It has been a hard week for me and without going into too much detail, I needed some time away from everything to clear my head and organize my thoughts. Normally the thought of being single on Valentines Day used to fill me with dread and the notion of having to be sappy and lovey dovey is not something I am entirely comfortable with. That being said I had made it my mission this year to see Valentines Day as an opportunity to treat myself and give me the break that I so very needed. I was suffering from serious burn out and with all the personal issues that have been building up over time, I needed an experience that would get me back into that positive mindset. So when Treatwell offered me an early V day gift and told me to treat myself, I knew the only answer could be a resounding yes. All I had to do was put in my code, choose a treatment and book, it was as simple as that! The day couldn’t come quick enough but even the promise of fresh air did nothing to lighten my mood. Thankfully the thought of relaxation in the Turkish Hamman Experience at Crystal Palace Spa was something to look forward to, despite how rough I was feeling.
Immediately I was struck by the welcoming staff, especially the second receptionist who saw me looking upset and came over to make sure I was ok. I was so awed by her calm presence and when she told me that she could stop the treatment at any time or even re-schedule it touched me to know there was such kindness in the world. Taking me into the Turkish experience section, I was sat in a glorious cove filled with divans and low lighting, while I waited to be called into the baths. Before the treatment began I was asked whether I preferred a chocolate or Rose body scrub, and advised to choose the chocolate scrub, since rose can irritate sensitive skin. After stripping down to my underwear, I was allocated a 15 minute slot in the wet steam room and it felt glorious. I could feel the tension easing and while my thoughts were running rampant I concentrated on mindful energy that could help me feel cleansed and rejuvanated. According to scientific research steam rooms are more hydrating for your skin than saunas because it uses vapid ‘wet’ based heat, rather than the stifling dry heat’ used in saunas. The room was shrouded in a wet steam mist and it felt oddly satisfying feeling the sweat drip down my body. I was almost sorry to be told my time in the steam rooms were up but after being led into the beautifully intimate hamman baths, I relished the chance to try something new.
During the process of the treatment, it felt slightly subdued but rather than that being a ‘negative’, I relished a chance to relax and be at one with my thoughts. The calming scent of natural oils and the soft plop of bubbles became the soundtrack to my treatment, complimenting the traditional Turkish music that lilted so hauntingly above. R began by placing me on my back on top of the marble slab, which Hamman experiences use as a treatment table. It felt strangely Neolithic and a little bit uncomfortable but gradually I got used to it and used my arms as a pillow for my head, while R scrubbed every inch of me. Using a loofah mitt, my body was polished until it was practically sparkling and when I commented how ‘soft my skin must be’, she demonstrated how the abrasive loofah had removed so much dead skin from my body. It was like an out of body experience seeing all the dead skin but I could feel how soft my body was becoming after the scrub. I felt like I had quite literally shed my skin and marveled at the powers that this singular loofah had possessed. In between scrubs I would be doused with glorious pails of hot fragrant water and watching the water wash over me felt like a beautiful eternal bath. Once the dead skin had been washed away it was time to get ‘soapy’.
Citrus bubbles were poured over me, wafting a delicious scent of fresh lemon around the room. Rather than being ‘sterile’ the lemon felt clean, fresh and deliciously fragrant. As someone who personally loves the smell of lemon it felt like my idea of heaven and quite possibly might have been my favourite part of the treatment. Using a rolling massage technique, R roamed across my body, tackling problem areas like my back to remove the knots. Unlike the deep tissue massage I had at Boutique Spa, the treatment massage was designed to be gentle which I didn’t mind as I came to relax and would have chosen a more intensive treatment if I was there to focus on my joint issues only. I was beginning to smell like lemonade and rejoiced, as a citrus scent is a favourite smell of mine and it smelt like home. But nothing could have prepared me for the beauty that was a ‘chocolate’ mask and scrub. Growing up I would lavish slices of toast lovingly with heaps of Nutella and the familiar scent of hazelnut made me feel like a kid once again. It was a strange irony, me a full grown adult getting internal giggles about being covered head to toe in chocolate but at least it had made me feel a little better than I had pre-treatment! I was asked to remain lying down covered in chocolate for 15 minutes to let the mask set and once R came back in, I was permitted to use the shower.
