A Spa Discovery – in Turkey!

When I arrived at the Richmond Hotel Sapanca, I was immediately struck by the dramatic architecture, the stunning open lobby atrium with striking artwork of water bubbles on the ceiling, and a spectacular view of the lake.  But the “wow factor” did not stop there.  This destination spa, also known as Richmond Nua Wellness – the only one in Turkey – has an extraordinary range of treatments and water experiences.

One gets to the Nua Wellness Spa by walking down a dark stairway lit by blue waves of water along the walls . . . continuing with the spa’s water theme.  A beautifully designed series of steam rooms, Rasuls, saunas (two stories high, built with Finland-imported wood that smells as if the trees were recently cut down), experience showers, pools,  and on and on beckon.  Upon count, I found that there were 13 individual experiences.  You could truly spend hours just in the wet therapy area.

Of note:  Three relaxation room choices included the “Day Dream” room, the Tepidarium, and my favorite, the “Water Bed” room.

The spa treatment selections are just as extensive with 128 services from which to choose.  Favoring indigenous treatments, I selected the hammam, followed by an aroma massage.

The rooms at the hotel are very well-appointed, compact but complete with everything you could want -from lake view to special pillows to induce sleep (not that anyone would need it after one of the diving treatments at the dynamic spa pool!).

Also of note:  Richmond Nua Wellness offers a program I’ve never seen anywhere before called Hypoxi.  When followed during a four-day stay, the spa claims you can lose one dress size.  I tried something called the Trainer L 250 for 20 minutes and would swear that it took ¼ inch off of my waist!

I haven’t experienced the cuisine yet but judging from the menu, which features organic, locally-grown produce, I’m convinced it will be delicious.

For the spa-lover who wants to expand his or her horizons and relax after hectic days of Istanbul sightseeing, I highly recommend a visit to Richmond Nua Wellness.