Kemerburgaz and Göktürk, in the north of Eyüpsultan, are known for their proximity to the Belgrade Forest and residential complexes suited to family life. Most people who settle here chose the area because they want their children to grow up in a greener, calmer environment. But the pace of parenting is the same wherever you live: getting ready for school in the morning, work all day, homework in the evening, classes and birthday parties at the weekend. In this article we offer a realistic plan for mothers and fathers looking for a spa break in Göktürk and Kemerburgaz, and look at the options for couples and individuals at O’SPA in Skyland Istanbul.
The Person Parents Forget: Themselves
Parents’ calendars are usually shaped around other people’s needs. Children’s check-ups, parent-teacher meetings, sports practice and family visits get scheduled, but the question “when is there an hour for me?” often goes unanswered. Over time this turns into an invisible load carried on the shoulders. Carrying a child, leaning into the car seat, sleepless nights that go on late; all of these make themselves felt, especially in the back, lower back and neck.
Making time for yourself is not selfish. A rested, calm parent reflects that same calm onto the family. Short breaks planned regularly are far more realistic and sustainable than big holidays that keep getting postponed.
A Spa Break from Göktürk and Kemerburgaz: Together or Apart?
There are two versions of a spa break for parents, and each has its place. The first is a couples’ session that partners spend together; the second is an individual break one parent takes while the other looks after the children. The options below can be considered for these two scenarios:
- Classic Couples Massage (50 min, 8,000 ₺): A massage performed simultaneously by two therapists in the same suite; the easiest way to rest together, yet quietly.
- Swedish Massage (50 min, 4,600 ₺): A classic relaxation session with long, flowing movements and adjustable pressure; ideal for individual breaks.
- VIP Couples Massage (120 min, 15,000 ₺): A session in the VIP couples’ suite for those who want a longer, more comprehensive couples’ experience.
- Indian Head Massage (30 min, 3,500 ₺): A short option for days when mental fatigue dominates and time is tight.
Breathing Together as a Couple: Classic Couples Massage
After children arrive, the time many couples spend alone together drops sharply. Even dinners are often spent discussing the to-do list. A classic couples massage is one of those rare moments that lets you be side by side without having to talk. In the soundproofed suite, a session that starts and ends at the same time gives you both the chance to slow down to the same rhythm.
How Do You Plan Around the Children?
A practical suggestion: time your session for when the children are at school, or for a weekend afternoon when grandparents can help. As the spa is open every day from 09:00 to 23:00, it is also possible to plan an evening session with a babysitter after the children are asleep. If you would like to compare different therapies for couples, you can read our article on massage therapies for couples.
An Individual Break: Come Back to Yourself with Swedish Massage
It is not always possible to make plans for two. On a Saturday morning when one partner stays with the children, even 50 minutes the other sets aside for themselves makes a big difference. Swedish massage is a suitable choice for such breaks: the pressure is adjusted to your preference, and flowing movements help the muscles relax and the mind slow down. The following week you can swap roles so that you both get your own break.
The Power of Short Breaks
A common mistake parents make is to postpone the break indefinitely, saying “I’ll have a long spa day when I have time”. Yet even a 30-minute Indian head massage or back massage opens up a mental breathing space, especially after a busy week spent at a screen and caring for children. A suggestion for those coming from Kemerburgaz and Göktürk: put a fixed “parent break” day in the calendar, for example the first Saturday of every month. A date set in advance makes planning within the family easier and makes it harder to cancel the break at the last minute. For those who want to keep up such a routine, the 5-session massage package is also a practical solution.
If you are a new mother, pregnant or in the postpartum period, we recommend consulting your doctor before planning a massage.
A Gift for Parents: The Full Relaxation Package
Sometimes the best break is one someone else plans for you. The Full Relaxation Package is a thoughtful choice to give a tired mother or father, your own parents who devoted years to their children, or a friend who has just become a parent. Gift packages are valid for one year, which means a busy parent can comfortably choose a time that suits them. You can get current pricing via WhatsApp.
Giving the gift together with an offer of babysitting or an afternoon with the children makes sure the parent receiving it can actually use the break.
What Awaits Parents at O’SPA?
O’SPA is located in Skyland Istanbul in Sarıyer, on the 3rd floor of Skyflat Block A. It can be reached from Kemerburgaz and Göktürk with a short journey on roads across the north of the city. Free indoor parking makes things easier for those arriving in the family car. At the facility you will find:
- Soundproofed single and double massage suites, plus a VIP couples’ suite
- A traditional hammam with a marble navel stone, a Finnish-style dry sauna and a steam room
- Aromatic oils, a hot towel and herbal tea in the relax lounge after the session, included with every session
- Internationally certified therapists who receive ongoing training
All prices include 20% VAT. In our article for residents of nearby Zekeriyaköy, a spa experience worth the trip into the city, you will also find a sample flow for a full spa day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we both have to have the same massage in a couples massage?
In a classic couples massage the session takes place simultaneously in the same suite; each of you can share your pressure preference separately with your own therapist.
Can I have a massage in the postpartum period?
Be sure to consult your doctor before planning a massage in the postpartum period or during pregnancy. Once you have approval, it is important to inform your therapist about your situation.
When can the Full Relaxation Package be used as a gift?
Gift packages are valid for one year. The recipient can choose a suitable day within this period and make their booking.
Take a step today to make time for yourselves and each other with a short escape from Göktürk or Kemerburgaz. Book by phone or WhatsApp on +90 539 675 76 76, and take a short but valuable break from parenting at O’SPA.
