"While you can find a traditional Turkish hammam at many hotel spas around the capital city , the best way to experience the body cleansing ritual is at one of Istanbul’s oldest hammams. Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı offers separate hours for women and men and is as architecturally stunning as it is functional, with no-nonsense Turkish attendants the highlight of the bathhouse. Massage services can be booked as well, but you’re here for a very special kind of bath. After being doused in warm water, relax your muscles on a heated marble slab before being lathered from head to toe and emerging squeaky clean and invigorated. Oh, and when your attendant asks if you’d like your hair washed, the answer is an emphatic yes." - Stacey Lastoe