Spa Profile: CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul is located on the European shores of the Bosphorus strait in Istanbul in a historical building from the 1930s.

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul is an elegant retreat featuring both Western and Eastern influence in Turkey. Located in a historical building that dates back to the 1930s on the European shores of the Bosphorus strait, the enchanting property is just 15 minutes from Dolmabahçe Palace. The hotel’s 186 rooms and suites have chandelier accents, marble bathrooms with heated floors and televisions embedded in the mirrors, and soothing cool tones, which were inspired by Ottoman glamour and elements of Asian design.

Guests and visitors alike enjoy a series of relaxing therapies and treatments at CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul—Europe’s first CHI, The Spa. The spa is home to some of Istanbul’s most indulgent private spa suites with Hammam facilities, and the menu features rituals and services based upon the principles of restoring balance and harmony to the mind and body.

We interviewed Zyenep Cetin, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul’s director of CHI, The Spa, who provided insider tips and spa bonuses, amenities and treatments you won’t want to miss, and more.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La at Bosphorus, Istanbul is inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies.

Why You’ll Love It: Guests love our spa for its high level of service and treatment quality. Our colleagues always have positive attitudes and greet guests from the heart. Our guests also love our ginger tea.

Key Features: Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul’s CHI, The Spa features great products and amenities including massage oils, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gels that are all organic and are our own CHI, The Spa brand. All the products are produced by a local company, which is in line with Shangri-La’s sustainability efforts to source locally and support our local community. CHI, The Spa in Istanbul also offers Elemis, a cosmetic brand based in the U.K. that is mostly natural.

The spa has some of the most indulgent private spa suites in Istanbul with Hammam facilities.

Insider’s Tip: Starting from the day before your Turkish Bath Treatment appointment, we advise not to apply any oily cream to the body. Before indulging in the Turkish bath, we suggest visiting the steam room for five minutes, as the exfoliation will be more effective. Lastly, on the night of the Hammam treatment, it’s good if you apply body lotion. Your skin will be moisturized with double effect!

Snacks Served: Fresh ginger tea is the signature tea of CHI, The Spa in Istanbul. Traditional “ayran” is a local yogurt drink and is a guest favorite after the Hammam Treatment. We also serve black Turkish tea, dried nuts, and fruits.

Guests are served fresh ginger tea along with dried nuts and fruits.

Bonus: CHI, The Spa provides a special foot bath ritual for every guest who reserves a 90-minute treatment.

Insider’s Favorite: The Turkish Bath provides purification, not only physically but it also cleanses negative energy with the help of real marble stone and water.

The spa offers treatments based on the principles of restoring balance and harmony to mind and body.

Unique Treatment: Turkish Hammam Treatment. This full-body treatment combines a reviving body scrub and a foam massage to soften muscles and refresh the mind, body, and soul.

The spa’s luxurious couples suite includes a private bathtub.

Splurge Treatment: I suggest the Traditional Healing From All Over Turkey Treatment from our Sense Of Place menu, which uses local ingredients and is performed in an authentic environment to create a true Turkish experience. This traditional cleansing treatment combines refreshing techniques by using a Kese mitt and natural soap. A soothing hair wash, water therapy, and relaxing massage conclude this fabulous experience.

In addition to signature massages, CHI, The Spa also offers luxurious CHI Journeys that incorporate everything from massages and body scrubs to body wraps and facials.

Featured Products: Oils, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gels are organic and by our own CHI brand which is produced by a local company. Cosmetic products are by Elemis.

For more information and to book a treatment, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @shangrilaistanbul

[Images courtesy of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul]