The Kurna Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet made its debut in mid-November. It … [+]
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
The crown jewel of the newly refurbished Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is its Kurna Spa. The luxurious boutique spa, which made its debut in mid-November, offers a world-class hammam experience.
The property-wide refurbishment of the historic and iconic Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet took place over the past two years. The refurbishment was complete with each of the hotel’s magnificent 65 guest rooms and suites renovated as well as its restaurants, cocktail lounge and all common areas including its lush landscaped courtyard.
Kurna Spa is a new addition to the hotel. Before the renovation, there was no spa facility at the hotel which previously offered a single treatment room and a massage therapist, who was available upon request.
Kurna Spa’s atmosphere reflects the traditions, beauty and history of the hammam culture in … [+]
Photo by Carrie Coolidge
“We needed a spa because we wanted to provide an elevated hammam experience for our guests,” says Nedret Erbilgiç, Manager of Kurna Spa, who was part of the team that helped design the spa and treatment menu. “It is a unique experience that dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. For the Ottomans, it is an ancient ritual that is still a cultural and social event.”
Kurna Spa’s atmosphere reflects the traditions, beauty and history of the hammam culture in Istanbul, but with a very contemporary design and take. The architecture of the hammam features curved walls and arches, that surrounds the guests like a cocoon, making them feel warm and well. Arabescato marble was used with sophisticated accents of gray Pietra marble. Bespoke wood elements, lighting fixtures, and mirrors were made by local craftsmen. Traditional lanterns are interpreted with contemporary touches and used in lighting while smoked oak and warm bronze tones enhance the wood elements.
Nedret Erbilgiç, Manager of Kurna Spa, was part of the team that helped design the spa and treatment … [+]
Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Every detail was considered during the spa’s development. Decorative pieces seen throughout the spa, such as traditional slippers, textiles, copper containers and copper pitchers, were personally selected by Erbilgiç, who sourced them at antique shops in Istanbul.
For the spa, Erbilgiç also sourced handcrafted products of the highest quality, all of which are made by women-owned businesses based …….