When "aromatherapy" shows up on a spa menu, most people wonder two things: what exactly changes in the session, and what do I need to say about the oil? This guide stays with those two questions. Our guide to types of massage introduces aromatherapy in a few lines. Here we go further: what an essential oil is, how it relates to the carrier oil, the steps of a session, questions that make choosing a scent easier, and what to ask at each of the two locations. The full list of sessions is on our massage services page.
What is an aromatherapy massage, and how does it differ from an ordinary oil massage?
An aromatherapy massage is an oil massage in which essential oils from plants are added to the massage oil. The strokes are the same. The difference is that scent becomes part of the experience. The choice of oil personalises the session; it does not change the technique.
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes aromatherapy as the use of essential oils from plants (flowers, herbs or trees), usually inhaled or applied to the skin in diluted form. In a massage the second route comes into play: the oil goes onto the skin and the scent fills the room for the length of the session. You can think of an aromatherapy massage as an oil massage plus a scent experience.
It helps to separate two things from the start. The scent of an oil does not make the massage a different kind. A movement technique (Thai, deep tissue, hot stone) and an oil preference (unscented, lightly scented, aromatic) are two separate axes. A deep tissue massage with an aromatic oil is possible, and an aromatherapy massage can be done with light or medium pressure. Our guide to setting time, pressure and areas treats duration, pressure, areas and oil as separate decisions. An aromatherapy massage is the session in which the "oil and scent" decision comes to the front.
On what any particular oil does, you will find no promises in this guide. The NCCIH states plainly that there is not enough solid research on some of the purposes aromatherapy is used for, so it is not known whether it helps. We treat the choice of a scent as a preference, not a health decision: a smell you like and that does not bother you.
What is an essential oil, and why is it diluted for massage?
An essential oil is a concentrated, scented extract from part of a plant. Because it is so strong, it is not put on the skin neat. It is diluted in a carrier oil, which softens both the scent and the contact with the skin.
An information page from the US National Institutes of Health on essential oils describes them as the scented extract found in parts of a plant such as leaves, bark or fruit peel, released when the plant is crushed or passed through a special steam process. The page lists lavender, geranium, lemon, ginger, cedarwood and bergamot among the many essential oils used in aromatherapy. It also says that in aromatherapy massage one or more essential oils are mixed into a carrier oil and applied to the skin during the massage.
The logic of dilution is simple. An essential oil is concentrated, so even a drop smells strong in a closed room, and on the skin in concentrated form it can cause irritation. The carrier oil gives the massage its glide and spreads the essential oil. The ratio depends on the type of oil, the area of the body and the person's skin. We do not give a ratio here, because it is not something you work out yourself: the massage specialist or the maker of the blend does the dilution. Your part is to say how strongly scented you would like the session to be.
It is also worth knowing what the word "natural" does not tell you. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions against the idea that "if it comes from a plant, it is harmless": many plants contain substances that can be toxic, irritating or allergenic on the skin. In the FDA's example, cumin oil is fine in food but can cause blistering on skin, and some citrus oils that are used safely in food can be harmful in cosmetics, especially on skin exposed to the sun. In short, a plant origin does not tell you whether an oil suits your skin.
What is a carrier oil, and how does the scent get into the massage oil?
A carrier oil is the base oil used to dilute the essential oil and make the massage glide. The scent comes from the essential oil added to it, and it reaches both your skin and the air in the room during the session.
In the spa trade, "aromatic oil" usually means a ready blend or a scent chosen for the session. The phrase appears on our own menu: the Signature Massage is done "with the aromatic oil of your choice" and the Relax Massage "with aromatic oils". The menu text does not say which carrier oil is used, which essential oils are in it or at what ratio. That information is not written on our site, so we do not write it here. If there is an ingredient you are concerned about, such as a plant or nut allergy, you can ask the location when you book.
You do not need technical knowledge about carrier oils. It is enough to tell your massage specialist what you prefer about how the oil feels, for example an oil that feels less greasy. You can also ask for an oil with no scent at all, and the location will tell you which options it has. With an unscented oil the scent side of the session simply drops away and the massage is done the same way. It is a good idea to mention this preference when you book.
What happens in an aromatherapy massage, step by step?
A massage session generally follows this order: welcome, a short talk, choosing the scent and pressure, the massage on the table, and the close. You can change the pressure and the scent during the session by telling your specialist.
The order below describes the general flow of a massage session. Details differ from location to location, and we are not claiming a Beatus-specific protocol here.
1. Welcome and the room. When you arrive, the team shows you to the massage room. If the light, the music or the temperature bothers you, you can say so.
2. A short talk. The massage specialist talks with you about the length of the session, the areas to focus on, your pressure preference and the oil. In an aromatherapy massage this talk matters a little more than usual, because this is where the scent is chosen. Short sentences are enough: "I like these scents, I don't like those."
