Hammam Rituals · Signature
Scrub & Foam Ritual
The complete Turkish bath: kese exfoliation and foam massage on the heated marble
At a glance
The Scrub & Foam Ritual at Navitas Spa, Hilton Istanbul Airport, is the traditional Turkish bath in full: warming on the heated marble navel stone, a whole-body kese exfoliation that lifts away dead skin, a foam massage with natural soap, and a rinse. It takes 45 minutes and is performed by one attendant in the purpose-built hammam; ask us on WhatsApp for the current price.
What happens
- 01You change into a pestemal and enter the warm marble room; your attendant pours warm water over you from a copper bowl.
- 02Ten minutes or so on the göbek taşı — the heated navel stone — until the skin softens and opens.
- 03The kese: a rough-textured mitt worked over the whole body in firm strokes. Dead skin comes away in visible rolls; the skin underneath is new.
- 04The foam: a cloth is filled with air and natural soap and squeezed into a cloud of foam that covers you, then worked into the body with long strokes — the part guests remember.
- 05A rinse with warm water, a fresh pestemal, and a rest on the heated loungers with water or tea.
Why it feels the way it does
Heat first, so exfoliation is gentle; exfoliation second, so the skin can breathe; foam last, because soap on softened, clean skin is the closest thing to floating. The sequence has not changed in centuries because it does not need to.
Benefits
- Skin visibly renewed — the dullness of cabin air gone in one session
- Muscles softened by the heat before any pressure is applied
- Improved circulation and a light, warm feeling for hours
- The authentic Turkish experience, a few minutes from the terminal
Good for
- First visit to Türkiye
- After a long flight
- Hotel guests
- Members — available in 10- and 20-session packs
What to expect
- 01Change into a pestemal; slippers and towels are provided
- 02Warm up on the heated marble
- 03Kese exfoliation over the whole body
- 04Foam massage, rinse, rest
Frequently asked questions
Is it painful?
The kese is vigorous but not painful — think of a firm exfoliating glove. Tell your attendant if you would like it gentler.
What do I wear?
A pestemal, provided. Swimwear underneath is fine.
Can I book it for two?
Yes. Depending on the day's team the ritual is performed side by side or one after the other.
How much time should I plan?
About 70 minutes door to door: 10 to change, 45 for the ritual, 15 to rinse, dry and dress.
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It would be a pleasure to welcome you
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