We’ve been in Antalya for 2.5 months now, and yesterday was Mother’s Day. The morning started off with all the wholesome feels—coffee in bed, a beautiful fruit platter, Turkish eggs, a handmade card from Kaia, and my favourite Turkish chocolate and baklava.
Then Jacob sent me off for something I’d been wanting to do since arriving in Türkiye: a Turkish Bath experience at Saray Hamami, just a five-minute drive from our place in Kepez.
I’d heard about Hammams before, but honestly, I was nervous. I had no idea what to expect. But it turned out to be one of the most memorable and healing things I’ve done while travelling.
What Is a Turkish Bath (Hammam)?
A Hammam is a traditional steam bath and public bathing ritual deeply rooted in Islamic and Ottoman culture. It’s about cleansing, relaxation, and restoration—a form of self-care that dates back centuries.
And while I had read about it, experiencing it firsthand was something else entirely.
🌿 Quick Tips for Your First Hammam
- Leave your phone at home – just be present.
- Seek a local Hammam, not a tourist trap.
- Bring cash – don’t assume you can use a card.
- Wear your swimmers (but be prepared for nudity).
- Allow a couple of hours – don’t rush it.
- Expect to tip – I paid 810 TL for the package and tipped 100 TL.
- Don’t overthink the discomfort – embrace it.
Inside the Hammam
When I arrived at Saray Hamami, I asked for Package 1 (which I had translated beforehand to mean: Bath, Pouch, Foam Massage, Oil Massage). There wasn’t much English spoken, but the process felt natural. I was handed a towel and key and headed upstairs to change.
Once I had my swimmers on and wrapped the towel around me, I was taken to the sauna for about 10 minutes. It was mild and calming—perfect for easing into the experience. I noticed my anxious thoughts bubbling up (“How long has it been?” “Am I doing this right?”), but eventually, I surrendered to the quiet.
The Bathing Ritual
From there, I was taken into the main Hammam room—a stunning marble space with basins around the edges, a huge raised warm stone slab in the middle, and a ceiling adorned in mosaic tiles. It was jaw-dropping.
I was gently bathed, then firmly scrubbed down with a Kese (a woven exfoliating glove). Lying there in just my bikini bottoms while a woman scrubbed every inch of my body, I felt both vulnerable and oddly liberated.
There were pails of warm water splashed over me, foam massages, hair washing—even my key got washed! It was full immersion, literally and figuratively. We couldn’t communicate much, but with gestures and smiles, we figured it out.
The Oil Massage
I thought it was over, but I was guided into another room for an oil massage. And wow—it was intense. Strong hands, elbows, deep tissue work. There were moments I wanted to tap out, but I also didn’t want to miss out on the full experience.
Interestingly, I didn’t feel oily afterward at all—just limber, loose, and light.
Final Thoughts
I walked out of that Hammam glowing—inside and out. It was equal parts cleansing, confronting, and calming. I spent the rest of Mother’s Day feeling soft, grounded, and wildly grateful.
Sure, there were moments of discomfort and uncertainty, but that’s exactly why I travel—to be reminded of the beauty in unfamiliar things.
By the next day, my muscles were sore (in a “I just got realigned by magic” kind of way). All of this for 810 TL (about $40 AUD). Unreal. In Australia, this would’ve cost ten times more—and probably wouldn’t have felt half as authentic.
Don’t Make My Mistake
I forgot to bring cash. While most places in Türkiye have been fine with cards, this local Hammam wasn’t. I had to awkwardly wait for Jacob to drop off some money. Luckily, the women were lovely and offered me another cup of chai while I waited.
If You’re in Antalya… Go.
If you ever find yourself in Türkiye, do yourself a favour and experience a traditional Turkish Bath. Let go of the awkwardness, ditch the expectations, and allow yourself to just be.
It healed me in more ways than I expected.
Where I Went:
Saray Hamami
Yeşiltepe, Ziya Gökalp Cd. 50/b, 07020 Kepez/Antalya
(Feature image from Google—photos inside didn’t feel appropriate)
Til next time,
R