It’s no surprise that the recent rise in wellness culture has led to an increased demand for holidays that support health and wellness.
For travellers planning Turkey holidays with wellbeing in mind, the country offers a rich blend of healing traditions, spa resorts, natural beauty, and outdoor experiences in nature, that make it an ideal destination for a restorative getaway.
1. Discovering Turkey’s Ancient Wellness Traditions
Turkey’s wellness culture is rooted in centuries-old practices, including the hammam ritual and natural thermal waters.
Hamams have been widespread across the Muslim world for centuries, and are modelled on the same premise as Roman baths – serving as public bathing facilities for hygiene as well as social spaces.
When visiting a hamam, you initially step into a cold area with changing facilities and refreshments. Once ready, you move into a warm room in preparation for your time in the sıcaklık – a domed central chamber that is typically heated to above 40°C. In this hot room, alongside benches and wash basins, you’ll see a raised platform where hamam attendants wash and scrub bathers and carry out treatments such as massages, aromatherapy or exfoliation.
The purported health benefits of a hamam experience include improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, and stress relief
2. Wellness-Focused Resorts and Spa Stays
Many of Turkey’s regions, such as Bodrum, Antalya, and Cappadocia are well-known for their luxury spa retreats and hotels that prioritise wellness.
Popular spa therapies include thalassotherapy, which has shown to be of benefit to those suffering from skin complaints and rheumatic conditions, and aquatic therapies such as watsu.
3. Natural Healing Landscapes and Thermal Springs
Turkey has several destinations that are famous for their naturally occurring healing waters, including the hot springs of Pamukkale and the healing waters of Afyonkarahisar (Afyon).
Over thousands of years, limestone deposits have built up to form calcified terraces, and pools where hot spring water collects. Known as travertines, these natural wonders are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Pamukkale (meaning ‘Cotton Castle’), is also home to some of Turkey’s most well-preserved Greco-Roman ruins, so you can combine wellness with culture, and pay a visit to the ancient spa town of Hierapolis, built by ancient Greeks in the 2nd century BC.
4. Mindful Outdoor Activities and Rejuvenating Nature Experiences
If you’re hoping to unwind in nature, Turkey has plenty of options for outdoor wellness. The country’s diverse landscapes support restorative travel, with a range of outdoor activities like coastal yoga, forest walks, and gentle hiking routes for all abilities, such as those found along the Lycian Way.
Turkey is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds of prey such as eagles, vultures and peregrine falcons. Mammals like the caucasian lynx and wolves can be spotted living wild in the Eastern highlands, while coastal stays offer the opportunity to spot sea life such as dolphins and turtles.
