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Venues offering Hot Stone Massage
Heated basalt stones are placed on the body and used to massage it; thanks to the heat, the method aims to reach established tension with medium pressure. 47 venues listed.
47 venues found
Closed · opens today at 07:00 Mixed
Mixed
Swedish MassageMassages +1
from₺1,250 · ≈ €23
Closed · opens today at 09:00
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
Closed · opens today at 07:30
Turkish BathKese ScrubFoam Massage
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Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
Closed · opens today at 12:00 Mixed
Mixed
ShiatsuSauna +1
Closed · opens today at 10:30
Medical MassageLymphatic Drainage MassageSports Massage
Closed · opens today at 11:00
Turkish BathKese ScrubFoam Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00 Mixed
Mixed
Turkish BathKese Scrub +1
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Thermal PoolTurkish Bath +1
Closed · opens today at 13:00
Swedish MassageDeep Tissue MassageAromatherapy Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Swedish MassageAromatherapy MassageSports Massage
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MassagesAromatherapy Massage +1
Closed · opens today at 09:00 Separate sections
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Turkish BathTraditional Hammam Ritual +1
Aromatherapy MassageDeep Tissue MassageHot Stone Massage
Couples' MassageAromatherapy MassageHot Stone Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Swedish MassageAromatherapy MassageDeep Tissue Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Turkish BathKese ScrubFoam Massage
Closed · opens today at 10:00
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
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Thermal PoolJacuzzi +1
Closed · opens today at 11:00
Swedish MassageDeep Tissue MassageThai Massage
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub
Closed · opens today at 09:30 Separate sections
Separate sections
Turkish BathTraditional Hammam Ritual +1
Turkish BathKese ScrubFoam Massage
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What is Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage is a method based on placing smooth basalt stones, heated in water, on specific points of the body, with the therapist holding the stones to give the massage. As basalt is volcanic in origin, it holds heat for a long time; the stones are usually prepared at 50-60 °C and their temperature is checked before they come into direct contact with the skin.
Where the stones go and how the session unfolds
For a hot stone massage, the stones are heated in water in a special heater before the session. The therapist first prepares the skin with oil and gives a short warm-up massage. The stones are then placed along the spine, in the palms, on the soles of the feet and between the toes; they may be placed directly on the skin or on a thin towel.
In the massage part, the therapist holds the oiled stones and works along the back, legs and arms with long, flowing strokes; as a stone cools, it is replaced with a fresh one. The session usually starts face down and finishes with you lying on your back. Because the heat helps the muscles relax, the therapist achieves a deeper effect with less force than pressure applied by hand would need.
Duration and frequency
60-90 minutes is common for hot stone massage; less than 60 minutes is not recommended, as placing the stones and letting the heat work into the tissue take time. When it is done for relaxation, no set number of sessions is needed; for chronic tension, repeating it every few weeks is a common choice. It is one of the most requested types of massage in the colder months.
What it feels like during the session
Throughout a hot stone massage there is a strong sense of warmth and weight. If the heat feels uncomfortable, you are expected to say so; the temperature of the stone is adjusted to your personal tolerance or a towel is placed in between. The heat may help reduce muscle tension and temporarily increase circulation in the treated area; noticeable relaxation and drowsiness after the session are normal. This is why hot stone massage is a good middle option for those who are wary of deep pressure but still want established tension to ease. Drinking water after the session and not going straight into a long sauna or hammam session prevents the body from being exposed to one heat load after another.
Who it suits and who should not have it
Hot stone massage is chosen by people with chronic muscle tension, stiffness that worsens in cold weather, hands and feet that often feel cold, and stress. It also suits people with no particular muscle problem who simply want to rest; in that case the temperature of the stones and the pressure can be lowered to suit relaxation.
Because it is heat-based, the list of contraindications is long. It should not be given, or should only be given with a doctor's approval, in the following situations:
- Diabetes and neuropathy: reduced sensitivity to heat increases the risk of burns
- Uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, cardiovascular disease
- Deep vein thrombosis and advanced varicose veins
- Very sensitive skin, open wounds and sunburn
- Pregnancy
- Ongoing cancer treatment
During a feverish illness the session is postponed. In pregnancy, a pregnancy massage adapted to pregnancy is preferred to treatments that raise body temperature.
