FINE Wine & Champagne India - Winter 2018

ambient temperature. The Çirağan Palace Kempinski Spa
is managed by Sanitas. “Indulge your spirit and restore
balance in your mind, body and soul”, the treatment
offerings are quite elaborate.
Hammams were culturally significant and very popular in
the local context – not just for cleansing and relaxing the
body but also socializing and celebrating – thankfully the
tradition survived. Sanitas recreated the authentic and
luxurious atmosphere of Turkish baths. Carefully prepped
by the masseuse for the “Pasha Treatment” and asked to lie
on the central platform in
the marble clad hammam
room, the body is rubbed
down with a textured
mitt and covered with the
fragrant froth of soap to
cleanse and revitalise the
skin. End-result – a feeling
of relaxation and wellbeing.
Anticipating needs
From the private lounge
area in the rooms, one
can sit and indulge in the
Bosphorus views. It seems
that the straits are rather
busy – the international
ships (oil tankers, tramp
steamers, container
vessels, cruise liners),
the local boats (ferries,
taxis, yachts, dinghies,
motor launches, fishing
caiques) and even a
submarine – a thrilling
seascape of sea vessels
on display.
Despite the array of
dining options in the
Palace, we are spoilt silly
by the generous servings
of the choicest Baklavas,
insanely juicy fruits,
cakes and chocolates
and savoury local
delicacies in decorative
silver platters that
appear in our room
every time we step
out. Not content with
bulging our waist-lines
during our stay, a lovely
replica of the façade of
the Çirağan Palace in
chocolate was offered as our take-away memory – we
are already carrying so many more.
The Çirağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is a paradise for
those who enjoy the good things in life – where every
guests’ wish is a command.
Our special getaway was crowned with a royal flair – we
lived moments of history. >
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