Today I will introduce you to a hidden gem of Berlin wellness: Sultan Hamam
As Berlin has the biggest Turkish community outside Turkey, one may expect a lot of interesting hamam offers in the most unexpected places. However, it seems that some of the best are well hidden waiting to be discovered or are just a regular destination for few familiar with it.
Sultan Hamam was opened in 1999 and is situated in a building hosting various companies and offices on Bülowstraße, close to the U7 Yorkstrasse or the U2 Bülowstrasse metro stations. Once you enter the compound you may not feel so tempted to go further on, but as usual in Berlin, you should dare, take the old style, industrial-looking elevator and follow the signs leading to the Hamam
The hamam is adapted to the various facilities of the steam bath, sauna and other wellness services offered. Upon arrival, the visitor is invited to rest and take his or her time, while sipping a glass of mint ta. The decorations and design are minimal, simple, convening the an ´oriental´ ambiance, with tiles inspired by the Turkish folklore on the walls. The space combines the relaxation features with the cleanliness/bathing and various modern wellness services, such as sauna, various types of massage, and the hammam itself.
Although the steam bath and bath are the main purposes, additional services, some of them included in the price of the ticket are offered too: a little hairdressing parlour, peeling, massage, various cosmetic services. There are different promotional packages offered, and the services are generally affordable. You can purchase a voucher as a present to a loved one, as well. As usual in Germany, you need to make a reservation in advance, preferably at least 2-3 weeks before your scheduled visit. This reservation service also allows a good daily planning - like everything in Germany -, so you can enjoy a relaxing ambiance, without waiting too much for an available place.
Upon arrival, you receive a bracelet - exactly like in an all inclusive resort - that can be used to leave your clothes in the locker, but also adds on various services ordered during the stay. At the end of your stay - maximum 4 hours - the additional services will be paid. For instance, if you need flip-flops, or towels or a soap for a shower after you are done.
You can use both cards and cash.
The weekly daily program is gender separated. Wednesday is the couple day, and there are Women´s days and Men´s days therefore, before you are making the reservation, you should be specific about what you are expecting. The massage personnel is assigned based on gender, is very friendly and empathic, regularly checking on you if you are really happy with the experience. The main languages used are English, German and Turkish. If you have a specific language preference, you better mention in advance, but based on my observation, the personnel is very friendly and accommodating.
The visitor is given upon arrival a brass shell ornated with Oriental motives. With the shell, one will pour the water on the body. It is a slowly ancient ritual, that require time and patience, and might bring a lot of relaxation. Think about the time running as water and the patience you need to fill the little shell again and again, enjoying the soothing sound of water poured on your body.
The Finnish (dry) sauna could be a good additional service especially during the cold days of the long winter in Berlin. From autumn till late spring, the hamam is very busy, trying to bring a ray of light - although artificial light - into the dark days without end.
My favorite is the steam sauna, because it allows a fast body detox. As it neighbouring the hamam area, you can easily go in and out. Especially if you are a beginner in all things sauna, your body may need to get used with the steam. You better start with few minutes and extend until maximum 30 minutes with breaks in between, but you may need a lot of training.
I personally enjoyed spending some relaxing hours at the Sultan and I will definitely come back. With winter looming, there is a chance to enjoy some warm and relaxation that will top up the energy and mood.
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