spa Archives - Tia Does Travel

Hamam Omerye – A magical journey In Nicosia

Tia — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 11:00:50 +0000

My journey through Hamam Omerye awakened my senses relaxed my body and soothed away my worries. So much so, that i am excited to tell you all about, this hidden gem!

If you are looking into massage Nicosia, Hamam Omerye should be your first and final stop.

Tia Does Travel contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through these links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full information, take a look at my disclaimer here.

The inside of the Hamam Omerye baths

In the unlikely event, you needed any more reasons to Visit Cyprus, The Hamam Omerye puts that last cherry on an already beautiful cake.

A little about Cyprus

Cyprus is a paradise to visit; let’s get that straight!

But fantastic food, breathtaking beaches, and unforgettable nightlife aren’t all Cyprus has to offer.

My hometown of Nicosia – The capital of Cyprus – is so diverse, it is bursting at the seams! Full of unique experiences, Intricate architecture, cultural gems and of course.. the Hamam Omerye.

For all the wonderful things Nicosia has to offer, do check out my interview on ”Hear it from Locals”.

Most of you already know I am a huge believer in spoiling and treating yourself.

You probably also know, that I am a spa fanatic! I have visited dozens of spas and Hamam in all corners of the world!

The private relaxation booths

History of Hamam

Ever since the old days, the Hamam baths have played a definitive role in the structure of cultures. This is because hamams were used as a meeting place for social gatherings, body/soul purification, and relaxation.

They also vital for the practical sanitary needs of the people due to the fact that few homes had the comfort of a bath.

Hamam establishments were the first buildings the Ottoman Turks built in a city they conquered. A fact that only signifies how important they were!

Yet – and this is not known by many- the Turkish baths were not discovered by the Ottomans! History says they have in fact existed since the Greek and Roman antiquity and the Byzantine Empire.

For hundreds of years, the tradition of the Turkish baths was integrated into the multicultural mosaic of Greece.

the reception

The Hamam Omerye Baths – Nicosia, Cyprus

The Hamam Omerye baths are a historic jewel in the Heart of Nicosia’s old town.

You will find them nestled between historical Monuments such as the Archbishop’s palace and the Omeri Mosque.

The baths have been operating since 1570 and here, you will encounter the history of traditional bathing.

in this warm oasis with the impressive dome, the polygonal marble bench, the carved troughs with the running waters of the traditional fountains, you will find peace.

The heat will help with the opening of your pores and eliminate toxins.

The original washcloth ritual will rejuvenate your cells and senses. With your skin now clear and fresh, your sense of calmness increases.

The massages will bring life back into your tired limbs, Finally, when you retire back to your cabin, the Oriental tea, Turkish delight sweets, and relaxing music will have you wishing you could have stayed there forever!

Hamam Omerye – For prices, times and contact details click the link!

The cold water basins of Hamam Omerye

The Kese Borek Bath Treatment Ritual at Hamam Omerye

Having visited Hamam Omerye before – where I had chosen one of the cabin treatments. However, after spending time in Istanbul visiting various Hamams, this time I wanted to stay authentic – and chose the Kese Borek bath treatment.

A distinctively authentic and unique ritual – that I loved. Kese Borek starts of a 30-minute relaxation into the hot hamam marble, to activate circulation and eliminate toxins.

Remaining in the marble baths, next up is a 20-minute invigorating body scrub spa using a traditional glove. Say goodbye to dull, dry, and tired-looking skin!

The magic happened soon after when a sea of foamy bubbles embraced my entire body. My mind, soul, and senses were truly awakened in this unique 30 minutes foam massage with traditional Hamam soap.

The ritual was completed by washing my hair and rinsing my body with an abundance of hot and cold water.

After that, you wrap up your experience by taking a cold shower and another 10’ of relaxation in the bath. Pure bliss.

After the treatment is finished, I would advise a move to your cabin for some aromatic oriental tea and Lokum.

Price 69 euros

Duration 1.30 Hrs.

Rating 10/10

Hamam Omerye was a magical journey into the historic art of Hamam. I found that it is also a journey that stays true to the original practices of Turkish baths.

This unique experience and will awake your senses and like me, keep you coming back to Hamam Omerye for more.

