The Turkish Hamam or Turkish Bath is the direct successor to the Roman bath and has had a special place in Turkish tradition for hundreds of years. Traditionally the Hamam has a domed roof with thick bottle-glass lights set into the dome that concentrate the sunlight. Lying on the hot marble slabs it is easy to image yourself transported back to the time of the Saracens.

It is a place where you can rejuvenate both body and mind. After changing into the traditional 'Pestemal' a type of sarong, and wooden shoes called 'Takunya, your body is acclimatized with warm water, then scrubbed with 'loaf', to remove the top layers of dead skin cells and ingrained dirt.

The soap massage that follows is pure melting pleasure, leaving your skin refreshed, tingling and your whole body rejuvenated. A warm dry towel, a place to relax and a taste of Turkish delight ends the session, unless of course you want to go the whole way and take a sauna or Turkish massage.

No vacation in Turkey is complete without a visit to the Turkish Bath. Most public baths segregate the sexes, though nowadays there are many Turkish Baths, especially in the larger hotels, where mixed sessions are normal.

The Ottoman architectural design of the Rayola Hamam with traditional Turkish music playing in the background will transport you into another world. Rasit and the enthusiasm of his highly trained staff, all wearing national dress, add to a feeling that this is a special occasion.

To equalize body temperature after the heat and humidity of the Hamam, you can drink real Turkish coffee or take tea in a 'sark kose'.

Soaping Up

Be Healthy · Relax · Feel Younger · Feel Good

To completely satiate the senses, a Turkish Bath followed by a Turkish massage, and winding down in the sauna has to be the ultimate in relaxation therapy. The Rayola team includes professional masseurs under the guidance of Rasit himself, providing a range of oil massage treatments to relieve the aches and pains of modern living.