For centuries the Turkish bath has been more than a place to wash: it has been a space for rest, conversation and slowing down. The question first-time guests ask most often is simply, “What actually happens in there?” This article walks through the whole sequence, from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
Welcome and preparation
After being greeted at reception you receive a lockable locker, a peshtemal and slippers. You get ready in the changing area and take a short shower. That shower is not a formality — it prepares the skin for the heat. All you need to bring is a swimsuit; everything else is provided.
Warming up on the belly stone
The large marble platform at the centre of the hammam, heated from below, is called the belly stone. You lie on it and rest for 10–15 minutes. The wait has a purpose: the heat works into the body gradually, the pores open and the skin becomes ready for the scrub. This is exactly the part not to rush.
The kese scrub
Once you are warm, the attendant exfoliates the surface of the skin with a silk mitt, working systematically from top to bottom. If the pressure feels uncomfortable, simply say so and it is eased immediately. The difference in smoothness is noticeable straight away.
The foam massage
Foam whipped from olive-oil soap is spread over the body like a cloud using a traditional cloth bag. Soft strokes travel from the shoulders down to the legs and, combined with the warmth of the marble, leave a distinct sense of lightness. For most guests this is the favourite part.
Rinsing and resting
After a rinse with tepid water you move to the relaxation lounge, where herbal tea and fresh fruit are served. We recommend not leaving immediately — rest for at least 20–30 minutes so your body temperature can settle.
Small but useful tips
Avoid a heavy meal in the hour before your treatment. Drink plenty of water before and after. Your skin stays sensitive for a while afterwards, so try to avoid long sun exposure on the same day. And most importantly: do not squeeze the visit into a tight schedule. The real benefit of the hammam appears when you are not in a hurry.