Thanks for reading

Tia

xoxo

Tia Does Agrotourism Series

1. Episode 1 Wine Villages in Paphos – Cyprus Agrotourism in Pano Panayia, Letymbou, Lemona and Amargeti (And Video)
2. Episode 2 Culture, Nature and Wine in Kathikas, Arodes and Akamas Peninsula in Paphos (And Video_)
3. Episode 3 Omodos, Arsos and Ayios Amvrosios – the most picturesque villages in Limassol (And Video)
4. Episode 4 Vouni, Lofou and Koilani Villages – exploring Limassol Province (and Video)
5. Episode 5 Kalopanayiotis, Kykkos, and Pedoulas – Nicosia’s hidden village gems! (and Video )
6. Episode 6 Agrotourism in Cyprus – Farmakas, Palaichori, and Askas – Wine, Safari, and Nature! (and Video )
7. Episode 7 Tochni, Choirokitia, and Kalavasos – Basket Weaving, history, and cycling activities! (and Video)
8. Episode 8 Lefkara, Kato Drys, and Vavla – Lefkara lace designs, wineries, brunch, and bees! (and Video)

Exploring Cyprus Content

When to Visit Cyprus – A guide to choosing the season to visit Cyprus
Where to stay in Cyprus – The Best hotels And Cottages In The Villages
Cyprus Meze – The best Cyprus Taverns in the Villages and Mountains of the island!
Cyprus Travel Blog – Everything you need to know to visit Cyprus. Start with this first if you are not local!
A city by city guide to Cyprus. Decide which city in Cyprus suits you best!
Incredible food in Cyprus to try. You will most likely drool at this article!
Edem’s Yard – Best Brunch in Cyprus – Larnaca. The best brunch spot in Cyprus- hands down!
Hamam Omeriye – Stunning Turkish baths in the heart of Nicosia– A Hamam Experience you are unlikely to forget!
The best beaches in Ayia Napa and Protaras. The best blue flag beaches on the island – say hello to paradise!
Cyprus Passport Visa Free Countries – Travel to paradise without a visa!

Beautiful Seaside Hotels in Cyprus

Hotel Napa Suites – Gorgeous, Central, with infinity pools
Almyra Hotel Paphos – Luxury, elegance, and class.
King Jason Hotel Protaras – Modern, central, fun, breathtaking!
Napa Mermaid – The most incredible hotel in Ayia Napa– Looking for a proper hotel in Napa? Say no more!
Apartment for rent in Protaras – Sofias Seaview review. A gorgeous apartment in the heart of Protaras square!
Protaras Villas – The Incredible Villa Oniro. A huge and luxurious villa in Protaras!
Limassol Hotels – A Beautiful stay at The Crowne Plaza Limassol. A modest hotel in Limassol that you will highly appreciate!
Alasia Boutique Hotel- Luxury and elegance. Elegance and understated luxury in the quiet part of Limassol

The post Hamam Omerye – A magical journey In Nicosia appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

Grand Hotel Bansko – A Luxury Experience in Bansko

Tia — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:57:07 +0000

In this article, you will find out my opinion of the Grand Hotel Bansko, in Bansko Bulgaria.

In particular, I will tell you why it is the ideal 4* affordable luxury accommodation in Bansko, and perfect for everyone, even the ones traveling solo.

So if you are looking for affordable luxury, elegance, and convenience for your stay, then keep reading!

My time in Bansko

I arrived at the Grand Hotel Bansko, on a cold winter’s day, freezing and tired from a long journey.

I was also slightly nervous as this was my first official solo trip! Turns out I was worrying about nothing.

My time in Bansko was exquisite and my stay at the Grand Bansko Hotel could not have been better!

The worry with me and hotels is that I have stayed in so many all over the world, that I am now seriously picky.

I am also accustomed to a certain level of luxury and convenience. For example, I don’t stay in hostels as I believe your accommodation can seriously make or break your holiday.

And really, what kind of holiday is it, if your hotel isn’t better than your home? Luckily for me, the Grand Bansko Hotel was waaaayy better than my home…

Let me tell you why!

