possible to have a male attendent. Not sure why the attendent has to be naked, they get wet in the process, but could probably wear a bathing suit.

Stage 2: Then you lay on a marble table on top of your hankerchief type towel. The attendent uses a loofah and scrubs you down while you lay on your back and then you flip onto your belly for the same process. Then she will lather you with soap and rinse you off on both sides along with washing your hair and will dry you off. This reminded me of when I was a child or when I would bathe my niece when she was a baby.

Stage 3:  You are taken to another room for you body oil massage. This is similar to a swedish massage, except they massage you EVERYWHERE. My attendent actually sang while she massaged.

It was so relaxing and refreshing. Upon completion of whatever service you have chosen you are offered tea.

If you're ever in Turkey I highly recommend the Turkish Bath.