There's no better place to visit a spa than Istanbul, the most historic city in Turkey, and a destination with a rich history of bathing and spas. Whether you choose to visit a traditional Turkish bath, known as a hamam, or a more contemporary offering, you can be sure you'll be treated with Ottoman-style luxury and care.
Vinothérapie Spa by Caudalie Paris at Hotel Les Ottomans
Built from the ashes of a dilapidated seaside mansion, Hotel Les Ottomans plays host to a spa run by iconic French brand Caudalie. Mixing traditions from France and Turkey, you can indulge in Caudalie's signature treatments, perhaps the Barrel Bath (a hydromassage using red wine extracts) or the Crushed Cabernet Scrub (with a base of grape seed, honey, brown sugar and grape seed oil.) Caudalie's ethos is to use ingredients sourced from the grapevine, and their treatments make the most of the natural actives to restore and reinvigorate you. Refresh yourself in the Dead Sea Water Pool, lie back on heated ceramic benches or chill out in the Aroma Steam Bath.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul (photo)
The Ritz-Carlton's central location lends it views of the Bosphorus from nearly every space. This also gives the spa its unique selling point - an open air treatment space overlooking the sea and the city skyline. On rainy days, retreat to the indoor pool with its ceiling of twinkling lights. Treatment-wise, the hamam is modelled after the 16th century baths of Roxelana and offers both traditional Turkish and Moroccan rituals - the latter using Moroccan black soap and argan infused body butter.
Çiragan Palace Kempinski Spa by Sanitas at Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
In old-world neighbourhood Besiktas, Çiragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is a luxurious hotel set in a regal Bosphorus mansion. The hotel mixes traditional and contemporary style, and their spa follows suit. The highlight here is the outdoor infinity pool, which is heated in winter and towers over the river, giving you the impression of floating on water. The treatments offered range from Hawaiian temple massages (try the Lomi Lomi Nui) to ancient Indian ayurvedic treatments (like La Stone Therapy, a massage using hot and cold stones.) They also house a traditional hamam, where experiences like The Sultan Treatment cleanse and relax you using milk, rose water and honey.
Ayasofya Hürrem Sultan Hamam
Situated in the most historic area of Istanbul, between the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya, this Ottoman era hamam (built in 1556) was extensively restored and reopened in 2008. A visit here is as much historical sightseeing as a luxurious spa visit, as it was built by Mimar Sinan, the chief Ottoman architect. Relax in classical Ottoman architecture while you enjoy traditional treatments and sip a cold glass of complimentary sherbert (made from fruit or flower infusions.) The body scrubs, relaxing body bubble wash and aromatherapy massage will leave you feeling like royalty. You can also opt to receive your treatments in the Sultan's Eyvan (Sultan's Quarter), where you'll be served fresh fruit and lokum (turkish delight.)
Kiliç Ali Pasa Hamam
This turkish bath is situated in the cobbled streets near the medieval Galata Tower. Another creation of renowned architect Mimar Sinan, it was built in 1587, and following restoration, you can once again bathe under the splendour of its domed stone roof - an astonishing 14 metres wide. Put on a pestamal (a classic cotton hamam wrap) and let your personal spa attendant guide you into total relaxation. The ritual includes a preparation session on heated marble, an exfoliation treatment next to the Kurna (a marble water basin) and a purification treatment using bubble soap wash. Retire to their relaxation area afterwards for refreshments.