Wellness in Antalya District

The hammam on the Antalya coast is simpler than in Istanbul, and that is a different genre rather than a shortcoming. There are no historic sixteenth-century baths under domes here — there are modern complexes attached to hotels and spa centres in Alanya, Belek and Side, reached with a transfer, where the programme runs ninety minutes to two hours. The order is standard: warming on heated marble, a kese scrub, a foam massage, and an oil massage at the end.

What differs is the set of extras. Alanya has an aloe vera version — a mask after the scrub, aimed at skin that has had sun. On this coast that makes sense, because most people come in the second half of a beach holiday. Some complexes add a sauna and a pool, which stretches the visit into half a day.

Practical notes. Bring your own swimwear; everything else is provided. The kese scrub takes off the top layer of skin, so after burning on the beach it is better to postpone the bath by a day or two — otherwise it hurts. For the same reason, do not plan long sun exposure afterwards: the skin becomes more sensitive. Men's and women's halls are usually separate, and in smaller complexes divided by time slot.