I know I keep using this word but it was glorious, like the best shower I have ever had in my life. Normally I have to be in and out of the shower in 10 minutes but here I could savor the moment and relish the hot steaming water, run my fingers through my hair. Even the shower gel, shampoo and conditioner felt fabulous, again a delicious sweet citrus-this time pineapple- that made me temporarily forget all the troubles that would be waiting for me in the real world. To end my treatment I was given a steaming cup of peppermint tea and took my time in the divan cove, letting time pass by without worrying about how much I had to do when I got home. Sometimes it’s important to live life in the moment and thanks to Treatwell, I was able to give myself the V day treat that I so deserved.
Pros
- Due to Treatwells Discount I was able to have a £39 treatment, originally double the price, which considering its a 90 minute treatment is very reasonably priced
- Staff were welcoming, considerate and always willing to help.
- The quality of service was excellent
Cons
- You may find the Hamman table uncomfortable but it is proven to aid reduction in muscle tension and joint pain
Rating: 9.5/10
Have You Ever Had A Turkish Hamman Experience Before?
*Disclaimer
Please note I was given this treatment in exchange for this post but all thoughts and research is my own. For a limited time there is a 2 for 1 on selected spa days, 50 % off hair removal and a further 30% on off-peak manicures.
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I’ve never had a Turkish Hamman treatment, but it sounds like something I’d be into. I love how friendly the staff seemed.
That lipstick is legit PERFECT for your complexion!
I have never had a Turkish Hamman treatment but based on your post I will definitely have to scour and see if one is available near me in the States. It sounds amazing!!!
I’ve never had a Turkish Hamman treatment before but it sounds like something I would enjoy so I’ll definitely have to look into it.
I’ve never had a Turkish Hamman treatment before but I have used Treatwell – I love their app! x
I hope your feeling a bit better after your break. This sounds a great way to treat yourself, it sounds like a lovely experience x
I tend to have a thai massage on treatwell – it’s the bomb. Proper relaxes me and sorts out all my back problems. Love treatwell – the app is superb.
Katja xxx
http://www.katnapped.com
I’ve never heard of the treatment before but sounds really good!
Also love the outfit, you look gorgeous! 🙂
VioletDaffodils
xx
I’m so happy you had a chance to relax. I need to book in for some Treatwell bits x
That treatment sounds amazing – and like some time for you was exactly what you needed.
oh wow this sounds like an amazing relaxing experience one I really need to treat myself too as I am under so much stress at the moment
I love your skirt babe! You look absolutely gorgeous with red lipstick
This treatment sounds heavenly! I’ve never had a Turkish Hamman treatment but other than trying to bet used to lying on the Hamman table, it really sounds like something I would just love to have. It’s wonderful that the staff was so lovely to you and that this helped you feel better after having a hard week x
That sounds amazing! And the fact they had such helpful staff, makes such a difference in the whole experience doesn’t it?
Glad you enjoyed a bit of ‘chilled out’ time x
I’ve never had this treatment before. It does sound very good x
Can you believe i’ve been to Turkey and not even tried this! It does sound great and very relaxing just what you need before a night on the town/. x
I haven’t but I’d love to get it done professionally. I do it myself at home and it’s a workout lol but the dead skin being shed away is satisfying and the soft silky skin afterwards. Bonus x
I’ve never had a Turkish Hamman experience before! It sounds like a the perfect treatment to help yourself feel better and to get rid of the stress from life as well. I would so love to experience this one of these days! I really need some R&R.
Oh my goodness .. I felt myself relaxing just reading your post. How dreamy and wonderful. I bet when you left it was like you were walking on a cloud. I think I need to track down something similar here in the U.S.
Sounds like an amazing experience! I love your red top and the way you styled it! Happy Valentine’s Day!
I’ve had a Turkish Hamman massage in Turkey while I was pregnant and really loved it.
I’ve never had one, unfortunately when I went to Turkey I was pregnant which meant this was out of bounds. Such a shame as it was included in our hotel! Sounds lovely to me.
That sounds AMAZING! I once had a morrocain hammer treatment and it killed me. They scrub your entire body with a sandpaper type bit and you see your skin fall off. Nevertheless it was great as my skin was so smooth. You have made me want to try a turkish one now x
No never had a turkish hammon treatment. I need to have a deep tissue massage ASAP to iron out those pesky knots. Your treatment seems lovely and I love lemons also. The marble slab on the other hand must have been very cold…..
