A Turkish bath and spa day in Hurghada is a slow, relaxing break from the sun and the sea. A typical session includes time in a warm steam room, a full-body scrub, a soft soap-foam wash and often a massage, followed by tea and rest. It is a good choice after a long excursion, on a windy beach day, or simply when you want a few quiet hours to recharge.
What is a Turkish bath?
A Turkish bath, also called a hammam, is a tradition of steam bathing and cleansing that spread widely across the Middle East and North Africa. In Egypt, hammam-style treatments are offered in many spas, including in Hurghada. The idea is simple: warm, humid air relaxes the body and opens the skin, and a good scrub and wash leave you feeling fresh and light.
What happens during a Turkish bath session?
Every spa has its own style, but most sessions follow these steps.
1. Steam and warm-up
You start in a warm, steamy room, usually lined with marble or tiles. You sit or lie on a heated stone and let your body relax. This part loosens the muscles and softens the skin.
2. The scrub
An attendant uses a rough mitt, called a kese, to scrub your skin. It is firm but should not hurt. If it feels too strong, say so. Many people are surprised by how much dead skin comes off.
3. The foam wash
Next comes a soft soap-foam wash. The attendant fills a cloth with bubbles and covers you in a thick layer of foam. It is often the part people remember most.
4. Rinse and massage
After a warm rinse, many packages continue with a massage, often with oil. The type and length of the massage depend on the package you choose.
5. Rest
Most spas end with a quiet rest in a cool lounge, with tea or water. Take your time here before you go back into the heat outside.
What should I wear and bring?
- A swimsuit is the simplest choice and is fine at most spas.
- Flip-flops, if the spa does not provide slippers.
- No jewellery or valuables; leave them at your hotel.
- Water to drink before and after.
- A clean change of clothes to wear afterwards.
Ask in advance if you prefer a female or a male attendant. Some spas can arrange this.
Is a Turkish bath safe for everyone?
For most healthy adults, yes. But heat and steam are not right for everyone. Speak to your doctor first if you are pregnant, have heart or blood pressure problems, a skin condition, a recent injury or fresh sunburn. Children usually have different rules, so ask the spa. Drink plenty of water, and tell the staff about any health concerns before you start.
How can a spa day fit into my holiday?
A Turkish bath works well as a reward after a long day out. For example, after a full day in Luxor – see https://www.travelhubegypt.com/luxor-day-trip-from-hurghada-guide/ – many people enjoy a quieter day with a spa visit. It is also a good plan when the wind makes the sea too rough for a boat trip such as https://www.travelhubegypt.com/semi-submarine-red-sea-reef-without-diving/.
Try not to book the spa straight after a day of strong sun. A scrub on sunburnt skin is painful. Wait a day or two, or ask the spa for a gentler treatment.
How do I get there?
Pickup arrangements differ from one spa package to another, so check the details on the tour page before you book. If you are still planning your stay, our Hurghada hotels page lets you send an inquiry about hotels in the area, and our private airport transfers can take you from Hurghada airport to your hotel when you arrive.
Quick facts
- What: a hammam session of steam, scrub, foam wash and often massage.
- Where: spas in and around Hurghada.
- Time: usually a few hours including rest, depending on the package.
- Wear: a swimsuit; towels and wraps are usually provided.
- Check first: if you are pregnant, have a heart condition, or are sunburnt.
Plan your relaxing day
To see Turkish bath and spa options alongside our other activities, browse all our tours and see current prices on the tour page. For more ideas about where to stay and what to do, read our Hurghada destination guide. Have a question about a spa visit? Contact us.
FAQ
What happens in a Turkish bath?
A Turkish bath, or hammam, usually starts with time in a warm steam room to open the pores. An attendant then scrubs your skin with a rough mitt, washes you with soap foam and rinses you with warm water. Many packages finish with a massage and a rest with tea in a quiet lounge.
What should I wear to a Turkish bath in Hurghada?
Most spas give you a towel or wrap and sometimes disposable underwear or slippers. Many guests wear a swimsuit, which is the simplest choice. Leave jewellery and valuables at your hotel. Ask in advance if you prefer a female or male attendant, as some spas can arrange this.
Who should avoid a Turkish bath?
Heat and steam are not right for everyone. If you are pregnant, have heart or blood pressure problems, a skin condition, a recent injury or fresh sunburn, speak to your doctor before booking. Drink water before and after, and tell the staff about any health concerns before the session starts.
When is the best time for a spa day on holiday?
Many travellers book a spa day after a long excursion, such as a Luxor trip, or near the end of their holiday. Avoid booking it straight after a day of strong sun, as a scrub on sunburnt skin is painful. A spa visit also works well on a windy day when the sea is rough.