So I was going for the full-blown experience and was so excited to do so. I decided to choose Çemberlitaş Hamami, a common hamam for tourist dues to its close proximity to major tram stops (Grand Bazaar & Sultanahmet) and the quality of the experience has been ranked among the best. Walking in I told the receptionist I want it all, while my friend chose self-service.
Package Decisions
So I chose the package that included being scrubbed by an attendant and then finally being massaged with oil. The receptionist will then give you a scrubber (looks more like a glove) and tokens for the services you purchased. So my friend went off to the left (all male side) and I was off to the right (all female side). The other package does not include the massage at the end.
Changing Room
I walked into a changing area with lockers, and received a key for the locker that fit around my wrist, and a pestemal (basically a towel to wrap around your waist). Now, for those a little shy, you could go in with undies, or a bathing suit... but I went in with my birthday suit and was quite fine.
Steam Room and Bath/Scrubbing
I then walked into the first room, which was like a huge hot beautifully lit steam room (I couldn't take pictures... clearly other naked people around). There were high ceilings, skylights which gave such elegant and tasteful lighting and lavish marble walls. In the center was a large heated circular marble surface, which several women were already bathing or relaxing. After gazing around for a little to get a good grasp of where I was and all around me, I laid down and fell asleep. I am not sure how long I was napping and sweating before my attendant came by and tapped me on the shoulder... but it must have been a while as I woke up refreshed.
The washing began with us exchanging a few words, of where I was from and if I was ready for my bath. I replied yes and gave her my token. She then started rinsing, scrubbing and lathering my body up and down with my glove-like scrubber I received from the receptionist. I changed position from face down to face up, and then eventually sat up straight on the marble. She had a metal bowl of water that was easily accessible to rinse me. After my last round of being lathered from head to toe, she led me to a pipe in a small nook of the steam room to rinse off.
Rinsing Off and Hot Tub/Jacuzzi
Here she washed my hair, massaging my scalp and rinsing my body thoroughly. Then she sent me off to a hot tub to sit and relax. The tub was a secluded corner, dark and very relaxing. But, I was extremely hot at this point, and did not spend much time in the hot tub. I do believe if I had a friend there (as 2 young adults were there chatting) I would have stayed longer. After about 15 minutes, I dried off and headed for my massage.
Massage
In a room, with about 4 massage tables, I was instructed by my masseur to lay flat on the bed as she placed a new dry pestemal on me. She then gave me a full body massage with oil that lasted quite a while. I was the only person in the massage area at the time, so I am guessing she wasn't in a rush. We had a good conversation for the most part, and she spoke highly of Jamaican culture as the first lady did (PROUD TO BE JAMAICAN!). I did however, dose off on her, which she told me she understood. While it wasn't the world’s greatest massage it definitely put the finishing touch to the entire process.
Shower
I then moved to the final portion, which is the shower. Here you get to do your own final rinse of your body before getting dressed... you know the "normal" way you have been doing it most of your life.
I walked out, and immediately had to purchase a bottle of water (they have a concession stand at the door… PERFECT!). I changed, decided to tip both of the ladies who worked on me generously even though the tip was included (I would suggest others to do the same).
As I exited, I was welcomed by the staff asking if everything went well. What I didn't know was that my friend had been waiting outside for me for almost 2 hours!!!! I WAS SHOCKED!! I had been in the entire process for 3 HOURS!!! I walked out feeling amazing and I had no regrets... and my friend was quite understanding as well.
So I checked this off my bucket list in 2013, but if I could, I definitely would do another Turkish Bath. So if you are in Turkey... don't leave without a TURKISH BATH!! It will be the best bath you have ever taken... TRUST ME!
Photos take from:
Hot Room
Entrance Hall
Jacuzzi/Hot Tub
Nook to Wash off
