The kese scrub and foam wash is the best-loved part of Turkish hammam culture. People used to go to the neighbourhood hammam; today, for those living in Bahçeşehir, the ritual is right in the neighbourhood again. EPHRA Spa is in Bahçeşehir 2. Kısım, a short trip from Bahçeşehir 1. Kısım and Başakşehir.

How does the hammam ritual work?

  1. Warm-up: you rest for a few minutes in the warmth of the hammam while your skin and muscles get used to the heat.
  2. Scrub: the attendant removes dead skin from the whole body with a traditional kese mitt. You can always ask for lighter or firmer.
  3. Foam: the ritual is completed with a soft foam wash and a light massage.
  4. Rest: a few minutes of rest and a glass of water afterwards feel good.

As a gift, guests who book a scrub also receive an aromatic salt scrub: aromatic sea salt in jasmine or ocean, applied after the foam wash and rinsed off with warm water. You can choose a medium or thick kese mitt.

The scrub takes about 30 minutes. When you choose it with a massage, the scrub comes first, so you start the massage relaxed and ready.

Which package should you choose?

  • Scrub: a short, effective cleanse for those who don't want a massage.
  • Massage + Foam: a foam wash followed by a classic massage; a favourite for unwinding.
  • Massage + Scrub: scrub, foam and classic massage together; our most complete hammam ritual.
  • Your own package: choose any massage and add a scrub.

Single-session and 10-session prices for every package are on the packages page. The price per session is lower with 10-session packages, which is good value if you plan to come regularly.

Before you come

A peshtemal, towels, slippers, a single-use bath sponge and single-use underwear are provided; we suggest leaving jewellery at home. If you have questions about anything else to bring, call us before your booking.

Who should take care?

If your skin is irritated or broken, you have a skin condition, you were recently sunburnt or you are pregnant, ask your doctor before having a scrub and mention it in your booking note. The scrub is a care ritual, not a medical treatment.

For more details about the ritual, see our hammam and scrub page.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please ask your doctor about your own health.