Description

Combining the vibrant energy of Istanbul, the elegance of history, and the healing power of Bursa's natural thermal springs, this exclusive journey has been carefully designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Your experience begins on the enchanting shores of the Bosphorus, where centuries-old Ottoman bathing traditions meet world-class spa experiences, before continuing to the peaceful city of Bursa, renowned for its mineral-rich geothermal waters and timeless thermal heritage.

Throughout the program, guests will enjoy three nights at the prestigious Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul and two nights at the luxurious Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel in Bursa. Both properties are celebrated for their exceptional hospitality, sophisticated wellness facilities, and outstanding spa experiences, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

Located on the European shores of the Bosphorus in the historic district of Beşiktaş, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul occupies a beautifully restored historic building that originally served as a tobacco warehouse during the 1930s. Carefully transformed into one of Istanbul's most distinguished luxury hotels, the property seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with architectural details inspired by the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire. Its award-winning CHI, The Spa offers a unique wellness experience, combining traditional Asian healing philosophies with Turkish hospitality in an atmosphere of absolute tranquility overlooking the Bosphorus.

The second part of the journey takes guests to Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel, located in Bursa's historic Çekirge district, famous for its natural thermal springs that have been valued for their therapeutic properties for centuries. The hotel offers mineral-rich geothermal thermal pools, authentic Turkish baths, saunas, steam rooms, hydrotherapy facilities, and a wide range of professional spa treatments designed to restore balance, relaxation, and overall well-being. Combining Bursa's centuries-old thermal tradition with modern wellness practices, Marigold creates an exceptional environment for complete rejuvenation.

Day 1 | Welcome to Istanbul

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred by your privately designed VIP vehicle to the prestigious Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, beautifully located on the shores of the Bosphorus.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be greeted with a specially prepared signature detox welcome drink, carefully crafted to refresh and revitalize you after your journey. After completing your check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and unwind while enjoying the elegant atmosphere and world-class wellness facilities of the hotel. Surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the Bosphorus, this tranquil beginning sets the perfect tone for your exclusive wellness journey.

In the evening, your private chauffeur will escort you to Mikla Restaurant, one of Istanbul's most celebrated fine dining destinations. Renowned as one of the world's outstanding restaurants, Mikla offers an innovative interpretation of contemporary Anatolian cuisine, complemented by breathtaking panoramic views over the Istanbul skyline. As part of your wellness experience, you will be treated to a carefully curated exclusive vegan tasting menu, thoughtfully prepared by the restaurant's talented chefs to reflect the philosophy of healthy and mindful gastronomy.

Following this exceptional culinary experience, you will return to your hotel by private vehicle and spend your first evening relaxing in the serene atmosphere of the Bosphorus, marking the perfect beginning of your Luxury Wellness Journey.

Day 2 | Ottoman Heritage, The Legendary Turkish Hammam Ritual & Istanbul's Timeless Treasures

After enjoying a rich open-buffet breakfast at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, you will meet your professional English-speaking guide and begin an unforgettable day that perfectly combines wellness, history, and culture in the heart of Istanbul.

Your first experience of the day is the legendary Hürrem Sultan Hammam, one of the finest surviving examples of Ottoman bath culture. Commissioned by Hürrem Sultan, the beloved wife of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and designed by the renowned imperial architect Mimar Sinan in 1556, this architectural masterpiece has stood proudly for nearly five centuries. Perfectly situated between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the hammam once served the elite of the Ottoman Empire and today continues to welcome guests from around the world, offering an authentic Turkish bathing ritual in an atmosphere where history, luxury, and wellness come together.

During this exclusive wellness experience, guests will enjoy a carefully curated Signature Ottoman Hammam Ritual in a private and luxurious setting. The journey begins with access to the historic hammam facilities, followed by a traditional full-body kese exfoliation performed on the warm marble platform, gently removing dead skin cells while stimulating circulation. The ritual continues with an organic lavender extract and sea salt hand and foot exfoliation, followed by a nourishing Redbud-scented full-body clay mask designed to hydrate, firm, and revitalize the skin.

Guests will then experience the iconic bubble wash ritual, featuring a luxurious full-body foam massage accompanied by a relaxing head and neck massage. A refreshing hair cleansing ceremony using Redbud-scented shampoo follows before moving to a private treatment room for a deeply relaxing aromatherapy massage with Redbud essential oil. The wellness journey is completed with a moisturizing facial mask, a soothing facial massage using organic facial oil, and a revitalizing foot massage. Fresh seasonal and dried fruits are served throughout the experience, while a private changing room ensures maximum comfort and privacy.

More than simply a spa treatment, the Turkish Hammam is a centuries-old wellness ritual that cleanses the body, calms the mind, restores inner balance, and reflects the timeless healing traditions of the Ottoman Empire.

Following your hammam experience, your guide will accompany you to Sultanahmet Square and the historic Hippodrome, once the social and sporting center of the Byzantine Empire. Here you will admire remarkable monuments including the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the Walled Obelisk, each reflecting thousands of years of fascinating history.