How it differs from deep tissue, Swedish and hot candle massage
| Massage | Heat source | Pressure | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot stone massage | Heated basalt stones | Medium, deepened by the heat | Those wary of pressure who want to reach established tension |
| Deep tissue massage | None | Firm, slow | Chronic tension in a specific area |
| Swedish massage | None | Gentle to medium | General relaxation; those having a massage for the first time |
| Hot candle massage | Melted massage candle | Gentle to medium | Those who want mild warmth and a soft touch |
Those who do not like heat can reach the same goal of relaxation with a Swedish massage, which involves no heat. If you have one of the health conditions above, ask your doctor first which massage is suitable.
Price and questions to ask before booking
The price of a hot stone massage varies with the duration, the type of venue, how much of the session is done with the stones and whether areas such as the hammam and sauna are included. Because preparing the stones requires extra equipment and time, many venues price this massage higher than a classic massage of the same length. Most of the venues listed on this page also have a hammam and sauna; finding out in advance how long you can use these areas as part of the package, and in what order they come with the massage, makes planning easier. For details, see the guide to the factors that determine massage and spa prices. When booking, ask:
- Are the stones used throughout the session, or only in part of it?
- How is the temperature of the stones checked; can they be placed on a towel if you prefer?
- Is the stated duration the actual massage time?
- How are the stones cleaned after each guest?
- If you have a condition such as diabetes, blood pressure problems or varicose veins, what alternative is recommended?
Frequently asked questions about Hot Stone Massage
How hot are the stones in a hot stone massage?
The stones are usually heated to 50-60 °C and their temperature is checked before they touch the skin. You will feel distinct warmth throughout the session, but it should not burn. If it feels uncomfortable, you are expected to tell the therapist; the temperature is adjusted to your personal tolerance.
Can a hot stone massage burn my skin?
When done correctly, it does not; the stones go through a temperature check and the therapist tests them on their own hand before placing them directly on your skin. However, with diabetic neuropathy, reduced skin sensitivity and neurological conditions, the risk of burns increases because the perception of heat is impaired. In these cases hot stone massage is not recommended.
Who should not have a hot stone massage?
It should not be given, or should be given only with a doctor's approval, in cases of diabetes, uncontrolled high or low blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, a history of deep vein thrombosis, advanced varicose veins, neuropathy, open wounds and sunburn, pregnancy, and during cancer treatment. Heat increases the risk in most of these conditions.
How long does a hot stone massage take?
The usual length is 60-90 minutes. Because placing the stones and letting the heat work into the tissue takes time, sessions under 60 minutes are not recommended; in short sessions the treatment ends before the main benefit of the heat comes through.
Can a hot stone massage replace a deep tissue massage?
Not entirely, but it is a good alternative. Because heat helps the muscles relax faster, the therapist achieves a deeper effect with less force. It is a suitable middle ground for those who shy away from deep pressure but want deep-seated tension released; if a specific trigger point needs to be targeted, deep tissue massage is the better option.
Can I have a hot stone massage while pregnant?
No, it is not recommended. A rise in body temperature is inadvisable during pregnancy, and that is exactly what hot stone massage causes. While pregnant, choose a pregnancy massage given by therapists who work with positions and techniques suited to pregnancy.
Are cold stones also used in hot stone massage?
At some venues, yes. Sessions using chilled stones alongside hot basalt stones may be offered separately as hot and cold stone therapy. In classic hot stone massage, however, only heated stones are used; ask which one is given when you book.
Can I have a hot stone massage in summer?
Yes, there is no seasonal restriction on hot stone massage; the session takes place in an enclosed room and the temperature of the stones is adjusted to your tolerance. However, stones are not placed on sunburnt areas. If you easily feel overwhelmed in hot weather, a shorter session or a massage without heat may be more comfortable.
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