The First Step to a Perfect Holiday: Understanding the Turkish Bath Ritual

There is an unwritten rule among seasoned travelers to Turkey: don’t start sunbathing until you’ve been scrubbed. It might sound strange to newcomers, but there is a scientific and cultural reason for this. The Side Turkish Bath (or Hamam) is not just a spa treatment; it is a centuries-old cleansing ritual that prepares both your body and your mind for the vacation ahead. Many tourists make the mistake of leaving this experience for the last day, but to get the most out of it, it should be the very first thing you do after checking into your hotel.

Why is it so important? Over time, dead skin cells accumulate on your body. If you tan on top of this layer, your tan will be patchy and will fade as soon as that dead skin sheds—usually a few days after you get home. A visit to a Turkish Hamam in Side removes this layer entirely, leaving you with fresh, breathing skin that tans more evenly and holds the bronze color for much longer.

But beyond the practical benefits, it is an experience of pure indulgence. It starts in the sauna, where the heat opens your pores and softens your skin. Then, you enter the main marble room, the Hararet. Lying on the hot central marble stone (the Göbek Taşı), you feel the tension in your muscles simply melt away. This is followed by the Kese (scrubbing) phase. A professional attendant uses a coarse mitt to exfoliate your body. You will be shocked, and perhaps a little satisfied, to see just how much dead skin comes off. It feels like shedding a heavy coat you didn’t know you were wearing.

After the scrub comes the most famous part: the foam massage. You are covered in a cloud of soap bubbles that smells like traditional olive oil soap. The attendant massages your muscles, washing away the stress of your flight and your work life back home. Finally, most packages among the Side excursions list include a relaxing oil massage to hydrate your newly exfoliated skin.

Leaving the Hamam, you feel lighter, cleaner, and incredibly relaxed. The chaotic sounds of the resort seem quieter, and you move a little slower. It sets the tone for a relaxing holiday. So, before you rush to the beach to bake in the sun, do yourself a favor. Book a Side Turkish Bath experience. It’s the best way to hit the “reset” button on your life and officially start your vacation mode.