Zekeriyaköy, in the north of Sarıyer, is one of Istanbul’s calmest places to live, with its forest setting and houses with gardens. People who live here are used to birdsong, clean air and a slow-moving daily life; they look for a really good reason to head down into the crowded city. That is why the bar is high for anyone searching for a spa in Zekeriyaköy or a massage: the place you go should not make you miss the peace of home, and should even add a new layer to it. In this article we explain why Zekeriyaköy residents might see O’SPA in Skyland Istanbul as a “city escape”, which sessions meet this expectation and how you can plan the day.
Why Are the Expectations of Spa-Seekers in Zekeriyaköy Different?
For someone who lives close to nature, relaxation is more than the dim light of an ordinary massage parlour. Many of the families living in Zekeriyaköy work in the city centre; in the morning they drive down roads through the forest to the city and come back the same way in the evening. Weekdays are busy, and weekends are full of gardening, children’s activities and guests. Time set aside for oneself is rare, and therefore precious; how that time is spent deserves to be chosen with care.
For this profile, a good spa experience should offer three things together: real silence, carefully performed treatments and an unhurried flow. Soundproofed suites, minutes spent with herbal tea in the relax lounge after the session and complementary areas such as the hammam, sauna and steam room are exactly what meets this expectation.
A Session Worth Coming into the City For: Four Hands Massage
Having made the journey from Zekeriyaköy, you may not want to settle for an ordinary experience. Four hands massage (50 min, 8,000 ₺) is a special treatment in which two therapists work simultaneously and in harmony. The synchronised movement of four hands makes it hard for the mind to fix on a single point, which supports the deep sense of letting go that many people describe. It can offer a different experience especially for those who say “my mind doesn’t quieten down even during a massage”.
Who Is Four Hands Massage Suitable For?
Four hands massage is ideal for those who already have some massage experience and want to go a level further. People who want to reward themselves after a busy period, or who are looking for an unforgettable gift for a special day, may also choose this session. If you are curious about the details of the technique, take a look at our article what is four hands massage and how does it work. If you are pregnant or have a chronic health condition, as with any massage we recommend consulting your doctor first.
Bring the Scent of Nature with You: Aromatherapy Massage
For those used to the pine and earthy scents of Zekeriyaköy, aromatherapy massage (50 min, 4,600 ₺) may feel familiar. In this session, aromatic oils combine with soft, flowing massage movements; the mind is invited to calm down through both the body and the sense of smell. It is a good choice for those seeking a gentler, enveloping experience, or for those who want to get used to the spa routine before trying four hands massage.
You can also split your visits: come one month for an aromatherapy massage to get to know the setting, then try four hands massage on your next visit. This way you will also discover which intensity of touch suits you better.
Choosing a Session by Season
In Zekeriyaköy the change of seasons is felt more distinctly than in the city centre. If you are looking for an experience that warms the body from within during the damp, cool winter months, spending time in the sauna or hammam before your massage is good preparation. In spring and summer, a lighter, flowing aromatherapy massage may be preferred for legs and back tired from gardening or long walks. In autumn, as the pace of school and work picks up again, four hands massage offers a strong start against accumulated tension. If you share the season and your needs at that time when booking, our team will be happy to suggest a suitable flow.
The O’SPA Facility: Spaces That Deserve a Whole Day
Having come into the city, you do not have to settle for a massage alone. The O’SPA facility has spaces that can easily fill half a day:
- Soundproofed massage suites: With single and double options, a setting far from the noise of the outside world.
- VIP couples’ suite: A private space for those who want to come with their partner or someone close.
- Traditional hammam: With a marble navel stone, a classic experience in which warmth slowly relaxes the body.
- Finnish-style dry sauna and steam room: For relaxing with heat before or after your massage.
- Relax lounge: A calm transition space with herbal tea served after the session.
Every session includes aromatic oils, a hot towel and herbal tea. The therapists are internationally certified and receive ongoing training. All prices include 20% VAT.
For someone used to living at the edge of the forest, the most valuable thing about these spaces is that, although you are in the middle of the city, you can cut your ties with the outside world for a while.
A Day Plan for Guests from Zekeriyaköy
O’SPA is located in Skyland Istanbul, on the 3rd floor of Skyflat Block A. From Zekeriyaköy it can be reached with a short journey on roads through inner Sarıyer. Thanks to the free indoor parking you can come by car and go straight up to the spa without worrying about parking. As the spa is open every day from 09:00 to 23:00, you can choose the time that suits you, morning or evening.
A sample flow might look like this: arrive in the afternoon, warm your body first in the sauna or steam room, then have your four hands or aromatherapy massage and round off the day with herbal tea in the relax lounge. You skip the peak hours of evening traffic and return home on a calmer journey. If you are thinking of coming with your partner, you will find ideas for couples in our article for parents, a spa break for parents from Kemerburgaz and Göktürk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I park when coming from Zekeriyaköy?
Skyland Istanbul offers free indoor parking to O’SPA guests. You can leave your car and go straight up to the spa in Skyflat Block A.
What is the main difference between four hands massage and aromatherapy massage?
In four hands massage two therapists work simultaneously and in harmony; aromatherapy massage is a gentler experience with a single therapist in which aromatic oils take centre stage. Both last 50 minutes.
Can I use the sauna or hammam before my massage?
Yes, the hammam, sauna and steam room in the facility can be part of your spa experience. You can discuss which order suits you best with our team when booking.
If you want to experience Zekeriyaköy’s peace in the city too, choose the session that suits you and book by phone or WhatsApp on +90 539 675 76 76. Let us plan a day worth coming into the city for together.
