The first-timer’s guide to a Turkish bath

Step 1 - Relaxing in the hot room

"My hammam started off with a session in the hararet, which is a room that’s made entirely out of marble, softly-lit and really hot – intended to prepare your skin for exfoliation. There were sinks with taps dotted along each wall and I was advised to use one of the bowls to cleanse and prep myself with warm water. Then, all I had to do was sit back and relax."

Certain Turkish baths have separate hot rooms for men and women, some have different time slots depending on your gender and others are unisex, so it’s best to check beforehand if you’re unsure. You can also opt to receive your hammam from either a male or a female, if you have a preference.

Step 2 – Rub a dub scrub

"Once I was completely warmed up – and chilled-out – I was led into a separate room. In some traditional Turkish baths, you’re expected to wear a colourful checked cloth during the treatment. But, as I was getting my hammam at Sensatori Turkey, it was perfectly acceptable for me to keep my swimsuit on. Phew.

My hammam therapist invited me to lay face-down on a marble table, resting my head on a thick cloth. I was rinsed with more warm water, before receiving an all-over body scrub with an exfoliating mitt. Because this removes all the dead skin, it’s great for tanning, so it’s an ideal treatment to get right at the start of your holiday."

Top tip: Get a hammam at the beginning of your holiday and your skin will be nicely exfoliated, meaning you’ll develop a longer-lasting tan and be less likely to peel.

Step 3 – Here come the bubbles

"My therapist then whipped up a mixture of olive oil soap and water and started dipping what looked like a pillowcase into it. At first, I thought he’d picked a strange moment to do his washing. But this pillowcase-like cloth is what’s used to create the cleansing foam. The therapist took the soap-filled sack and flung it from side to side to make a mountain of bubbles which he then placed on top of me."

Step 4 – Massage me up

"Once I was buried from head to toe under a foot-high mound of bubbles, I was given a full body massage, which was intended to work out any knots. This was by far the most relaxing part of the experience and almost sent me to sleep. The bubbles had a lovely clean scent, similar to Argan oil."

Step 5 – Rinse and repeat

"The foam was then rinsed away with warm water, before my therapist mixed up another bubbly batch and repeated the process another two times."

Step 6 - Shower Time

"Half an hour or so later, my hammam was complete and my therapist wished me farewell. After rinsing myself off in the shower that was tucked within the corner of the room, I left the spa feeling squeaky clean, super relaxed and ready to go and start working on what would be one awesome tan."

Feeling inspired?

Sarah was treated to a Turkish bath at  Sensatori Turkey. As well as a luxurious spa, this hotel ticks off a beachfrontlocation, six restaurants and a cocktail bar styled by the milliner, Philip Treacy OBE. Staying somewhere else in Turkey? Find out about our Turkish bath excursion.

Author: Sarah Robinson