You no longer have to trek to Turkey to try an authentic hammam, a communal bath area where the classic cleansing technique consists of a scrub, rinse and soak in a steamy marble room. A growing number of spas worldwide are adding the centuries-old hammam experience to their rosters. Here are some spots where you can bathe yourself in the Turkish tradition.
The Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Spa at Trump SoHo is the first luxury spa in the Big Apple to incorporate classic hammams. Inspired by her numerous trips to the Middle East, Ivanka Trump had the spa outfitted with Turkish and Moroccan design accents and added traditional hammam services to the menu. The separate men’s and women’s hammams each feature domed ceilings, mosaic tiles and heated marble belly stones as centerpieces for the ritual. Henna treatments are also available.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Jet over to Turkey for a treatment at this Istanbul spa, which boasts its own hammam. In one of three marble-clad rooms — one for men, another for women and the last for couples — experience your traditional scrub and foam bath. Choose from a variety of add-ons to your service, such as a nourishing hair treatment, private body mask and massage, salt peel, facial or wrap. Post-hammam, enjoy the spa’s pillared indoor pool and its underwater music.
Sin City offers a bit of everything, including a traditional hammam experience. The Five-Star spa’s coed hammam offers a heated marble table where the bathing ritual is performed and twinkling lights in the ceiling to set a soothing atmosphere. You’ll find two experience showers to cool you off afterward, as well as a steam chamber for a last-minute moment of peace.
The One&Only Dubai outpost is lavish to say the least. During a stay at the luxe property, book a treatment at the onsite hammam. Dressed in the traditional outfit — a wrap and loose sandals — you’ll head to the open room for various hammam services, which may also include a traditional Moroccan massage, honey facial and rose or mint clay body wrap. It’s important to note that there are designated hammam hours for men and women; ladies are permitted from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and men from 8 to 10 p.m.
Photos Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and One & Only
