Fact number 1: spending a few hours at the spa will put you in a better mood and relax you to the point of oblivion. Fact number 2: you may not appreciate this fully unless you’ve been to Amrita Spa & Wellness at Swissôtel the Bosphorus Istanbul.

You may ask, “What sets it apart?” Well, where do I begin? The Buddha-inspired décor, the soothing little water fountains, the meditative music, the exceptional service, or the spacious interior that makes you feel like you’ve just entered the land of relaxation never to return back to the hustle and bustle of daily life? The list could go on.

Instead, I’ll let you in on the secrets of Amrita Spa & Wellness, and let you explore it for yourself. And, if I may, I strongly suggest you buy a gift card for your significant other, sibling, parent, or whoever you want to earn brownie points from. They will thank you for weeks!

What are your options?

They’ve got something for all your needs – body, mind, and soul: facial treatments (firming age repair, deep cleanse facial, instant eye repair, peeling), exfoliating and detoxifying body treatments, slimming and firming packages, hand and feet treatments, a range of  massages (aromatherapy, Thai, Shiatsu, reflexology, hot stones), and much much more. If you’re a beginner, pick a 50-minute massage. If you’re an advanced spa-goer, choose one of their packages – the five-day Serenity Package that combines hamam, aromatic bath, Balinese massage, Ayurvedic massage, body wrap, and several other treatments sounds too good to pass up!

Any other facilities?

Definitely. Your spa day doesn’t start and end with your treatment – there are many other ways to keep pampering yourself. Try the sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, tropical shower, ice fountain, Jacuzzi, indoor pool, fitness center, and relaxation room. Beware though – at the end of the day you may feel alienated from this overly-relaxed being walking around in your body.

Who to go with?

Going alone is an ideal way to leave the world outside. But if you want your spa day to be fun, arrange your next appointment for your soon-to-be-married friend’s Hen Party. Alternatively, turn your spa day into a romantic getaway in the city, and take your sweetheart with you for a private couple’s hamam.

What to do before you go?

Make sure that you eat something light a few hours before your therapy session – you don’t want to lie on a full stomach. More importantly, leave your worries at home or at the office.

What to bring with you?

You’ll be provided with pretty much everything – towels, shampoo, shower gel, body lotion, hair dryer, slippers... If you don’t want to go nude in the hamam, bring a bikini along. For the post-therapy relaxation at the relaxation room (where you can nibble on dried fruits and nuts, hydrate with lemon or cucumber water, and dream away under the sky-like ceiling lying in a water bed), create a meditative playlist on your iPod. You may also want to bring a consciousness elevating book with you.

What will you get out of this?

The saint: You’ll learn to be comfortable with your body. There’ll be a lot of touching involved.

The sinner: There is water everywhere (pretty much in every physical form that water comes in), lots of soap, hypnotizing smells, and soothing body oils that even your sins will be washed away.

The workaholic: You’ll get a few hours away from your smart phone, in complete isolation from the world and the worries of the office. You’ll learn to let go, if only for a few hours.

The spiritual warrior: You’ll have a serious exercise in controlling the uncontrollable stream of thoughts during your massage session – surely a fine way to meditate!

4 Ways to Prolong the Relaxation

1. Stop by Swiss Gourmet on your way out and buy a box of chocolate. It’s one of the highest quality chocolates you’ll find in Istanbul.

2. Arrange your therapy session so that you don’t get stuck in rush hour traffic when you leave. There is nothing like Istanbul traffic to kill the buzz.

3. Arrange a limo and enjoy a glass of bubbly on your way home.

4. Postpone your entrance back into the real world – spend the night at the hotel and order room service.

Amrita Spa & Wellness; Swissôtel the Bosphorus Istanbul, Bayıldım Caddesi No. 2, Maçka; P: (0212) 326 11 00