Your cultural journey continues with a visit to the magnificent Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque). Built in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I, this iconic masterpiece is admired for its six elegant minarets and the magnificent blue İznik tiles that decorate its interior, making it one of Istanbul's most recognizable landmarks.

Lunch will be served at the distinguished Galeyan Restaurant, where traditional Turkish cuisine is reimagined with contemporary culinary techniques. Carefully prepared using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, the menu offers an authentic yet refined gastronomic experience that perfectly complements the wellness philosophy of the journey.

In the afternoon, you will visit the breathtaking Hagia Sophia, one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces and a UNESCO World Heritage monument. Originally built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian I as the largest cathedral of the Byzantine Empire, Hagia Sophia has served as a church, an imperial mosque, a museum, and today once again welcomes visitors as a mosque. With nearly 1,500 years of history, it stands as a remarkable symbol of the civilizations and cultures that have shaped Istanbul throughout the centuries.

The final stop of the day is the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Dating back to the 15th century, this vibrant marketplace is home to thousands of traditional shops offering exquisite handmade carpets, ceramics, jewelry, spices, leather goods, and authentic Turkish handicrafts. During your free time, you will have the opportunity to explore its colorful atmosphere, browse its countless treasures, or simply enjoy the unique ambiance of one of the world's most iconic bazaars.

In the evening, you will return to Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, where you may relax and enjoy the hotel's exceptional wellness facilities before concluding the day with a carefully prepared dinner. Surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Bosphorus, you will unwind and reflect on a day filled with unforgettable cultural discoveries and authentic wellness experiences, creating memories that will remain with you long after your journey has ended.

Day 3 | A Day of Holistic Rejuvenation & Serenity by the Bosphorus

The third day of your wellness journey is dedicated entirely to relaxation, self-care, and holistic rejuvenation. Following a lavish open-buffet breakfast at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, your day begins with a series of carefully curated wellness experiences designed to restore harmony between body and mind.

Your first treatment is a 45-minute Moisturizing Floral Salt Scrub, an indulgent spa ritual that gently exfoliates the skin using natural mineral salts enriched with delicate floral extracts. This revitalizing treatment removes dead skin cells, stimulates circulation, deeply nourishes the skin, and restores its natural radiance, leaving it exceptionally soft and refreshed. The soothing floral aromas further enhance the experience, creating a profound sense of relaxation and inner calm.

Following your treatment, you will have ample free time to unwind and embrace the tranquil atmosphere of the hotel. Whether you choose to relax while admiring the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus, enjoy the hotel's luxurious wellness facilities, or simply take time for yourself, this peaceful interlude offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with your inner well-being.

Lunch will be served at the hotel, where a carefully prepared menu inspired by the principles of healthy and balanced gastronomy will complement your wellness journey.

In the afternoon, your rejuvenation continues with a luxurious Hand & Foot Care Treatment. As two of the most frequently used parts of the body, the hands and feet deserve dedicated attention. This restorative treatment deeply moisturizes, revitalizes, and relaxes tired muscles while enhancing overall comfort and well-being, leaving you feeling refreshed, light, and fully renewed.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may continue to indulge in the hotel's exceptional spa facilities, relax in the peaceful surroundings, or simply take in the beauty of the Bosphorus from one of Istanbul's most prestigious waterfront locations.

In the evening, your private chauffeur will accompany you to the elegant Feriye Restaurant in Ortaköy, one of Istanbul's most distinguished waterfront dining destinations. Located within the historic Feriye Palaces, which once served as part of the Ottoman Imperial complex, the restaurant offers an extraordinary combination of history, sophisticated architecture, and spectacular views overlooking the Bosphorus. Here, guests will enjoy an exquisite dinner featuring refined interpretations of contemporary Turkish cuisine while watching the shimmering lights of the city reflect across the water.

Following this memorable dining experience, you will return to Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul by private vehicle, where you can relax and reflect on three unforgettable days of luxury, wellness, and cultural discovery before continuing the next chapter of your journey.

Day 4 | Reconnect with the Healing Thermal Waters of Bursa

After three unforgettable days of wellness and cultural experiences in Istanbul, you will begin your day with a rich open-buffet breakfast at Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul. Following check-out, your professional chauffeur will welcome you for a comfortable private journey to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and one of Türkiye's most renowned thermal wellness destinations.

Following a scenic drive of approximately two hours, you will arrive at the elegant Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel, located in Bursa's historic Çekirge district. Built upon natural geothermal springs that have been celebrated for their healing properties for centuries, the hotel perfectly combines contemporary luxury with Bursa's rich thermal heritage, creating an exceptional environment dedicated to relaxation, wellness, and renewal.

After completing your check-in and taking a moment to settle into your room, you will enjoy a healthy lunch thoughtfully prepared in accordance with the philosophy of your wellness journey. Carefully selected seasonal ingredients and balanced flavors provide the perfect introduction to your thermal retreat.

