Hidden away in locations throughout Turkiye, natural thermal spas and Hamams offer a unique and indulgent getaway. The team at 360° Yachting often organise excursions to spa facilities along the coast for guests, but these ancient thermal resorts provide more than modern wellness facilities in luxurious hotels. Be it the Roman pools of Pamukkale or the renowned thermal baths of Bursa, these phenomenal retreats combine tried and tested natural wellness traditions with unique settings. To find out for yourself, here’s our rundown of Turkiye’s best thermal spa resorts and destinations.
Turkiye’s Best Thermal Spa Resorts
Imagine visiting a place where ancient healing meets modern-day comfort, where mineral-rich waters flow through the landscape and are as breathtaking as restorative – that’s all possible in Turkiye!
Turkiye’s best thermal spa resorts offer more than well-known destinations—they are steeped in history and have been healing visitors for centuries. This makes them a worthy attraction for superyacht guests seeking a unique pamper and relaxing experience.
Here’s our guide to the best thermal destinations in Türkiye, their unique appeal, and why you should visit.
Bursa, The First Capital of the Ottoman Empire
Overlooked by Mount Uludağ and within easy reach of the port of Mudanya, Bursa is a city famed for its history, thermal springs, and historic Hamams. The Romans first embraced the natural waters, followed by the Ottomans, when the city became the Empire’s first capital.
The city has many thermal springs, with Eski Kaplica (Old Spring) and Yeni Kaplica (New Spring) being the most famous and revered for their therapeutic benefits. These hot springs have soothed the aches of emperors, sultans, travellers, and aristocrats throughout time, and they continue to do so today.
Bursa’s mineral springs derive from deep, natural geothermal sources. The city’s thermal appeal is now harnessed by several international hotel chains like Crowne Plaza and Hilton, where you can enjoy exclusive Hamam experiences and indulgent treatments right in the heart of the city.
Modern-day Bursa is not only one of Turkiye’s best thermal spa destinations but also a fascinating place to visit, filled with Ottoman opulence, grand mosques, silk markets, and splendour. If you would like us to arrange a visit, please CONTACT US.
Afyon, Turkiye’s Thermal Capital
Afyon, located between the Aegean and Central Anatolia, is known as the thermal capital of Turkiye. Here, the mineral waters are said to be so powerful that they can heal skin conditions, ease arthritis, and soak away stress, leaving the body feeling incredible.
Afyon’s thermal appeal dates back to the Roman era, and the area later became the go-to for the Ottoman elite, who were looking to soothe their ailments. Today, Afyon is home to some of Turkiye’s best thermal spa resorts, with modern facilities taking wellness and bathing to new heights. Hotels such as Akrones Thermal Spa Resort and NG Afyon Wellness offer a wide range of personalised and thermal treatments in comfortable, modern surroundings.
Aside from Afyon’s thermal springs, the city also boasts many historical and culinary attractions. An impressive volcanic rock fortress dominates the city skyline, and the city is famed for its sucuk (spicy sausage) and kaymak (clotted cream). To arrange a visit or learn more about Afyon and its thermal attractions, please GET IN TOUCH.
Pamukkale, Home of the Famous White Mineral Terraces
You may have heard of Pamukkale, translated as “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. This incredible location, a drive inland from Izmir and Kusadasi, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis and a natural wonder of white mineral terraces that lies across a hillside and has delighted visitors for centuries.
Today, Pamukkale is one of Turkiye’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing people from near and far keen to bathe in its healing waters and snap an Instagram shot of the cascading white hillside pools. The Byzantines and Romans built the city of Hierapolis atop these very terraces, and emperors and aristocrats came to restore their bodies in the famous calcium-rich waters.
The Antique Pool, also known as Cleopatra’s Pool, is the most well-known and features submerged marble columns that are said to have fallen from the Temple of Apollo during an earthquake. Today, luxurious thermal resorts such as Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel and Doga Thermal Health and Spa have sprung up to cater to new wellness seekers. These retreats provide an exclusive escape that offers an impressive array of treatments, some even granting private access to sections of the travertine plateaus and tailored hydrotherapy treatments superyacht guests may enjoy. CONTACT US for full details.
Balikesir, The Little-Known Home of Fine Thermal Retreats
You rarely see mentions of Balikesir in the travel press, but this beautiful location is home to some of Turkiye’s best thermal spa resorts.
The region has several thermal springs and facilities dating back to the Ottoman era when sultans, nobility, and artisans visited the sites to soak in the healing waters and relieve their muscle pains and aches.
The area of Gönen is the most famous and home to some of Turkiye’s oldest and most revered spa facilities and traditions. As such, it has some elegant bathhouses that offer bespoke treatments. Meanwhile, Edremit and Güre have several eco-wellness resorts where VIP guests can enjoy the mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature and stunning mountain scenery.
If you wish to visit Balıkesir’s best thermal resorts, retreats such as Güre Thermal Resort & Spa and Adrina Termal Health & Spa Hotel offer private thermal pools and holistic therapies that may appeal to guests. Personalized hydrotherapy programs and natural, mineral-infused beauty treatments are also available. CALL US to arrange a visit to Balikesir to see for yourself.
Arrange To Visit Turkiye’s Best Thermal Spa Resorts
Turkiye’s best thermal spa resorts offer guests more than just relaxation—they provide a gateway to history and culture. They offer natural treatments renowned for their healing benefits in locations that often escape the mainstream foreign travel listings. Our team can arrange VIP services, exclusive treatments, and access from the coast, making these experiences a viable addition to your superyacht itinerary. Please CONTACT US now to make arrangements or learn more about the thermal resorts in Turkiye or the many other bespoke tours we can offer.
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