Turkish Bath

A hammam session has four main stages — warming up, the kese scrub, the foam wash and rest — and takes 60-90 minutes in total. Nothing is rushed: letting your body adjust to the heat, preparing the skin for the scrub and cooling down slowly are as much a part of the experience as the ritual itself.

1. Welcome and preparation — You receive your own peshtemal and single-use items; you change in your private cabin and, if you wish, take a shower before entering the hammam.
2. Warming up on the marble (15-20 min) — You lie on the heated marble and begin to perspire in the steamy air. This opens the pores and slowly relaxes both muscles and mind.
3. Kese scrub (10-15 min) — The experienced attendant works over the whole body with the kese mitt, gently lifting away dead skin. You can ask for lighter or firmer pressure at any moment — a good kese is rhythmic, never harsh.
4. Foam massage (15-20 min) — Rich foam covers the body; long, flowing strokes wash and relax you at the same time. Most of our guests call this "the best part".
5. Rinse and cool-down — Warm and cool water rinses follow, letting the pores close gradually.
6. Rest and refreshments — In the rest area, Turkish tea and small treats accompany you while your pulse settles. We recommend not skipping these final 10-15 minutes.

First time at a hammam?

Feeling a little hesitant before your first session is completely normal. Our hammam works on a private-use basis: your session takes place in time and space reserved for you, not in a shared hall. The peshtemal stays on throughout, and privacy etiquette is strictly observed during the kese and foam stages. You are welcome to ask us anything by phone or at reception before your session.

Above all, the Turkish bath offers a deep sense of cleansing and release: the warm steam softens the muscles, the kese frees the skin of dead cells, and the foam massage brings a wave of relaxation. Guests who make the hammam a habit most often mention softer skin, a feeling of better sleep and a welcome lightness across the shoulders and back.

• Skin renewal: The kese physically lifts away the layer of dead skin cells; the skin feels noticeably smoother and breathes again.
• Muscle release: The warmth helps soften muscles tightened by long days at a desk or on your feet.
• A livelier circulation: Alternating warm and cool creates a distinct feeling of freshness and lightness in the body.
• A pause for the mind: 60-90 uninterrupted, phone-free minutes; with the sound of steam and water, it is a true resting place for the mind.
• The perfect warm-up for massage: Because the muscles are softened, a massage session on the same day feels noticeably more effective.

An honest note: the hammam is not a medical treatment; for any health condition, follow your doctor's advice first. Please also read the "who should take extra care" section below.

The short answer: nothing at all. Peshtemal, kese mitt, towels and slippers are all prepared fresh and single-use for every guest. A few small tips will still make your visit more comfortable:

• Have a light meal 1-2 hours before your session; the hammam is no fun on a full stomach or an empty one.
• Drink plenty of water during the day; you will perspire in the warm air, so hydration before and after matters.
• Leave jewellery, watches and glasses in your cabin; metal accessories get uncomfortably warm.
• Since the kese leaves your skin freshly renewed, sunbathing and solarium are best avoided the same day.
• Build the final 15-20 minutes of rest into your plans; rushing straight out of the hammam undoes much of the effect.

Who should take extra care before using the hammam?

A hot, steamy environment is not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, have a heart or circulatory condition, blood-pressure issues, a fever or recent surgery, please consult your doctor before visiting. If you feel faint or dizzy at any point, let our staff know immediately — we can shorten the session whenever you wish.

Guests looking for a hammam in İskenderun choose us for three reasons: hygiene, privacy and completeness. All textiles and kese materials are single-use; sessions run on a private-use basis; and you can combine the hammam with a massage, the sauna or a full spa programme to plan a complete renewal day in a single visit.

We are open every day from 09:00 to 01:00, so a hammam visit after work or late in the evening is no problem. Call us to plan your session and timing — we will answer your questions and find the slot that suits you best.