Spas, hammams and massage in Rize

Both venues listed in Rize offer accommodation: a hotel spa on the Black Sea coast in İyidere and a thermal hotel in Ilıcaköy, part of İkizdere. In Rize, known for its tea gardens, highland pastures and rainy climate, what the two have in common is that women's and men's sections are kept separate in the wet areas. You can choose between a hotel hammam by the sea on the coast and thermal water inland.

A coastal hotel in İyidere: Babillon Hotel & Spa

Babillon Hotel & Spa is the spa section of a seafront hotel in İyidere. There is a hotel hammam divided into women's and men's sections; kese (exfoliating scrub) and foam massage are given in the hammam, with a sauna and steam room alongside. The pool with a retractable roof can be used covered in rainy weather and open on sunny days. A fitness room is also part of the hotel. No massage menu appears in the records; those looking for a massage should ask about it in advance.

A thermal hotel in İkizdere: Ridos Thermal Hotel & Spa

Ridos Thermal Hotel & Spa is a thermal hotel with outdoor and indoor thermal pools in the Ilıcaköy settlement of İkizdere. The women's and men's sections are separate; family baths are also available in addition. In the wet areas there are a Turkish bath and sauna, and in the massage rooms aromatherapy and sports massage are given, as well as foot and leg massage; a fitness area is listed too. You need to find out from the hotel for how long and under what conditions the family baths can be used.

Whether visitors who are not staying can use the thermal pool or hammam for the day depends on hotel policy at both venues. As demand for accommodation in the region rises in the summer months with highland tourism, it is wise to book ahead at that time. It is recommended to keep your time in the thermal water short, rest in a cool place in between and drink water; if you have recently had surgery, are pregnant or have heart or blood pressure problems, talk to your doctor before getting into thermal water. If you are thinking of having a kese in the hammam, the guide explaining how kese is done and how often you can have it gives the details.