We have arranged this guide like a timeline: before you book, on the way, when you arrive, on the table, and when you get up. The first sentence of each answer is the short version; the detail follows.
Before you book
1. Which massage should I choose, and how long?
Short answer: if it is your first time, a 55–60-minute full-body oil massage with medium pressure is a good place to start.
The massage you choose also decides what you wear. Massages done on a table with oil (our signature, relax, deep tissue, Balinese-style and Abhyanga massages) are done in underwear, under draping. Thai massage and Shiatsu, done on a mat, are done in your clothes. If you are unsure, our massage page lists the length and a short description of each massage, and our guide to types of massage puts them side by side. If you are torn between two popular choices, we explain the difference between Thai and Balinese massage separately.
2. When, and to whom, should I mention a health condition?
Short answer: tell your therapist in person at the start of the session; if you are unsure, speak to your doctor first.
If any of the following apply to you, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before your massage:
- Pregnancy
- Recent surgery, a fracture or an injury
- High or low blood pressure, or a heart or circulation condition
- A history of blood clots, or taking blood-thinning medication
- A fever, an open wound, a new tattoo, sunburn or sensitive skin
- An allergy to oils, scents or nuts
The NCCIH, part of the US National Institutes of Health, also says that massage carries few risks when given by a trained practitioner, but that some health conditions call for precautions, and recommends speaking to a health professional if you are not sure whether it is right for you.
One note: you do not need to share health information in the message you send to book. Discussing it with your therapist at the start of the session is better both for your privacy and for tailoring the massage to you. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) also notes that your therapist will ask about your general health and what you hope to get from the session beforehand.
3. What else should I ask when booking?
Short answer: anything that will help you feel at ease.
For example: whether there is a couples' room, and whether you can use the sauna, steam room or pool before or after your session. These can vary from one location to another, so your location is best placed to answer. Disposable underwear, a robe and slippers are provided at every Beatus location, and you can choose a female or male therapist.
What to wear to your massage
4. What should I wear to an oil massage?
Short answer: something comfortable that is easy to take off and put on.
After an oil massage a thin layer of oil can stay on your skin. That makes dark, comfortable pieces more practical than pale colours, silk or delicate fabrics. Skinny jeans, outfits with lots of layers and lace-up boots can leave you rushing afterwards. If you have long hair, bring a hair tie; your hair may get some oil on it during a head and neck massage.
5. What do you wear for Thai massage and Shiatsu?
Short answer: loose, stretchy, lightweight clothing, such as leggings or joggers and a cotton T-shirt.
The International Spa Association (ISPA) also recommends loose, flexible clothing for Thai massage. These massages use no oil and include stretches; thick fabric, belts, zips and buttons restrict movement or become uncomfortable. At Beatus locations, clothing for Thai massage is provided.
6. I'm staying at the hotel. Can I come down in a robe?
Short answer: it depends on the hotel and the spa; ask when you book.
In some hotels it is perfectly normal to walk from your room to the spa in a robe and slippers; in others, normal clothing is expected in shared areas such as the lobby and lifts. Our Beatus locations are inside hotels, so this follows each hotel's own house rules. If it is your first visit to a hotel spa, we have gathered questions about coming down from your room, booking and facility rules in our first-time hotel spa guide.
Do you keep your underwear on during a massage?
7. Do I have to take my underwear off?
Short answer: no, you don't; how much you undress is your decision.
According to AMTA's guidance for clients, you are asked to undress "to your level of comfort" before the massage, and your therapist leaves the room while you do. For oil massages, the most common choice is to keep your briefs on. Bra straps get in the way during a back massage, so many women prefer to take theirs off; if you would rather not, your therapist can gently move the strap aside or work around that area.
If you don't want oil on your own underwear, our locations provide disposable underwear. Either way, packing a spare pair is a good idea.
8. How does draping work?
Short answer: your body stays covered by a towel or sheet throughout the session; only the area being worked on at that moment is uncovered.
You get onto the table yourself, usually face down, and cover yourself with the sheet. When your therapist comes in, they fold the sheet back from your back and cover it again when they have finished; moving to a leg, they uncover only that leg. When you need to turn over, your therapist holds or lifts the sheet and you turn underneath it. ISPA also stresses that therapists uncover only the area they are working on. Draping protects your privacy and helps keep you warm.
9. Can I choose a male or female therapist?
Short answer: yes. State your preference for a female or male therapist when you book.
This matters to many guests, and there is no need to feel shy about asking. Pass your preference on to the location when you book.
What to bring
10. What should I pack?
Short answer: not much; the spa usually covers the essentials.
- A spare pair of underwear
- A hair tie or clip
- If you wear contact lenses, a lens case and solution (lenses can be uncomfortable when you lie face down)
- Your own loose clothing for Thai massage (if the spa doesn't provide it)
- A comb and moisturiser for afterwards
- Swimwear, if you will also use the pool or the hammam
If you can, leave your jewellery at home or in your hotel room. ISPA also recommends removing accessories such as jewellery and hats before the session. Towels, robes and slippers are provided at Beatus locations.
Before your massage
11. Should I shower before a massage?
Short answer: yes, if you can, especially after exercise, a long journey or a hot day.
A shower makes for a more comfortable start for you and your therapist. You can shower at home or in your hotel room before you come; many spas also have showers in the changing room. Not putting on heavy perfume or body lotion just before the session helps the oil spread more easily, especially for an oil massage.
12. Can I eat before a massage?
Short answer: yes, but something light and a little while beforehand.
Lying face down straight after a heavy meal, and feeling pressure near the stomach, can be uncomfortable. Arriving completely hungry isn't ideal either; a rumbling stomach or feeling light-headed during the session will distract you. A light meal a couple of hours before, or a small snack ahead of the session, suits most people.
