Raffles Istanbul is located at the city’s Zorlu Center, a modern shopping and entertainment complex situated above Istanbul’s Bosphorus.

Situated above Istanbul’s Bosphorus (a strait of water in Northwestern Turkey that forms part of the continental boundary between Asia and Europe), Raffles Istanbul is located at the Zorlu Center—a modern shopping and entertainment complex. The stunning property features elegant and spacious suites offering breathtaking views of the water, in addition to a wide array of world-class dining options such as Raffles Patisserie and Lavinia Lounge, where guests can enjoy afternoon tea.

Raffles Spa at Raffles Istanbul is a revitalizing oasis with 3,000 square meters of relaxing spa and wellness facilities that include three Turkish Hammams, an indoor pool, luxurious couples’ suites, and a menu of local traditional treatments. We spoke with Raffles Istanbul’s Hotel Manager Erhan Yurtsever, who shared insider tips, the spa’s most unique and splurge-worthy treatments, and more.

Raffles Spa at Raffles Istanbul has a stunning indoor pool.

Why You’ll Love It: The use of light makes a difference throughout the Raffles Istanbul Spa. Most areas let in natural light, which gives the facility an airy, garden-like feeling, while the private treatment rooms exude a candle-lit coziness that radiates warmth and relaxation.

The daylight-flooded indoor pool is exceptionally Instagram-worthy thanks to the ornate glass hanging fixtures that resemble floating jellyfish. They twinkle at sunset, creating a spectacle of light reminiscent of the sea sparkles of the Bosphorus.

The Turkish Hammam is a unique feature worth experiencing and this luxury spa boasts three of them. There is nothing like laying on the heated marble platform and enjoying a foamy body scrub. As an added comfort, unique Turkish towels are specially woven for Raffles at Denizli, an inland South Aegean town famous for the quality of its textiles.

Lastly, highly experienced international and local therapists bring a wealth of wellness knowledge from their native countries (including Turkey, Indonesia, Bali, and the Philippines) to enhance treatments and services.

Key Features: There are nine private treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites—one with its own Turkish Hammam and the other a private Jacuzzi. The Raffles Spa also houses three unique Turkish baths, each varying in size. The spa consists of relaxation areas with a sauna, steam rooms, jacuzzi, adventure showers, and ice fountains for men and women. The outdoor pool also offers panoramic urban views of the city. Guests can experience massages, body treatments and skin treatments, and the spa packages are quite comprehensive.

A private relaxation suite in one of the Hammams.

Bonus: Guests can enjoy a wide selection of teas from a well-known local brand, Melez, along with fresh fruits, dried fruits, and nuts in our relaxation areas. We also serve traditional Turkish beverages after treatments.

Insider’s Tip: A good tip would be to arrive early and get the most out of the beautiful swimming pool and relaxation areas, followed by a couples’ treatment or a couples’ Hammam to enhance the state of relaxation.

Snacks Served: We offer our guests fresh and dried fruits, nuts, a wide selection tea and coffee, and detox waters.

The spa serves fresh and dried fruit, nuts, a wide selection tea and coffee, and detox waters.

Insider’s Favorite: My favorite treatments at the spa are the Hammam and the hot stone massage. Hammam is a refreshing traditional Turkish Bath, while the hot stone massage is a hard tissue massage accompanied by hot stones. It’s perfect for sore muscles.

Splurge Treatment: The Luxury Voyage (150 minutes, 265 Euro). The ultimate pampering face and body ritual promises full mind and body relaxation and rejuvenation. The journey begins with a full-body exfoliation using a body brush, followed by a warming body mask which nourishes the skin, and then a full-body massage. The journey is finished with a hydrating facial tailored to your skin’s needs, leaving you healthy and looking youthful from head-to-toe.

One of the spa’s couples’ treatment rooms.

Unique Treatment: Our most unique treatment is the “Traveler’s Palm.” The 90-minute treatment is a lymphatic drainage massage, which removes excess fluids from the body by pressing the lymph points. It’s perfect for frequent travelers and for those with an intense work pace–it begins with a foot ritual followed by a full-body massage, and ends with a scalp massage. It’s designed to release tension and calm the mind.

Featured Products: Raffles Spa uses two luxurious skincare lines in its treatments: Biologique Recherche and The Organic Pharmacy. A wide selection of offerings for facial and body and products from both brands are for sale in the spa boutique.

For more information and to book a treatment, visit the spa’s website and follow them on Instagram: @rafflesistanbul

[Images courtesy of Raffles Istanbul]