Brand Bansko Hotel – the Casino room

Which popular attractions are close to Grand Hotel Bansko?

The Escape Rooms Bansko is only 300m from the property, and I highly suggest a visit! There is also the Holy Trinity Church about 500m away.

The hotel is located at the entrance of the town of Bansko and is close to the bus station, which can take you everywhere in minutes.

In the winter, the hotel offers a free shuttle bus taking you to Bansko’s entry to the ski lift and back to the hotel.

This is available 6 times per day at specific times of the day, and not only is it super convenient, but it also saves up a lot of money on transportation.

If you choose to walk – the central part of Bansko is only a 15-minutes walk from the ski lift.

During the summer, the hotel arranges a variety of activities, like a picnic in the mountains, walking on eco trails, cycling, and off-road experiences.

Summer travelers should definitely look into visiting the Dancing Bears Park – which is actually a SANCTUARY that provides a suitable, lifelong home for brown bears previously kept in inadequate conditions, especially for those bears raised and trained as dancing bears.

When the sanctuary was established in 2000, over 20 bears were still being forced to ‘dance’ to entertain people in Bulgaria and Serbia, even though this cruel practice was forbidden by law.

There is also parking available on the hotel’s premises.

What are some of the property amenities at Grand Hotel Bansko?

The Grand Hotel Bansko is built and furnished in aristocratic elegance. It is in line with the highest design standards and trends and with close attention to all detail.

On the grounds, you will find:

Parking on-site
Lounge bar
Casino/ Gambling Hall
Gym/ Fitness Room
Kids Playground and Hourly Babysitter
State of the Art Spa
Outdoor and indoor pools
2 restaurants
Ability to purchase ski pass tickets (and skip the huge queues which is a literal lifesaver!!)
Free Ski equipment storage
Ski Equipment Rental Shop on Site

The Lobby

Cons: The one thing I would have liked to see is a sheltered outdoor smoking area. There were always at least 4-5 people smoking outside in the freezing cold and snow!

Verdict 4.8/5

To book the Grand Hotel Bansko click here

The Reception/Staff

Polite and efficient, they were quick to help with any query I had. Everyone speaks good English too ( which I have come to not expect anymore).

What really impressed me though, is that I woke up sick on my third day and a member of the staff volunteered to go to the pharmacy and get me medication!

I have been violently sick for days in Thailand before and no one bat an eyelid! These little human touches make the world of difference to me.

Verdict: 5/5

How much does it cost to stay at Grand Hotel Bansko?

During high season ( January and February mostly) a deluxe double room will set you back approximately 120 -200 euros per night.

But come March, the prices drop to 90 euros per night.

All of this changes each year though, so go ahead and check the current prices here

The Rooms

I can honestly say I have never slept in a warmer room than that, which is a big plus – seeing as it was snowing nonstop and temperatures were below freezing!

The double room was big (25 square meters), had a stand-in shower as well as a separate bathtub.

There was a double spacious bed, a flat-screen TV with full cable service and many English speaking channels.

Lastly, there was a minibar, hairdryer, and warm fluffy bathrobe.

I would have personally loved to see a bit more light in the rooms but apart from that, it was pretty perfect.

Loved the feeling of returning to my warm and comfy room after a day of snowboarding and exploring!

Pure Bliss! Verdict 4.9/5

What time is check-in and check-out at Grand Hotel Bansko?

Check-in is from 02:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM, but of course, you may request early check-in or late check-out during booking, subject to availability.

The hotel offers luggage storage to guests before check-in and after check-out, and the front desk is open 24.7 so there is always someone available to help!

The Food at Grand Hotel Bansko

Food, glorious food!

Personally, I was pretty impressed with both the breakfast and dinner buffet service at Grand Hotel Bansko.

6 stations in total – for Bread, Salads, Fruit, Cooked Dishes, Desserts, and live cooking stations.

Everything was plentiful – and after a month in Thailand or smelling curries for breakfast it was a welcome change!

Plenty of vegetarian, vegan and calorie-controlled options and I should mention here that the dinner buffet was entirely different every single night.

From delicious soups to freshly rolled sushi, to kebabs and pork chops, to soft and fluffy fish and the list goes on.

