Beauty and wellness Turkey

The famous place, half magical and half touristic, to take a thermal water bath is located in the heart of the archaeological site. The view overlooks the theater. You bathe in the middle of the ancient vestiges in ultra clear water at 36 degrees. We advise you to come early in the morning or at the end of the day: the pool is small, so you will have plenty of room and peace to swim... In high season, the site and the antique pool are very full. There are lockers to leave your things and showers.

Built in 1580, this magical place has reopened its doors after 7 years of renovation. Everything has been rebuilt according to the original plans with identical materials. The result is splendid. Everything here is stone, marble and woodwork. As soon as you enter, the atmosphere is dedicated to calm and pleasure. The ritual lasts about two hours. At the reception, a drink is offered to you, then passage to the shower before going to lie down on the hot marble for a good half hour. A real letting go to make a new skin in a sublime setting. To discover.

It is the tourist hammam par excellence! And for good reason, the building looks great. Articles about it abound, but it is deplorable that this success has led to a dizzying and abusive increase in rates. Some think it dates back to the mid-18th century, but the reference is still the 19th century. It looks a little dustier than the first address, which has undergone several maintenance works. Possibility to take a refreshment at the exit.

This hammam dates from 1640, it was built under the orders of Sultan Kösem. Çini in Turkish means earthenware, they are its specificity. The hammam is frequented by people from the neighbourhood, although lately more and more foreigners are beginning to be seen. Here no manners, we adapt. The reception is friendly. As far as massage is concerned, there is no such thing as the rule in tourist addresses that you should limit the duration of your massage: you let yourself be rubbed and massaged according to your mood.

Beauty centre at the entrance to the village, offering massages, body and facial treatments, hair-dryer, manicure, pedicure from 15 €. 

Close to Taksim Square, this sauna open 24 hours a day is above all a relaxation area with, unlike hammams, dry heat. This area is reserved for men, there is a Jacuzzi, a swimming pool, a hammam and a sauna as well as a fitness area with some machines. Several massage packages are available. A bar is also at your disposal. It's not explicitly stated, but this place is mostly frequented by gays. If you are looking for a moment of well-being at any time of the day or night, this is the place for you.

In the middle of coffee shops and bric-a-brac and broc stands, Abdulla offers a very beautiful range of hammam and bath products of excellent quality. Here, there is little bargaining, prices are fixed and rather high. The Turkish napkins (peştemal) in particular are beautiful and of exceptional quality. Soaps are made only with natural products and are 70% olive oil-based. To see, at least for the pleasure of the eyes. Big plus: we speak several languages here and above all, no pressure to make you buy at any price.

For absolute privacy, choose the spa nestled in the Byzantium Hotel, it is open to all. The treatment is personalised and you will love the special care that is given to you. The complex is a total of 3,000 square meters including a semi-Olympic swimming pool, a fitness area with all the equipment for exercise and cardio. Two Turkish hammams are available, in addition to a sauna, massage room, etc.

In an old building, with Roman influences, the hammam of the city of Ürgüp is arranged in a small church, rather old. If the place is tourist, it remains on the other hand very pleasant. You will be able to benefit from the traditional care generally given in this kind of establishment. The services are of good quality and the prices very accessible. Note that the rooms of the hammam are mixed, not particularly charming but clean and functional.

The prices include the "kese and massage" package, which lasts about 20 minutes. In addition, you can ask them to pick you up because they have a shuttle system that provides a return trip (included in the price). There is no separation between men and women: it is mixed, an exception in Istanbul. Drinks such as tea, Turkish coffee or sparkling water are also available. As for the building, it is part of the entire mosque, which dates back to the 16th century.

In the heart of the Eminönü market, many shops offer cosmetics at reduced prices. Özbakinçlar is definitely the largest wholesaler in the area. On two floors, cosmetics (make-up, creams, shampoos, soaps...), hammam equipment, but also detergents, hair removal equipment... at bargain prices! You will find the same beauty products as in Turkish shops, at least half the price. Discover their wide range of colognes (widely used in Turkey) with subtle and varied fragrances.