Hürrem, the Largest Authentic Turkish Hammam in the U.S., Opens in North Miami

by Jesse Scott, Miami New Times

‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions, and relaxation time is on plenty of to-do lists in this hectic town. If you’re prioritizing self-care in the coming year, there’s a new option in town.

Hürrem Hammam Wellness & Spa, a one-of-a-kind wellness utopia in North Miami, is now the largest authentic Turkish hammam in the country. The spa has been in its soft-opening phase since April, but its official ribbon-cutting ceremony is this Friday, January 10. For those unfamiliar with the hammam term, it refers to a relaxing steam or water ritual that cleanses one’s skin and soul.

The 20,000-square-foot site at 14652 Biscayne Boulevard is inspired by Istanbul’s opulent 16th-century era and one of the Ottoman Empire’s most renowned love stories, between its namesake Sultan Hürrem and her consort Sultan Süleyman (also known as Suleiman the Magnificent).

CEO Gökhan Yavuzer founded the space. Consulting spa director Marsida Mulla, whose experience includes past work with the Faena Hotel Miami Beach as well as the W and Westin brands, helped bring Yavuzar’s vision to life.

“We are creating an all-new trend here,” Mulla tells New Times. “This will be so different compared to the ‘steam, sauna, massage, and go’ routine of so many places. We like the idea of lingering around, detoxing, relaxing, not feeling rushed, and truly sticking around.”

Hürrem evokes the grandeur of Topkapi Palace with intricate tiling, massive wooden doors, towering mosaic chandeliers, and a Damask rose scent. Its core feature: a 4,000-square-foot Grand Hammam that is true to Turkish tradition, meaning it has a göbek taşı (or heated belly stone, where bathers lie to detoxify), Marmara marble kurna (hot- and cold-water basins where bathers wash) and copper bowls.

Other amenities include a Haseki hammam, two couple’s suites (one with its own private hammam), and five treatment rooms. Among the treatments available are foam massages, mud wraps, platza exfoliation, and kese scrubs. All pay homage to centuries-old Turkish bathing practices.

Modern comforts include a cold igloo with fresh snowfall, an herbal sauna, and a Vichy shower room. There’s even a dining option: the Topkapi Restaurant specializes in Turkish cuisine and is open for lunch, dinner, and quiet moments for Hürrem guests. Menu items include a mezze trio ($14), baked feta with a truffle paste ($14), fillet mignon medallions ($49), and baklava ($10).

Full-day passes for Hürrem run $85 for Monday through Thursday access and $125 for Friday through Sunday. Hammam treatments start at $125, and 50-minute massages start at $175. You can also book salon services from classic manicures ($65) to Brazilian waxes ($85).

Mulla adds that spa menu offerings will remain set for the first year, and locals can plan on attending events, including pilates sessions, sound healing therapy, and a day reserved for women guests exclusively on the first Tuesday of each month. Beyond Miami, Hürrem has plans to open a second location in Atlanta.

Hürrem Hammam Wellness & Spa.14652 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami; 305-200-2255; hurremhammams.com. Saturday through Thursday 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Source: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/the-largest-authentic-turkish-hammam-in-the-us-is-in-miami-22173388