3. Choosing the scent and oil. The specialist describes the options or asks you to smell them. If none appeals, you can ask for another scent or an unscented oil. Mention any allergy or sensitivity at this point.
4. Lying down and being covered. For what to wear and how you are covered, see our guide to what to wear for a massage. The general principle is to be covered as much as you need to feel comfortable.
5. The massage. The oil is first warmed in the specialist's palms, then spread over the skin in long, slow strokes. As the session goes on, the pressure and rhythm are adjusted. The scent is noticeable in the room as the oil goes on.
6. Feedback. If the pressure is too much, the oil is too strongly scented or the room is cold, just say so during the session. It is not a complaint. It is how the session is shaped to you.
7. The close. When the massage ends, you have time to get up slowly. You can ask the location what to do about the oil left on your skin, for example whether a shower is available.
How do you choose a scent and oil with your massage specialist?
The easiest way is to reduce the choice to a few questions: which scents do you like, which do you dislike, do you have an allergy, and how noticeable should the scent be? Your specialist suggests an option based on your answers.
Scent is a matter of taste, and there is no right or wrong one. A few questions still make the choice easier. The table below shows how you might answer each. It is not a rulebook. It is a way to start the conversation.
| Question | How you can answer | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| How noticeable should the scent be? | "Light" or "noticeable" | The specialist suggests a matching option |
| Which scent families do you like? | Floral, woody, citrus, herbal or "no preference" | Options are narrowed to that family |
| Any allergy or sensitivity? | Yes or no; if yes, which substance | Doubtful oils are avoided, or an unscented oil is requested |
| Would you rather have no scent? | "I'd like an unscented oil" | The scent side is dropped and the massage stays as it is |
| Pressure preference | "Light", "medium" or "deep" | Pressure can also be changed during the session |
Two situations deserve a mention. First, if you are sensitive to strong smells, the scent may feel heavy at the start. Do not hesitate to say so. Second, you do not have to put up with a smell you dislike. Telling your specialist your preference is a normal part of the session.
We suggest not arriving with expectations that a certain scent will bring a certain feeling or result. The FDA notes that some of the claims made for massage oils and lotions marketed as "aromatherapy" are treated as drug claims, and that such products fall under different rules. For that reason we attach no outcome to any oil. Every sentence here describes the experience, the scent and the choice.
What should you do about allergies, sensitive skin and pregnancy?
If you have an allergy, sensitive skin or are pregnant, say so when you book and again at the start of the session. If you are unsure, ask your doctor before the massage. In these cases, asking for an unscented oil is the simplest precaution.
Aromatic oils do not affect everyone in the same way. The FDA warning mentioned above says that even a plant-based oil can cause an allergic reaction or irritation on the skin. The same US National Institutes of Health information page says that testing of essential oils has found very few side effects, so the risk is described as low, but not zero. A few simple principles follow from this.
Mention a known allergy first. If you have reacted to a cosmetic product, a plant, a nut or a scented product before, tell your massage specialist. If you know the substance, give its name. If you do not, "I have reacted to a product before" is enough. Diagnosing is not the specialist's job. The aim is to avoid any oil that is uncertain for you.
If your skin is sensitive, choose an unscented oil. Skin sensitivity shows itself faster when you try something new. An unscented oil removes both the chance of irritation from scent and any discomfort from the smell. "Unscented" does not mean "no product at all": it is still a carrier oil, and you can ask the location what is in it.
Keep sun and citrus oils in mind. The FDA says some citrus oils can be harmful on skin exposed to the sun. If you will be out in the sun after the session, say so at the start and talk through the choice of oil with your specialist.
Pregnancy. If you are pregnant, check with your doctor or midwife before an aromatherapy massage. We give no pregnancy-specific list of oils here, because which oil suits which stage is a health decision that needs a sourced, personal answer. If your doctor agrees, tell the location about your pregnancy and how many weeks you are when you book.
If you have a health condition, are pregnant or take regular medication, ask your doctor first. For general concerns, follow the NCCIH's advice on its massage page: if you are unsure, talk to a health professional, and do not use massage as a reason to put off seeing a doctor about a health problem. A massage at Beatus is a spa and rest experience. It is not a medical service. The Turkish regulation on workplace opening and operating licences (Annex 1/K, massage salons) also says that medical-purpose techniques may not be applied in a massage salon.
If you feel burning, itching or redness during the session, or if the scent bothers you, tell your massage specialist straight away. If any reaction continues after the session, see a doctor.
How long does an aromatherapy massage take, and which length should you pick?
The menu sessions that mention an aromatic oil run from 40 to 90 minutes: the Relax Massage is 40, the Signature Massage 55 or 90, and Asian Spell 55 minutes. Confirm with the location which of them is the aromatherapy massage.
