“Turkey 🇹🇷 ~Our First Turkish Bath”

• March 1, 2020
• By Pen n Daryl
• 5 Comments

As far as new experiences go, this particular one does not disappoint! The Turks have it going on with their Turkish Baths, and if you ever have a chance to try one, don’t hesitate!

Our treatment this afternoon, really started with a private car picking us up at our building and whisking is off to Alaturka Hamam; a luxury Turkish Bath in Istanbul bul, and whisking is down the road to the Bath location. When we were done, we would also be returned to our flat.
Nice touch!

Inside the Bath house, the chamber with the raised, heated hot marble bed, was amazing! What lacked in super soft comfort, was more than made up for, by the feeling of the hot stone beneath my entire body, for the full-on body treatment; whilst I did nothing, but relax; other than turn over, once

Mind you, the first time another person; a stranger, really, gives you a scrub bath, as if you are an infant or a small child in your birthday suit, it might feel a little awkward, but just relax and enjoy, as it is meant to be enjoyed! I have to admit this was not completely strange to me, as I’ve had (unfortunately) too many hospital stays in my life; confined and immobile, where the required bath by a nurse, while I was layed-up, was necessary. (of course THIS Bath was nothing like a sterile hospital environment. Instead, it was amazing, relaxing, enjoyable and perfectly comfortable; as well as professional.

To get started, we disrobed and wrapped ourselves in the cloth provided, then we were given a painted-on clay face-mask and some relaxing sauna time. Next, we entered the bath chamber with the heated marble slab, where we were “body scrubbed,” for exfoliation, then “suddsed-up” and scrubbed again; head to toe! The rinsing was the best, with buckets of hot steamy water rinsing over us; over and over. It was a total dream-state, and I can’t wait to do it again. In this case, today, we opted to finish with a 30-minute, full body massage. (a modern addition). We recommend Alaturka Hamam

Not knowing what to expect, or at what level of full monty we would be comfortable with, it was a great choice to try our first bath in a more modern setting. I would liken the last few hours to be very spa-like, in a beautiful environment (but for half the price of American dollars). Another plus, was Daryl and I could be together with a “couples” treatment. We both had female attendants, (who did great jobs) like is the norm for us, when we get full-body massages, in other parts of the world.

We definitely plan to do another Turkish Bath, but the next one will be in an original Turkish Bath, also in Istanbul, and built in 1475. In this next Bath, Daryl and I will be separated for the duration of the treatment, because the men and women are segregated; no exceptions. I will have a female attendant, and Daryl will have a male. Again, no exceptions. After today, we are ready and willing to go to the next level, but we wouldn’t trade our experience today, for anything!

This Spa environment and Turkish Bath cost 210 Lira, or $147 USA

No matter the setting, traditions still apply for the authentic experience of a Turkish Bath or Hamam. It is is similar to a Scandinavian sauna. but is closer to a Roman bath. It is based on the same principles as the steam bath, but the focus is on water rather than steam. The Hamam is a warmed seating area, where guests can relax between uses of the steam rooms or sauna.
A traditional session includes, around 45 minutes of washing; traditional body scrubbing with a handwoven wash cloth known as a “Kese;” a foam wash; and a massage. The attendants provide guests with a “peshtemal;” a thin cotton towel to wrap themselves in, as well as a regular towel to use after the bathing is complete.
Traditional Hamams contain three chambers: a hot room to steam, a warm room to scrub, and a cooler room to relax. Not all Hamams have this exact layout, but they all involve a hot marble steam room with a raised circular platforms on which guests lay to soak in the treatments in the sweltering heat.
Yes please!
Turkish Baths have also been proven to help with mental health, as it helps to aid true relaxation, stimulate the immune system, increase circulation, and aid in lymphatic drainage. We will take the extra immune boost, as we try to stay healthy during this Covid era!

The cleanser of choice is Turkey’s famous olive oil soaps. They offer a natural way to nourish and moisturize the skin.