A whole station devoted to just fruit makes snacking super easy and healthy.

Cons: No drinks available from the dinner buffet; not even water!

You can of course order from the waiters, but I personally found this rather odd.

Verdict 4.8/5

dining area

Does Grand Hotel Bansko – Fitness & SPA have a hot tub for its guests?

This award-winning spa offers so much more than just a hot tub!

Voted Best Spa in Bansko for the last 3 years, this is the slice of heaven in which you will find a rich variety of thermal zones, spa therapies, massages, and therapeutic procedures.

The hotel has outdoor and indoor swimming pools and aqua facilities that cover an area of over 2000 square meters.

I had heard great tales of the spa at the Grand Hotel Bansko and I am glad to report they were not lying!

And if you know me at all, you will know I am a huge spa fanatic!

I felt like a kid let loose in a candy shop wanting to visit every single room and explore every single service!

To book the Grand Hotel Bansko Click here

What is there to do at Grand Hotel Bansko – Fitness & SPA?

The list is impressive and endless, and the best part is that everything ( apart from the massages) is FREE for hotel guests!

Finnish Sauna

The Finnish sauna helps to alleviate pain, burn calories and eliminate accumulated tension and stress.

Inside, the maintained air temperature is around 80 degrees. The air is frequently fragranced with mint or eucalyptus that help detox the respiratory tract.

Click here to Book

Grand Bansko Hotel – Finnish Sauna

Himalayan Salt Sauna

The salt sauna is a dry premise with heated air, enriched with negative ions.

The stay inside the salt sauna increases the body temperature, accelerates blood circulation, relieves stress, and effectively helps combat colds.

Himalayan Salt Sauna

Aroma Sauna

Lavender, citrus fruits, and other soothing smells…beautiful relaxing music…and the deep sauna heat will have you feeling rejuvenated in no time.

Perfect for relaxing and unwinding the senses!

Aroma Sauna

Herbal Sauna

Herbs and Spices enhance this Sauna Experience and help open the respiratory tracts.

Grand Hotel Bansko – Herbal Sauna

Hammam

This is the Middle East version of a steam bath, which could be defined as a wet version of the sauna.

Heated floor and couches and a steaming temperature maintained to around 50°C with a high air humidity of – 70-100%

I am a huge fan of hammam services, especially Hamam Omeriye, which is located in the heart of Nicosia!

Grand Hotel Bansko – Hamam

Steam Room

The steam bath has numerous treatment benefits for the skin, as well as for the respiratory tract.

It is said to improve the immune system, as well as the tissue oxygen supply which in turn favorably impacts the muscle tone and makes the skin elastic.

steam room

Additionally, the spa boasts two more Indoor Pools, 2 Jacuzzis, Ice Showers, and Numerous Relaxing Areas with a live Fireplace.

Cabin Massages at the Grand Hotel Bansko

Victoria Spa, being a part of the only Asian SPA chain in Bulgaria, consists of a team of experienced international therapists from the island of Bali, the Philippines, and Thailand.

They will make you travel to the exotic world of the Far East and forget the problems of hectic everyday life with the help of special massage techniques and SPA procedures.

Verdict 5/5 !!! (with three exclamation points!)

BOOK THE HOTEL HERE

You made it to the end – hurrah! Thank you for reading, and I hope you get to enjoy yourselves in this wonderful hotel, and beautiful, snowy Bansko! Don’t forget to tag me in your pictures, and go ahead and join my travel family on Instagram too!

Love, Tia x

Save Or Share This Post On Pinterest!

General Useful Bansko Information: Bansko,Bulgaria At A Glance

The ultimate guide on what to do, eat and drink (and how to use the ski/ snowboard facilities): Exhilarating Bansko Ski Holidays and Bansko Snowboarding

Where to take ski and snowboard lessons ski Mania Bansko – Top Notch Private Ski/Snowboarding Lessons

Where to rent ski and snowboard gear Traventuria- The Most Luxurious Ski and Snowboarding Gear in Bansko

What to pack for your trip!The Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Packing List

Have you visited Bansko yet? Let me know in the comments 🙂

The post Grand Hotel Bansko – A Luxury Experience in Bansko appeared first on Tia Does Travel.