In today’s fast-paced, logged-on, information-overload world, sometimes we all need an escape. Enter the Turkish Bath Ritual at the Miraj Hammam Spa: 60 minutes of luxurious pampering, quiet, and peace, right in the heart of Toronto. Read on to find out more about this incredible treatment!
{Wellness Experiences in Toronto: The Turkish Bath Ritual at Miraj Hammam Spa}
Disclaimer: This service was provided to me at no cost for editorial consideration. All opinions are my own.
I don’t know about you, but with everything going on in the world and the daily pressures of my 9-to-5 job, I’m emotionally and physically exhausted. I’d love to travel to a fabulous retreat somewhere, but my budget and schedule just won’t allow it. Luckily, I learned that an hour of bliss was available just minutes from my apartment at the Miraj Hammam Spa in the Shangri-La Hotel.
I recently got the chance to try the famed spa’s Turkish Bath Ritual, which includes:
- A high-intensity steam
- Gommage (body exfoliation)
- A cold foam cleanse
- A full-body clay mask
The Spa Itself: Heaven on University Ave
Nestled on the fifth floor of the iconic Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Toronto, Miraj Hammam Spa is truly a marvel. From the second the elevator doors open, you feel transported to an oasis of serenity. The design pays homage to the Middle Eastern roots of the treatments offered within, with mirrors, intricate mosaics, lush rugs, and delicate metal lamps adding touches of glamour throughout the space. I could hardly believe that the bustle of University Avenue was just behind the (gorgeous, sound-reducing) drapes!
After being greeted with a glass of warm tea, I was escorted to the beautifully appointed change rooms, where I could lock my belongings and change into a robe and slippers. I then headed back to the comfortable lounge and enjoyed some cucumber water while awaiting my treatment.
Part 1: The Steam
My attendant Valeria (who was truly the best of the best – book with her if you go!) met me at the lounge and brought me to the private marble treatment room for the Turkish Bath Ritual. I changed into disposable undergarments, then Valeria explained the different aspects of the treatment and answered my questions. First up: a high-intensity steam.
Valeria provided me with a cool towel and some water, and showed me how to pause the steam if I got too hot (much appreciated!) Once I was ready, she activated the steam chamber and let me enjoy the comforting, toasty fog of eucalyptus-scented relaxation for 10 minutes. Honestly, I almost fell asleep! This felt so good and was the perfect way to get my skin ready for the rest of the treatment.
Part 2: The Gommage
After my steam, Valeria led me to the main suite where I lay face-down on the warm marble treatment table. Using traditional Kessa gloves, Valeria exfoliated my arms, back, buttocks, legs, and feet. I was surprised at how well this glove exfoliated without irritating my sensitive skin! After rinsing, I turned over and Valeria repeated the gommage process on the other side (shoulders, upper chest, underarms, belly, front of legs.) Another rinse on this side and I was ready for Part 3 of the Turkish Bath Ritual!
Part 3: The Cold Foam
Now it was time for the most famous part of the ritual: the cold foam cleanse. With a series of intricate movements, Valeria swung a fabric bag called a köpük torbası through the air, essentially whipping Shea butter-infused soap into a sumptuous foam. The foam was then gently squeezed out of the bag onto my entire body, covering me head to toe in moisturizing bubbles! (Seriously: check out the picture from the beginning of the article to see what I mean!) After a few minutes of my being a human cloud, Valeria rubbed the foam into my freshly exfoliated skin, leaving me feeling silky and hydrated. Like all good treatments, the next step was to rinse and repeat on the other side.
Part 4: The Rhassoul Clay Mask
With my skin exfoliated and moisturized, it was now time for the final step in the Turkish Bath Ritual. Once the cold foam had been rinsed, Valeria applied a mineral-rich Rhassoul Clay mask to my entire body and face. Rhassoul Clay has been used for centuries to revitalize and balance skin – an amazing final step to seal in all the benefits of this ritual. The mask was left to soak in for a few minutes, and then was rinsed off. A final application perfumed oils marked the end of this incredible experience.
After I changed back into my robe, Valeria led me (basically melting into a blissful puddle from relaxation at this point) back to the lounge, where I finished off my visit with another glass of tea and some delicious baklava.
Final Thoughts
The Turkish Bath Ritual at the Miraj Hammam Spa was truly a phenomenal experience. From the beautiful space to the superlative service and the luxurious treatment itself, every aspect of my visit felt like the ultimate escape. While it’s not inexpensive ($280-$295 dollars depending on the day), the treatment is truly memorable, and I left the Miraj Hammam Spa feeling more relaxed than I have in a long time. If you’re looking to pamper yourself or someone you love, I highly recommend checking out the Turkish Bath Ritual at Miraj Hammam Spa in Toronto. Everyone should get to feel like a human cloud of bliss and bubbles at least once in their life!
If you want to see the full ritual in action, check out my reel about the experience!