First, an honest note: our service list has no separate line called "aromatherapy massage". The location pages list aromatherapy for Şişli–Osmanbey and Sapanca, and the descriptions of some menu sessions mention "aromatic oil". The two pieces of information fit together, but we do not find a written pairing of the kind "this session is the aromatherapy massage" on our site. So the simplest course is to ask when you book: "I would like an aromatherapy massage. Which session is it done with, and how many minutes?"
Here are the menu sessions that mention aromatic oil, with their lengths and descriptions (see the massage services page):
| Session | Length | Menu description |
|---|---|---|
| Relax Massage | 40 min | Slow rhythm, light pressure, aromatic oils |
| Beatus Signature Massage | 55 / 90 min | A balanced blend of firm and soft techniques, with the aromatic oil of your choice |
| Asian Spell | 55 min | An Asian-inspired session with pressure points and aromatic oils |
The length you choose depends on what you want. In a longer session the specialist can give time to more areas, and in a shorter one the session stays with a single area. If you are sensitive to scent, you might start with a shorter session. Which length is offered at which location is confirmed by the location's line.
If you plan a hammam or sauna on the same day, see our guide to hammam and massage on the same day: order and timing. What to do in the hours after a session is covered in after a massage: the first 24 hours.
Which location offers aromatherapy massage in Şişli–Osmanbey and Sapanca?
According to our location pages, aromatherapy massage is listed at the Şişli–Osmanbey location (Ramada Plaza) and the Sapanca location (Wellwood Sapanca). At other locations, ask when you book which oil-based session is done with an aromatic oil.
Şişli–Osmanbey. Our Şişli–Osmanbey location works from the spa floor on the 7th floor of Ramada Plaza Istanbul City Center. According to the location page, aromatherapy, deep tissue, Thai and hot stone massage are offered across its seven massage rooms. There is also a couples' massage room. For anyone looking for a massage salon in Osmanbey or Şişli, the spa is a calm floor reached from the hotel lobby. The spa opens at 08:00, and the last booking is at 21:30. For session details at this location, see our guide to the Şişli hammam session and booking.
Sapanca. Our Sapanca location is on the ground floor of a separate building in the garden of the Wellwood Sapanca hotel, and the spa officially opened in January 2026. Aromatherapy, deep tissue, Thai and hot stone massage are offered there. According to the location page, you choose the pressure, the oil and the length with your massage specialist at the start of the session. There is a VIP room and a couples' massage room, and you do not need to stay at the hotel. For a weekend plan, see our guide to choosing a spa massage in Sapanca.
One thing to note: our location pages mention aromatherapy massage together with these two locations. A session with an aromatic oil may exist elsewhere, but whether it is offered under the name "aromatherapy massage" is not written on our site. So for the other locations we do not say "not offered". We suggest asking the location which session is done with an aromatic oil.
If you are deciding between the two, the deciding factors should be place and plan, not aromatherapy: Şişli–Osmanbey is in the city, and Sapanca is a weekend trip out of Istanbul. At both, you can book by the location's WhatsApp line or by phone.
What do you write in a booking message for an aromatherapy massage?
Keep it short: the date and time, the session (aromatherapy massage), the length, your scent preference or a request for an unscented oil, and any allergy. You do not need to write health details; "I have a sensitivity" is enough.
Here is a template you can copy and adapt:
Hello, I would like to book an aromatherapy massage on [date] at [time]. Could you tell me which session it is done with and how many minutes it lasts? I am sensitive to strong smells, so I would prefer a lightly scented or unscented oil. I have reacted to a product before, and I will tell my massage specialist at the start of the session.
The template does two things. It asks the location to confirm the name and length of the session. And it keeps health information out of a written WhatsApp message, choosing to say it in person at the start of the session. You do not need to write health details in a WhatsApp message. That is the more careful route for personal data. Writing health details remains your choice, and the location does not need to ask for them.
What are the most common misunderstandings about aromatherapy massage?
The most common one is that essential oils are "natural, so harmless", or that they give a particular result. Neither is supported by the sources. Choosing an oil is a matter of preference.
"Natural means harmless." The FDA's page says this idea can be wrong: plant-based substances can also cause irritation and allergic reactions. The FDA also notes that for cosmetics there is no regulatory definition of "natural" or "organic".
"Every scent gives a particular result." The NCCIH's aromatherapy page says there is not enough solid research for some of its uses. So do not expect an oil to bring you a specific result. Look at whether you like the scent.
"An aromatherapy massage is a deeper massage." Scent does not set the pressure. You can ask for a deep or a light session, and you choose the oil separately.
"The stronger the scent, the better." Essential oils feel intense in a closed room, and a strong smell may not be pleasant for everyone. Asking for a lighter scent is an ordinary preference, not a special request.
"Asking for an unscented oil spoils the session." Quite the opposite: a massage with an unscented oil is as complete in technique as an aromatherapy session. It simply lacks the scent.
"An aromatherapy massage is the same everywhere." The oil, the scent options, the length and the name of the session vary from one salon to the next. Do not carry what you learned at one location to another. Ask the same questions again when you book.
