A Hammam is a traditional Turkish steam bath said to be good for the immune system and blood circulation, aid pain relief and remove toxins. Even if it does not accomplish any of this a traditional Turkish Hammam is something that one has to experience once in a lifetime.
Anantara Spa in the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi has one of the city’s first Turkish hammams. Five variations of the Turkish hammam are offered here. Other treatment packages include mint and basil body scrubs, massages with shiffa energising oil, facials and body wraps. The traditional Turkish hammam here lasts 40 minutes. It commences with a steam bath followed by an exfoliating treatment and foam massage. A Turkish coffee peeling hammam is a steam bath, coffee peel exfoliating treatment and foam massage. The 1 hour Royal Ottoman comprises of a steam bath, exfoliating treatment, a foam massage & honey mask. The crystal peel treatment is similar to the coffee peel which is after the steam bath and followed by a foam massage. The pre wedding treatment is a typically Middle Eastern social affair where the bride’s girl friends get together for a spa treatment session.
The interior décor of the hammam is rather grand. An elaborate crystal and gold chandelier hanging from a dome ceiling catches the eye. The colour combination is gold & dark brown marble. Treatment takes place separately in rooms for men and women on individual tiled slabs. The guests who opt for the traditional Turkish hammam first enjoy five minutes in the steam room to open pores and make the skin soft and pliant. Warm water is gently poured on the body which is in a supine position, thereafter. The third step is the exfoliating treatment when the masseuse scrubs the body down with a traditional Turkish mitt. It is arguably one of the best ways to remove dead skin and grime that nothing else can budge. The final step is the foaming massage. The body is lathered well with a soapy piece of muslin that has been dunked in a copper pot with an olive soap bar. The experience is made as Turkish as possible down to the after massage ayran or liquid yogurt drink served with unsalted almonds and dried apricots in the relaxation area. Those who have experienced it can attest to it being relaxing and improving skin texture to soft and pliant.
Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas with properties across South East Asia, the Middle East and the Maldives draw their design inspiration from the rich cultural traditions and natural beauty of the location. These luxury hotel resorts offer well designed indoor and outdoor spaces, guestrooms, suites and villas that are laid out and equipped in response to the needs of modern holidaymakers and their families. The features, facilities and services at these luxury hotels add to the exceptional experiences they provide and which the brand is known for.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
