Our sales and marketing executive Lisa spent a few days at the award-winning Richmond Nua Wellness Spa on the outskirts of Istanbul. Here she gives us her feedback.
What were your first impressions?
How amazingly friendly and welcoming everyone was. I travelled as a solo traveller and I was slightly worried when I arrived at a huge hotel but that quickly changed as soon as I entered into the warmth of the lobby. The hotel is very well presented and modern in style but with all the home comforts. I really liked the open plan area with all the rooms leading off from there. The location is beautiful as it’s directly on Lake Sapanca which is really peaceful. There is also a rule that no petrol or water sports are allowed on the lake so it meant that the water was so calm and it was brimming with wildlife. Plus the hotel is strictly adults only so no little ones running around.
What was the spa like?
Wow - I was really impressed with the high standard of the spa and I can certainly see why they have won so many awards! There was many saunas, steam rooms and jet pools (14 in total) so I spent afternoons relaxing there. I especially loved the Osman Steam Bath with a 100% humidity ( you can’t stay in for long) but if you can last for 10 minutes it helps to clear your sinuses. I also enjoyed relaxing in the Tepidarium (heated ceramic beds) plus there are headphones with soothing music to listen to. The spa area has a strict policy that no phones are allowed so it was very calm and meant I could focus on relaxing rather than scrolling through Instagram.
What treatments did you have?
I was lucky enough to have two amazing massages during my stay. I had a 50 minute Balinese massage which was amazing after a day of travelling. I also opted for a 50 minute Lomi Lomi Nui massage. It’s a spiritual Hawaiian massage smartly harmonzing and extremely relaxing stretching and touching techniques. It relaxed my body and allowed me to destress. There therapist used her arms as well as hands to massage my body which meant that she could really get in deep to my knots. I was clicking a lot and it felt good. Both treatments ended with ginger tea in the relaxation room.
What was the Hypoxi like?
I didn’t do the Hypoxi but I did tour the clinic. It’s separate from the spa in its own self contained area. There are four machines aimed at reducing body fat and all overseen by the wonderful medical team. If you were thinking about doing the Hypoxi programme - definitely go for it if you want to see results but be warned, it’s not an easy programme with 2 x daily hypoxi sessions.
Find out more about Hypoxi here
What was the food like?
Really delicious! As I was not doing a fitness or weight loss programme I was dining from the normal menu. There was plenty of choice whether you want salads, pasta or fish. Pretty much every choice on the menu. If you want a healthier option, opt for the beauty menu which is specifically designed using healthy and nutritious ingredients. If you are on the hypoxi or fit slim programmes the nutritionist will work with you on a dedicated menu.
Who would you recommend Richmond Nua to?
Anyone looking for a peaceful wellbeing holiday. It’s ideal for solos or couples. If you want to loose weight, the hypoxi programme is great. Or if you want to kick start your fitness. It is a bigger hotel so if you are travelling alone you will need to be more independent.
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
