City of Side: Turkish Bath and Spa Experience with Massage

If you’re visiting Side and looking for a relaxing way to unwind, the Turkish Bath and Spa Experience offered by Seven Tours might catch your eye. Priced at just $20 per person for a two-hour session, this package promises a combination of thermal relaxation, skin refreshment, and soothing massages. It’s designed to give visitors a taste of authentic Turkish bath culture without breaking the bank.

What we particularly like about this experience is the inclusion of not just one but two full-body massages—a rare treat for such an affordable price. The addition of access to the sauna, steam room, and salt room means you can truly unwind in a tranquil setting. However, some travelers might find the experience a bit rushed or encounter pushy staff attempting to upsell additional services.

This tour seems perfect for those seeking affordable relaxation and a taste of Turkish bath traditions—especially if you value the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Side. Now, let’s explore what makes this experience worth considering, along with some practical tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

Key Points

• Affordable luxury: At $20, you get a full two-hour spa experience with massages included.
• Includes transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off make it convenient and hassle-free.
• Authentic treatments: Enjoy traditional Turkish bath elements like steam, sauna, and salt rooms.
• Two massages: Experience a 20-minute foam peeling scrub and a full-body oil massage, perfect for relaxation.
• Additional services: Available but optional, with some reviewers noting pushy staff.
• Good for relaxation lovers: Especially suited for travelers wanting a quick, rejuvenating break.

What to Expect from the Turkish Bath and Spa Experience

This tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Side, a nice touch that saves you the trouble of finding your way to the spa. The drive is approximately 15 minutes, during which you might notice the lack of air conditioning in the transport. Once you arrive at the Turkish bath, your relaxation truly begins.

The Thermal and Salt Rooms

Your experience kicks off with access to the sauna, steam room, and salt room. These spaces are designed to loosen muscles and open pores, setting the stage for the treatments. Many reviewers mention how relaxing these areas are, with a few noting that some parts of the venue could use minor repairs. However, the overall atmosphere seems to be calming, and most guests appreciate the opportunity to unwind before their massages.

The Traditional Turkish Scrub and Peeling

Next, you’ll be led into the steam room for a full-body peeling massage that lasts about 20 minutes. This part involves a foam scrub-down, which many describe as both invigorating and skin-refreshing. Leigh’s review highlights that she and her group loved the foam scrub, although she mentions some timing issues—specifically, some group members felt they didn’t get equal time in the sauna due to the scheduling.

The Face Mask and Free Relaxation Time

After the scrub, a face mask is applied, giving you some downtime to relax and enjoy the calming environment. One guest noted that the experience exceeded their expectations, with the staff being friendly and attentive. This segment offers a chance to simply rest and let the skin absorb the treatment’s benefits.

The Main Full-Body Oil Massage

The highlight for many is the 20-minute full-body oil massage. Guests often describe the massage as soothing and well-delivered, with some reviewers, like Evalyn Mushimba, praising the “exceptional service.” The massages aim to ease tension and leave you feeling rejuvenated, with many guests feeling like they’ve experienced genuine value for the price.

Extras and Personal Care

While the package includes the core treatments, optional add-ons like face masks or additional massages are available but may come with an extra push for upselling, as some guests mention. Drinks are not included, so consider bringing water to stay hydrated during your relaxation time.

Returning to Your Hotel

After your treatments, the staff will drop you back at your Side hotel, completing a seamless, stress-free experience. One reviewer appreciated that the pickup was punctual, though a few noted minor venue repairs. The convenience and the quality of treatments make this a good option for a short escape from sightseeing.

The Review from Guests: What Do They Say?

Guest reviews shed further light on what to expect. Many found the staff to be friendly and attentive, describing the venue as a “lovely” place where they felt cared for. For example, Evalyn Mushimba shares that her family experienced “exceptional service” and highly recommends it. Tamir, who visited with a group of six, called it an “amazing” experience that they all loved.

Some guests mentioned uneven timing in the sauna and treatments, with Leigh noting that her group experienced some delays and inconsistent scheduling. This hints at the importance of managing expectations, especially during busy times.

A couple of reviewers pointed out that some staff members were quite pushy about selling additional services—something to be prepared for if you’re wary of upselling. However, many felt that the core experience was worthwhile, especially considering the price.

How Does It Compare in Value?

At $20 for a two-hour session, this experience offers significant value. The inclusion of two massages (a foam peel and a full-body oil massage) is a standout, especially since massages alone in some regions can cost more than this entire package. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, removing any logistical hassle.

While the venue might need some minor repairs, the overall atmosphere seems designed to promote relaxation. The treatments themselves follow traditional Turkish bath practices, which provide more than just pampering—they also help improve skin health and circulation.

Some guests suggest that the experience offers more than they expected for the price, especially thanks to the friendly staff and the variety of treatments available. However, if you’re looking for a fully luxurious, high-end spa with state-of-the-art facilities, you might find this tour a bit basic. Still, for travelers seeking authentic local spa traditions at a budget price, it hits the mark.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive prepared: Bring swimwear and a change of clothes, as you’ll be using the sauna, steam room, and salt room.
• Timing matters: Expect the experience to last around two hours, so plan your day accordingly.
• Manage expectations: The venue might need some repairs, and staff may try to upsell, so remain polite but firm if you’re not interested.
• Hydrate: Bring water or purchase drinks on-site, especially after treatments.
• Respect privacy: Female guests are attended to by women, and male guests by men—if you prefer a specific gender of staff, communicate that upfront.
• Book in advance: To secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak tourist season.
• Consider upgrading: If you enjoy your core treatments, some guests mentioned paying extra for additional services, though reviews suggest the included treatments are quite fulfilling.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Experience?

This Turkish Bath and Spa experience is best suited for budget-conscious travelers looking for an authentic, relaxing Turkish bath experience without a hefty price tag. It’s ideal if you’re craving a quick, rejuvenating escape amid sightseeing, thanks to the included transportation and straightforward treatments.

Anyone who appreciates traditional spa elements—like steam, salt rooms, and massages—and prefers a casual, friendly environment will likely find this tour satisfying. It’s also a good choice for families or groups who want to enjoy a shared spa experience, as many reviews mention positive group outings.

However, if you’re seeking luxury amenities or highly personalized treatments, you might prefer a more upscale spa. Likewise, those with mobility issues or pregnant women should consider alternative options, as this experience isn’t tailored for limited mobility or pregnancy.

In all, for only around $20, you get a comprehensive package that offers relaxation, skin refreshment, and traditional Turkish hospitality—a worthwhile addition to your Side itinerary if you want to recharge without overspending.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in the price?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Side are included, which makes the experience very convenient for travelers staying locally.

How long does the entire experience last?
The typical duration is about 2 hours, including transportation, treatments, and relaxation time.

What treatments are included?
You’ll enjoy access to the sauna, steam room, and salt room, plus a 20-minute foam and peeling massage, a face mask, and a 20-minute full-body oil massage.

Are there options to upgrade or add extra treatments?
Extras like additional massages or face masks are available, but reviews suggest staff may try to upsell these services.

Is this experience suitable for everyone?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or those with heart problems. Female guests are attended by women, and male guests by men.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a change of clothes. Towels and robes are typically provided, but check with your booking provider.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your trip plans.

This Turkish Bath and Spa in Side offers a straightforward, affordable way to enjoy traditional Turkish wellness practices. Its mix of treatments, friendly staff, and convenient logistics make it a sound choice for those seeking relaxation without fuss.