I’ve never had a treatment like this but I would very much love to experience it… sounds like you had a fab time
I need to treat myself to more treatments like this! 🙂
Just reading about that made m feel more relaxed! Sounds like the kind of thing that I’d absolutely love 🙂
Hope you are feeling better soon x
I am so glad that you took sometime for yourself, the treatment sounds like it was a great experience. You looked beautiful, I am loving the red velvet with the red lips.
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That treatment sounds heavenly! Love your outfit, especially the coat!
Ooooh this sounds so wonderful. It seems good value too. I also love the fresh smell of lemons! Kaz 🙂
I’ve never had (or even heard of!) a treatment like this, but it sounds like perfection!
Xo,
Megan at Lush to Blush
Oh my goodness this sounds like the perfect day to me. I am going to have a look to see if there is something similar near me!
Sounds like a fantastic experience, one you definitely deserved. It’s so nice that they were such kind & welcoming staff, and you really enjoyed the treatment.
I am not actually a fan of sauna’s as it makes me panic when I’m breathing in dry heat, so the wet steam room sounds great!
On hard days dealing with nice people is just what we need. Im glad your day got better.
Turkish Hamman treatment sounds like a very relaxing experience and I definitely must try this at least once to see how it feels.
Pampering yourself with “me” days are so important…more like necessary, especially in times of distress, especially for the sake of sanity. That’s how people age quicker, by not doing so….taking a little breather here and there, treating yourself calms the soul.
That skirt is amazing! Your treatment sounds really nice as well.
I’m sorry that you feel burnt out and that everything feels rough right now. I hope things get better for you.
I’ve never had one of these treatments before, but it really sounds like it is a good feeling. My friend and I are trying to plan a spa day, so this might be the way to go!
I never had a A Turkish Hamman Experience yet but i’d love to try it. Your ratings based on your own experience is quite good so I may consider having mine there too. I want staffs who very welcoming of course.
Oh wow what a great deal for such a good treatment. I do find the tables uncomfortable but as you say, totally worth it for the benefits they bring! xxx
That is such a great color on you! Love the neckline and the front tie makes it so much fun!
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
Your Turkish Hamman Experience sounds like a wonderful pampering delight! I’d love to try this experience. Also, love the way how you’ve styled your bodysuit with a skirt!
I’ve never had a Turkish Hamman treatment before but I’m really looking to visit a spa or something similar to relax a bit. Long time ago I don’t visit any! x
I have never had this treatment before. Sounds like just what I need.
WOW, how amazing. Nice of Treatwell to treat you. Glad that you felt better afterwards. Sounds like the tension was relieved somewhat. I think I would have been too shy for this treatment, so well done.
You lucky lucky thing! My mummy would love a Turkish Hamman massage! The table sounds strange but we love the smell of lemon water too 🙂 bliss!
As a busy mom of 2-under-2, reading this post about your spa treatments were the next best thing to going myself! Thank you for the treat.
I’ve never had anything like this but it sounds like something I would like!
I’ve never tried a Turkish Hamman experience before but would love to give it a try!
You look great. Love the color combinations. Like the jacket.
I’ve never heard of Treatwell before – I will have to google them. Sounds like an amazing experience – It’s nice when the setting is extra special and the staff are friendly. I’ve booked cheap massages but never felt the same benefits as when I’ve paid a bit more for somewhere nice.
It sounds like absolute heaven to me and you do soon get used to the Hamman table, well I did and was almost asleep at the end of it x
aw it’s so heart warming to hear about that nice welcoming! this treatment sounds like something i need
This sounds like the perfect treat. I love the smell of lemon too so that would have been lovely
That dress is amazing! Your treatment sounds really beautiful as well.
We have a Hamman here in Granada that has been on the list to try for a while. I love treating myself too because I work a lot, just like you. It’s good to remember to take me time.
That outfit is stunning. Absolutely love that body! That shade is gorgeous
I really want to try one of these treatments – think I need to treat myself!
I love Treatwell – it’s a great app! I’ve been using it for years, even when they were known as Wahanda 🙂 Your hamman sounds lush – I had one when I was in Jordan, it was so relaxing! x