Located along the Bosphorus, an internationally significant waterway in northwestern Turkey that forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia, Ciragan Palace Kempinski is a former Ottoman palace that has been transformed into a five-star luxury hotel. It’s the only hotel in Istanbul that is accessible by car, yacht, and helicopter, and features a stunning fusion of ancient and modern Turkey.

In addition to 310 rooms and a selection of world-class restaurants and bars that promise incredible gastronomic experiences, the hotel also has a heated outdoor infinity pool that gives you the feeling of floating on the Bosphorus. For those seeking the ultimate relaxation experience, Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Spa managed by Sanitas offers an authentic Turkish hammam where you can enjoy a traditional Turkish massage and bath, in addition to other luxurious services. Guests at the spa feel like royalty thanks to therapeutic massages, as well as rejuvenating facial and whole-body beauty services.

We interviewed Dr. Şebnem Akman Balta, Manager and the Founding Partner of Sanitas Spa, who shared insider tips, favorite and most unique treatments, and more.

Why You’ll Love It: Ciragan Palace Kempinski Sanitas Spa & Wellness offers unique therapies with valuable products and healthcare services in a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere. We have unique quality standards and the ability to anticipate and meet the needs of high-end guests. After an extensive training process, all our therapists learn Sanitas’ special techniques and they all provide the same quality of service. These are the key elements that our guests are looking for.  

Key Features: Guests can enjoy the indispensable part of Turkish culture: a Turkish bath experience in an actual Ottoman Palace.

Sanitas Spa & Wellness has a large and comprehensive service profile, including modern Western-style massages, facial and skin care treatments, as well as the relaxing, healing variety of traditional Asian, Turkish, and Moroccan massages applied by professional experts. 

The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul Spa managed by SANITAS includes an authentic Turkish Bath, gym, whirlpool, indoor pool, massage rooms, and facial treatments. A favorite is the heated infinity outdoor swimming pool, which sits on Europe and overlooks Asia, that is open year-round with spectacular views over the Bosphorus. The traditional Turkish Hammam treatment and Ayurveda Massage are other highlights of the Spa.

Snacks Served: In the spa area we serve detox waters with lemon and cinnamon, refreshing traditional Turkish tea and coffee, relaxing herbal teas like green tea, chamomile tea, ginger tea, orange tea, and blue butterfly tea. We also serve healthy snacks like fresh almonds, dried figs, fresh fruits, etc.

Bonus: When our guests arrive to Sanitas Spa, we welcome them with a traditional pomegranate sherbet and a unique Turkish delight covered with rose petals. During their time at the sauna, we offer various essential oils and Aufguss rituals. In the relaxation areas we serve different and delicious drinks like a “Thai Blue Butterfly Tea,’’ which includes collagen and beneficial ingredients for eye health.

Insider’s Tip: If you want to experience a real traditional Turkish Bath ritual, you must visit Sanitas Spa at Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul. With hot and cold water therapy and traditional scrubbing, your body will be detoxified from dead skin and toxins. The foam massage afterwards will purify and relieve you from the stress of city life or jet lag. During the farewell, a lemon cologne and towel service will make you feel refreshed.

Unique Treatment: In addition to traditional scrubbing and a foam massage, a body mask which includes honey, milk, and rose water makes the Sultan Hammam Treatment a unique experience. The treatment cleans, relaxes, and spoils the body. Also, the Sanitas Signature Massage, which combines three different massage techniques in the same treatment and can be customized, is a unique offering.

Splurge Treatment: The Selvert Thermal Caprices d'Or 24k Gold Facial Treatment is one of our best-selling luxurious treatments. Pure gold is a secret used by privileged and wealthy people for centuries in order to have young and beautiful skin. The treatment prevents the sagging of the skin by slowing down the potent inhibitors of collagen and elastin corruption. With 24k gold, pearl and diamond particles, the treatment provides not only tightening and firming effects, but also gleaming skin and glittering appearance.

Insider’s Favorite: Since we are serving our precious guests with the motto of “difference of touch,’’ all our treatments are both ours and our guests’ favorites. But if I had to choose, the Sanitas Signature Massage, Thai Blend Massage, Ayurvedic treatments, Sultan Hammam, and Caprices d'Or 24k Gold Facial Treatment are our guests’ favorite treatments.  

Featured Products: We use professional and well-known brands like Selvert Thermal, June Jacobs, Thalgo, Thalion and St. Barth Ligne products at Sanitas Spa.

For more information, visit the website and follow them on Instagram: @cpkempinski

[Images courtesy of Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul]

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Ciragan Caddesi 32

34349 Istanbul

Turkey