13. Can I use the sauna, steam room or hammam before a massage?
Short answer: you can; keep it short, cool down, drink some water and then go on to your massage.
Spending a short while in the sauna or steam room before a massage is a ritual many guests love: the body warms up and the mind slows down. Harvard Health's guide to saunas recommends staying in for no more than 15–20 minutes, then cooling down gradually and drinking water, and avoiding alcohol and medicines that affect sweating. It advises people with uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart disease to check with their doctor before using a sauna. If you are not feeling well, skip the sauna and go straight to your massage.
Moving on to a massage after the scrub and foam of the hammam is also a classic order; on our menu, the Infinity Duet and the Jet Lag Package follow it. We explain the difference between the sauna, the steam room and the hammam, and the order to use them in, in our guide sauna vs steam room vs hammam. If you are curious about the hammam ritual itself, have a look at our Turkish bath rituals.
14. How early should I arrive?
Short answer: early enough to change without rushing and rest for a few minutes.
As a general rule, ISPA suggests arriving 30 minutes before your treatment to check in and "begin to slow down". That time is useful if you also want to use the sauna or steam room; if you are coming only for a massage, less may be enough. You can ask when booking whether arriving late shortens your session; in any case, allow for traffic and the time it takes to find the spa inside the hotel.
15. What about alcohol and caffeine?
Short answer: avoid alcohol before a massage; with coffee, listen to your body.
Alcohol can make it harder to cope with heat, particularly combined with the sauna and steam room; Harvard Health also recommends avoiding alcohol before and after a sauna. Caffeine makes it harder for some people to relax during the session. If you think of your massage as a time to rest, plain water or herbal tea is the most fitting choice.
During the session
16. What if the pressure is too firm or too light?
Short answer: say so straight away; it is a natural part of the session.
AMTA says your therapist should check in on the pressure and your comfort during the session, and that you should speak up as soon as anything feels uncomfortable. ISPA also encourages you to say if the touch is too firm or too light. Simple phrases are enough: "A little lighter, please", "You can go a bit firmer here", "Let's skip this area." Don't treat any sensation as something you have to put up with. If you feel anything sharp, stabbing or that makes you tense up during the massage, tell your therapist; if unusual discomfort continues after the session, speak to your doctor.
17. Do I have to talk?
Short answer: no.
AMTA's list of client rights includes deciding whether there is conversation, music or silence during the session. Some guests chat for the first few minutes and then go quiet; others choose silence from the start. Therapists are used to both, and saying "I'd like to keep quiet" is not rude.
18. What if I'm ticklish, get cold or fall asleep?
Short answer: all three are very common.
- Ticklishness: common on the feet, waist or stomach. If you mention it, your therapist will switch to a steadier, firmer touch or skip that area.
- Feeling cold: your body temperature can drop while you lie still on the table. Ask for an extra blanket or for the room temperature to be adjusted.
- Falling asleep: it happens to many guests and is not a problem for therapists. You will be gently told when it is time to turn over.
After your massage
19. Should I shower after a massage, and when?
Short answer: there is no rush; whenever you feel ready.
AMTA notes that after the massage your therapist will leave you to get up slowly and dress in privacy. Stay on the table for a few minutes first, then roll onto your side and sit up slowly; getting up suddenly, especially after a long session in a warm room, can make you feel light-headed. Guests who like to leave the oil on their skin put off showering for a few hours; if you are going back to work or to a meeting, a warm shower will take the oil off. If oil has got into your hair, you may need shampoo.
20. Can I use the pool or sauna, or work out, after a massage?
Short answer: you can, but without hurrying and while listening to your body.
- Pool: after an oil massage, showering before you swim is necessary both for your own comfort and for pool hygiene. Ask your location about its pool rules.
- Sauna and steam: rather than going into high heat straight after your massage, most people find it more pleasant to rest for a while first. If you do go in, keep it short and drink water.
- Exercise: straight after an intense massage such as deep tissue or Thai, a gentle walk or stretch suits better than a hard workout. Training before your massage is another option.
And drinking water?
A glass of water or herbal tea after your massage is a good habit for feeling comfortable after an hour in a warm room. It comes with no promise of any effect beyond that; drink as much as you are thirsty for.
Driving, or going back to a meeting
After a long, slow massage some people feel drowsy or a little dreamy for a while. If you are driving, sit for a few minutes before you get up, drink a glass of water and set off only when you feel fully alert. Before an important meeting, booking a shorter session or a massage focused on one area, rather than a long one, can also be a good idea.
Should you tip?
Tipping policies vary from spa to spa. ISPA also suggests asking about the spa's tipping policy when you check in. You can ask about the practice at Beatus locations when booking or at reception.
A 10-point checklist for your first visit
- Have you chosen your massage and its length? Oil on a table, or on a mat?
- If you are pregnant or have had recent surgery, a blood pressure, heart or clotting condition or an allergy, have you spoken to your doctor?
- Did you mention your therapist preference when booking?
- Have you picked comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and that you don't mind getting a little oil on?
- For Thai or Shiatsu, do you have loose, stretchy clothes?
- Is there a spare pair of underwear, a hair tie and, if needed, a lens case in your bag?
- Have you left your jewellery at home or in your room?
- Have you eaten something light and stayed away from alcohol?
- Have you left early enough to arrive without rushing?
- Are you ready to tell your therapist your pressure preference and any sensitive areas at the start?
When you are ready, choose your location on our booking page to arrange a time by WhatsApp or phone. To find the location nearest to you, have a look at our spas in Istanbul and our spas on the Black Sea coast.
