Turkish Hammam

When I say "Istanbul", I'm going to bet your first thought isn't of wellness and rejuvenation. However, I've just returned from Istanbul, and I have to say it should be revered around the world for its approach to self-care. During my recent YPO trip on behalf of our Health & Wellness chapter, I had the chance to visit a traditional Turkish Hammam—a communal steam bath in an exquisite all-marble room. Let’s just say, "Turkish Delight" now has a whole new meaning for me. :)

Stepping into the Hammam took me back to my time in Japan’s onsens in the late '80s. It's more than just getting clean; it’s about fully immersing yourself in a centuries-old ritual. The marble, the steam, the rhythmic sound of water—it all creates this deep sense of both community and self-care. In the Hammam, like the onsens, self-care isn't just a solo act—it's communal, creating a bond through the shared experience.

The visit was a powerful reminder of how cultures, though worlds apart, find common ground in rituals that reconnect us to our bodies and each other. If you haven’t tried a Turkish Hammam yet, it’s an absolute must for wellness enthusiasts. Trust me—you’ll never feel cleaner or more rejuvenated.

Shoutout to my lovely fellow travelers and forum mates– Wiet de Bruijn, Corinne Fischer, Diana Daniels, Ekin Ozker, Glen Travers, Marc SEVESTRE, and Pierre.

To your vitality,

Lizanne