Aksaray is a province in Central Anatolia (İç Anadolu), Turkey, on the southwestern edge of the Cappadocia region. It is best known for the Ihlara Valley, a 14-kilometre canyon lined with Byzantine rock-cut churches and frescoes, the towering Selime Monastery, and the Sultanhanı Caravanserai, the largest Seljuk han in Turkey. With the volcanic cone of Hasan Mountain on the horizon, the salt expanse of Lake Tuz to the north, and Göreme roughly an hour east, Aksaray serves as an uncrowded gateway to Cappadocia.
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Wellness retreats
Multi-day immersive experiences.
Continent Kapadokus Thermal Wellness Retreat
A 2-3 night wellness package combining daily thermal pool access, hammam treatments, evening yoga or stretching sessions on the terrace, and regional home-cooked meals. Contact the hotel directly to arrange a custom package.
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Yoga & meditation
Studios, classes, and meditation centres.
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
The Ziga open-air thermal pool at Yaprakhisar is the most naturally authentic soaking experience in the province; pair it with a morning Ihlara Valley walk for a full wellness day
All hotel hammams in Aksaray use traditional kese technique — ask specifically for the 'full hammam with kese and massage' package for the complete experience
The mineral water at Ziga is sulphurous and high in magnesium; soaking for 20-30 minutes is typically recommended for first-timers
A post-valley hammam in Aksaray city (Grand Altuntaş or Ahsaray Hotel) after a full Ihlara Valley walk is a natural end to an active day
Book spa treatments the evening before at hotel spas — appointment slots fill quickly on summer weekends