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8 venues found

Melas Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Melas Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Melas Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Melas Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Melas Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf
Closed

Melas Spa & Wellness

4.8(925) Google rating, 925 ratings

Beşiktaş, Istanbul Day Spa

Closed · opens today at 07:00 Mixed

Mixed Swedish MassageMassages +1

from₺1,250 · ≈ €23

Ürgüp Hamam — fotoğraf Ürgüp Hamam — fotoğraf Ürgüp Hamam — fotoğraf Ürgüp Hamam — fotoğraf Ürgüp Hamam — fotoğraf
Closed

Ürgüp Hamam

4.8(1,854) Google rating, 1,854 ratings

Ürgüp, Nevşehir Hammam

Closed · opens today at 09:00

Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub

Newlife Spa Center — fotoğraf Newlife Spa Center — fotoğraf Newlife Spa Center — fotoğraf Newlife Spa Center — fotoğraf Newlife Spa Center — fotoğraf
Closed

Newlife Spa Center

4.9(217) Google rating, 217 ratings

Çankaya, Ankara Hotel Spa

Closed · opens today at 12:00 Mixed

Mixed ShiatsuSauna +1

Rituelle Spa - Bosphorus A11 Hotel — fotoğraf Rituelle Spa - Bosphorus A11 Hotel — fotoğraf Rituelle Spa - Bosphorus A11 Hotel — fotoğraf Rituelle Spa - Bosphorus A11 Hotel — fotoğraf Rituelle Spa - Bosphorus A11 Hotel — fotoğraf
Closed

Rituelle Spa - Bosphorus A11 Hotel

4.5(438) Google rating, 438 ratings

Üsküdar, Istanbul Hotel Spa

Closed · opens today at 10:00 Mixed

Mixed Turkish BathKese Scrub +1

Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf

Kirke Spa & Wellness

5.0(194) Google rating, 194 ratings

Marmaris, Muğla Hammam

Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub

Maximum Hamam & Spa — fotoğraf Maximum Hamam & Spa — fotoğraf Maximum Hamam & Spa — fotoğraf Maximum Hamam & Spa — fotoğraf
Closed

Maximum Hamam & Spa

4.8(161) Google rating, 161 ratings

Kuşadası, Aydın Hammam

Closed · opens today at 07:00 Mixed

Mixed Turkish BathTraditional Hammam Ritual +1

Sanda Spa Etiler — fotoğraf Sanda Spa Etiler — fotoğraf Sanda Spa Etiler — fotoğraf Sanda Spa Etiler — fotoğraf Sanda Spa Etiler — fotoğraf
Closed

Sanda Spa Etiler

4.3(90) Google rating, 90 ratings

Beşiktaş, Istanbul Day Spa

Closed · opens today at 10:00

MassagesBalinese MassageDeep Tissue Massage

Operla Spa Wellness — fotoğraf Operla Spa Wellness — fotoğraf Operla Spa Wellness — fotoğraf Operla Spa Wellness — fotoğraf Operla Spa Wellness — fotoğraf
Closed

Operla Spa Wellness

4.3(46) Google rating, 46 ratings

Arnavutköy, Istanbul Hotel Spa

Closed · opens tomorrow at 12:00 Mixed

Mixed Turkish BathSauna +1

The recommended order is based on rating and number of reviews, and on how complete and up to date a listing is. A paid membership does not change the order.

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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

MassageHeat sourcePressureWho it suits
Hot stone massageHeated basalt stonesMedium, deepened by the heatThose wary of pressure who want to reach established tension
Deep tissue massageNoneFirm, slowChronic tension in a specific area
Swedish massageNoneGentle to mediumGeneral relaxation; those having a massage for the first time
Hot candle massageMelted massage candleGentle to mediumThose 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.

Price distribution

By venue type

Popular treatments

Top rated

Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf Kirke Spa & Wellness — fotoğraf

Kirke Spa & Wellness

5.0(194) Google rating, 194 ratings

Marmaris, Muğla Hammam

Turkish BathTraditional Hammam RitualKese Scrub

No photo added
Closed

Sakura Touch Luxury Spa

5.0(21) Google rating, 21 ratings

Çankaya, Ankara Hotel Spa

Body MaskSaunaDeep Tissue Massage

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