Chapter II · An ancient tradition
Hammam rituals
The coolness of marble, the warmth of steam and the sound of water. A purpose-built Turkish bath, a few minutes from the runway.
At a glance
The hammam at Navitas Spa, Hilton Istanbul Airport, offers two rituals on the heated marble navel stone: the 45-minute Scrub & Foam Ritual (kese exfoliation and foam massage) and the 50-minute Sultan Hammam, a four-hands ritual performed by two therapists. Shorter 20–25 minute versions are available as Focused Care.
For centuries the hammam has told the same simple story: warmth, water, a mitt that lifts away what the skin no longer needs, and foam that makes the body light. Our hammam at Hilton Istanbul Airport was built for the purpose — a heated white marble navel stone, marble basins with copper taps, and attendants who know the ritual by heart.
What a hammam ritual is
You lie on the göbek taşı, the heated marble platform at the centre of the room, until the warmth opens the skin. Your attendant washes you with warm water from a copper bowl, then exfoliates the whole body with a kese — a rough-textured mitt that lifts away dead skin in visible rolls. A cloud of soap foam follows, worked into the body with long strokes, then a rinse, a wrap in a fresh pestemal and a rest.
Which ritual to choose
- Scrub & Foam Ritual, 45 minutes: the complete traditional sequence with one attendant.
- Sultan Hammam, 50 minutes: the same sequence performed by two therapists in synchrony — four hands, twice the rhythm, a rarer luxury.
- Focused Care, 20–25 minutes: the scrub or the foam on its own, for passengers with a short connection.
Good to know
- Pestemal, towels, slippers and a kese are provided; you can wear swimwear underneath if you prefer.
- Skip the scrub if you have sunburn, open cuts or very sensitive skin; the foam massage alone is a gentle alternative.
- Drink water before and after. The hammam is warm and the scrub is stimulating — most guests feel wonderfully sleepy afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring swimwear?
No. You will be given a pestemal, the traditional cotton wrap. Swimwear underneath is welcome if you prefer.
Is the hammam mixed or single-sex?
Rituals are by appointment in a private setting with your attendant. Tell us your preference for a male or female attendant when booking.
Can I add a massage afterwards?
Yes — that is what the Diamond Package and the Grand Ritual are. Or simply book a hammam ritual and a 50-minute massage back to back.
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