The stress of business life, no doubt, is tiring. When traffic and an unhealthy diet are added, the stress inevitably doubles. There are many ways to protect our health and relax amid all this rush. Wouldn't you like to spare some time for yourself and pamper your soul in the first weeks of the new year? Here are some options.

Firstly, the Ritz Carlton Istanbul's purification program, "Weekend Escape," is perfect for five-star pampering. The program, designed as a weekend getaway, lasts two days. The first day starts at Atelier Lounge, where gourmet treats abound. The day continues with "Signature Lab Cocktails" offered at Blue Lounge. Before dinner, you can retire to your room to enjoy the relaxing Bosporus view. The hotel's rooms have been redesigned from top to bottom, and the refreshing atmosphere promises a relaxing view that has an East meets West cultural synthesis. In the evening, enjoy dinner prepared by the executive chef of the Atelier Real restaurant. Later, you can enjoy a movie with popcorn in the hotel's hall, aptly named Living Room.

The second day starts with wake-up service and a fresh smoothie. Enjoy a relaxing yoga session before heading down to the buffet breakfast featuring wood oven delicacies, an authentic sushi bar and exclusive examples of a traditional Turkish breakfast. However, the best part of Weekend Escape is the spa session, where you can try skin care treatments along with massages and a Turkish bath. The bath, ornamented with İznik tiles, is a work of art. The three different Jacuzzis and a sauna are other relaxing options. I highly recommend this five-star weekend package by Ritz Carlton Istanbul.

Another option is from St. Regis Istanbul Hotel. Located in Nişantaşı, this hotel offers wonderful options to help you forget your weekly stress. The hotel's Iridium Spa stands out with its "Gold Glitter" package. After starting the session with a detox drink, a 45-minute purifying bath is followed by a 45-minute reviving gold skin care and 30-minute gold skin treatment. Next, 30 minutes soaking in a special pool and 15 minutes in the sauna and steam room, all the while sipping delicious detox drinks.

The spa's fireplace features a relaxing sitting area that boasts both a modern design and relaxing atmosphere with eye-catching copper and suede embellishments on the walls. Adding a touch of mysticism, a majestic Bonsai tree sits at the entrance. The indoor pool with its shiny tiles is very pleasant. The organic detox teas offered at the Iridium are a nice touch. I suggest you try this popular Nişantaşı spa with their seven different treatment rooms the first chance you get.

My last suggestion is in the city but nestled in nature. Swissotel the Bosphorus. Its spa not only has a modern fitness center but also exercise sessions in its wooded grounds on its terrace overlooking the Bosporus and in its three pools. The hotel's Pürovel Spa & Sport, inspired by the Alps, is a perfect purification center. Exercises in the salt pool, open door exercising at Vitaparkur in the woods, the gravity pool, the aqua gym as well as the aqua-spinning lessons in the indoor pool are options that make a huge difference. The 520-meter running track located in a 65-decare green area is like an oasis.

On the other hand, the hotel's spa options are also quite attractive. There are many different types of massage available, from Swiss to hot stone. You can decide on your own purification method by choosing whatever massage oil suits your mood. I suggest a peel before the massage. Right after, you can relax in the hotel's indoor pool. You can complete all this purification by staying in one of the hotel's suites. The corner suites are particularly nice. Discover Swissotel the Bosphorus, where nature and purification are guaranteed, at your first chance.