The remainder of the afternoon is devoted entirely to relaxation and rejuvenation. Guests are invited to enjoy the hotel's natural geothermal thermal pools, renowned for their mineral-rich waters, as well as its luxurious wellness facilities, including the authentic Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room, and tranquil relaxation areas. Rich in naturally occurring minerals, Bursa's thermal waters have been treasured for generations for their ability to soothe tired muscles, promote circulation, ease physical tension, and encourage overall well-being. Combining centuries-old thermal traditions with modern wellness practices, Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel offers the ideal sanctuary to disconnect from everyday life and restore both body and mind.

Dinner will be served at the hotel's elegant restaurant, where carefully prepared dishes continue the wellness philosophy of the program. Afterwards, guests may continue to enjoy the peaceful thermal facilities or simply unwind in the serene atmosphere of the hotel.

Your first evening in Bursa promises a deeply restorative experience, where the healing power of natural geothermal waters and the refined hospitality of Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel come together to create a memorable chapter in your Luxury Wellness Journey.

Day 5 | Nature, Ottoman Heritage & Geothermal Healing Experience

The fifth day of your wellness journey brings together the breathtaking beauty of nature, the rich heritage of the Ottoman Empire, and the healing power of Bursa's geothermal springs. After enjoying a generous open-buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your professional English-speaking guide and private chauffeur before departing for one of Türkiye's most spectacular natural destinations, Uludağ National Park.

Your journey begins with a scenic ride on the Bursa Cable Car (Teleferik), offering magnificent panoramic views over lush forests, deep valleys, and the fertile Bursa Plain. Rising to an elevation of 2,543 meters (8,343 ft), Uludağ is the highest mountain in the Marmara Region. While internationally renowned as one of Türkiye's premier winter destinations, Uludağ is equally admired throughout the year for its pristine mountain air, rich biodiversity, tranquil forests, and peaceful natural surroundings. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to reconnect with nature, breathe the refreshing alpine air, and enjoy a moment of mindfulness surrounded by one of the country's most beautiful landscapes.

Upon returning to the city center, you will visit the magnificent Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), one of the masterpieces of early Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Sultan Bayezid I and completed between 1396 and 1399, the mosque is renowned for its twenty elegant domes, impressive interior, and extraordinary collection of Islamic calligraphy, making it one of the most significant religious monuments in Türkiye. For more than six centuries, it has remained one of Bursa's most treasured spiritual and cultural landmarks.

Your cultural exploration continues with a visit to the historic Silk Bazaar (Koza Han), one of the finest surviving caravanserais of the Ottoman period. Built in 1491 by Sultan Bayezid II, Koza Han became the center of the Ottoman silk trade along the legendary Silk Road. Today, its beautifully preserved courtyard, shaded by centuries-old plane trees, is home to traditional silk boutiques, artisan workshops, and charming cafés, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Bursa's rich commercial and cultural heritage.

After returning to Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel, a healthy lunch will be served, thoughtfully prepared to complement the wellness philosophy of your journey.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy one of the highlights of your thermal wellness experience: a Geothermal Volcanic Clay Therapy treatment. Rich in natural minerals and trace elements, the geothermal volcanic clay is renowned for its detoxifying and revitalizing properties. This luxurious therapy helps purify the skin, stimulate circulation, eliminate toxins, improve skin elasticity, and promote deep muscle relaxation. Combining the therapeutic benefits of geothermal minerals with professional wellness techniques, the treatment offers a deeply restorative experience for both body and mind.

Following your therapy, you are invited to spend the remainder of the day enjoying the hotel's natural geothermal thermal pools and premium wellness facilities. Relax in the authentic Turkish hammam, unwind in the sauna and steam room, or simply embrace the peaceful atmosphere of the thermal spa. This tranquil environment provides the perfect setting to restore balance, recharge your energy, and fully immerse yourself in the healing traditions that have made Bursa one of Türkiye's most celebrated thermal destinations for centuries.

In the evening, a carefully prepared dinner will be served at the hotel's elegant restaurant. As your final full day of the Luxury Wellness Journey comes to an end, you will enjoy one last peaceful evening surrounded by the soothing atmosphere of Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel, reflecting on an unforgettable journey of relaxation, cultural discovery, and holistic well-being.

Day 6 | Farewell to Türkiye

After enjoying your final open-buffet breakfast at Marigold Thermal & Spa Hotel, you will have some leisure time to relax and savor the peaceful atmosphere before completing your check-out.

At the scheduled time, your professional chauffeur will meet you in the hotel lobby for your private transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). During the comfortable journey back to Istanbul, you will have one last opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes of Türkiye while reflecting on the unforgettable memories created throughout your wellness journey.

Over the past six days, you have explored the rich history and cultural heritage of Istanbul, experienced the centuries-old traditions of the Ottoman Turkish Hammam, relaxed along the enchanting shores of the Bosphorus, rejuvenated in the natural geothermal thermal waters of Bursa, and enjoyed world-class spa treatments designed to restore balance between body and mind. More than simply a holiday, this carefully curated journey has offered a truly holistic wellness experience, combining luxury, culture, nature, and relaxation in one unforgettable itinerary.

As your Luxury Wellness Journey comes to an end, we sincerely hope you leave Türkiye feeling refreshed, revitalized, and inspired. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exceptional journey to discover even more of Türkiye's remarkable wellness traditions, cultural treasures, and natural beauty.

Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you again soon!