Discovering Turkish Baths: Health Secrets & European Escapes

Welcome to Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere! As we prepare for colder months, join us as we discover the ancient history and health benefits of Turkish baths. Explore world-renowned European gems and keep reading for an exclusive look at one of Europe's newest five-star hammams at Bey House. Let's chase away the chill and get steamy!

What is the difference between Turkish Baths, Hammams, Saunas and Steam Rooms?

Turkish Baths (Hammams): Turkish baths are also known as hammams. These provide a full relaxation experience with warm, hot, and cooling-off areas, including heated stone benches and cold tubs or showers. They're similar to steam rooms but offer more.

Saunas: These dry rooms offer high-temperature dry heat, inducing sweating and relaxation on wooden benches.

Steam Rooms: These wet rooms offer a moist, relaxing environment with high humidity and lower temperatures, powered by steam generators. Unlike Turkish baths, they lack some features but create a similar moist atmosphere.

Each type offers unique benefits to cater to different preferences and needs.

What are the health benefits of hammams?

• Cleansing and Exfoliation: Hammams use steam, scrubbing, and rinsing to open pores, deep cleanse, and exfoliate, leaving skin softer and smoother.
• Detoxification: Sweating in a hammam helps eliminate toxins through the skin, promoting overall well-being.
• Respiratory Health: The warm, humid air benefits individuals with respiratory issues, helping open airways and relieve congestion.
• Stress Reduction: Hammams offer a relaxing atmosphere that reduces stress, tension, and anxiety, promoting mental relaxation.
• Improved Circulation: Alternating hot and cold baths in a hammam enhances blood circulation, benefiting cardiovascular health and reducing muscle tension.
• Pain Relief: Hammam heat can alleviate muscle and joint pain, serving as a natural therapy for pain management.
• Skin Health: Regular hammam sessions improve skin health, enhancing complexion, texture, and tone through better blood flow and exfoliation.
• Relaxation and Mental Health: Hammams provide a space for mental rejuvenation, reducing stress and promoting overall mental well-being.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying medical conditions, before incorporating hammams into your wellness routine. Staying hydrated during and after a hammam is essential to prevent dehydration due to sweating.

The Best European Hammams: Budapest, Istanbul & Bulgaria

Europe boasts some of the most stunning Turkish baths in the world. Add these gems to your travel itineraries.

Gellért Baths, Budapest: Nestled in the heart of Budapest, the Gellért Baths are a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, offering grandeur and healing waters—an absolute must-visit for bath aficionados.

Çemberlitaş Hamamı, Istanbul: In Istanbul, discover the Çemberlitaş Hamamı, an iconic bathhouse that has stood the test of time. Its striking architecture and centuries-old traditions provide a glimpse into the rich history of Turkish baths in Turkey.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria: One of Europe's best-kept secrets, Bulgaria is home to the historic Bey House Royal Hotel. This remarkable property features one of Bulgaria's finest Turkish baths.

Hammams: A History

Turkish baths boast a millennia-old heritage, tracing their roots to ancient Roman and Greek bathing customs, integral parts of daily life. Following the fall of the Byzantine Empire, Ottoman culture continued the tradition of heated rooms, influenced by Byzantine baths.

In the 14th-century Ottoman era hammams emerged as a distinctive bathhouse style, marrying architectural elements from Byzantine, Roman, and Islamic traditions. Ottoman hammams dazzled with their exquisite features, showcasing intricate tilework, majestic domed ceilings, and opulent marble interiors.

The Turkish Bath at Bey House Royal Hotel

As Bey House gains prominence in the European Union, we proudly introduce this unique Bulgarian Turkish bath. Your private escape awaits during your travels.

What makes the Bey House Turkish bath so special?

• Private Lounge & Hammam: Enjoy plush furnishings in a private lounge adjacent to the hammam. It's your personal oasis for relaxation without any interruptions. Our staff will leave you in complete privacy until we are requested.
• Steam, Plunge Pool, and Stone Benches: Immerse yourself in the health benefits of steam, a plunge pool with water jets, and heated stone benches. Refresh with cold water from the basins and rinse off with shower hoses.
• Luxury Amenities: Experience five-star quality with MALIN+GOETZ toiletries, and the finest Turkish towels, robes, and slippers. Private bathrooms feature Dyson Supersonic hair dryers, and lockers are available for outside guests.
• Complimentary Refreshments and 24-Hour Access: For hammam visitors reserving the bath, savor five-star cuisine or cocktails in the hammam lounge with a 25 euro credit for The Restaurant at Bey House. Hotel guests enjoy unlimited 24-hour access to the Turkish bath and complimentary refreshments in the lounge.

As the seasons change, we are excited for the cooler months ahead. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us and indulge in the unforgettable experience of the Bey House Turkish Bath.

Keep cozy, and we look forward to welcoming you soon!

With Love,
The Bey House Team