1. PURPOSE OF THE GUIDE
Introduction
To assist thermal hotels in enriching their existing facilities with activities that allow guests to actively participate, learn, socialize, and relax.
The core approach of this guide is to support hotels in evolving beyond mere providers of accommodation, dining, pool, and spa amenities, enabling them instead to offer structured programs focused on physical activity, relaxation, social interaction, personal development, and healthy lifestyle habits.
This guide is not intended to facilitate the provision of medical diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation services by hotels that are not authorized to provide healthcare services.
2. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE
An Experience-Oriented Program, Not a Promise of Treatment
A hotel must accurately describe the true nature of the services it offers.
General well-being and recreational activities may be planned under the following categories, provided that appropriate conditions are met:
• Light movement and stretching activities
• Walking and body awareness exercises
• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Meditation and mindfulness activities
• Music, rhythm, and dance
• Social games and group activities
• General information on healthy living
• Rest and personal time
• Creativity, handicrafts, and the acquisition of new skills
• Education on sleep habits and daily living routines
Important Note: The content of an activity is just as significant as its name. Labeling an activity as "wellness," "relaxation," or simply an "activity" does not automatically exempt a practice—which may, in reality, constitute a healthcare service—from regulatory requirements.
3. SAMPLE ACTIVITY CATALOG
A. Movement and Body Awareness
Activity Name: Light Exercise and Stretching Session
Content: Light movements, gentle stretching, and body awareness exercises that participants can perform according to their own physical capacity.
Implementation Conditions: Requires a safe environment, proper guidance, and consideration of any physical limitations participants may have. Disease-specific exercises or rehabilitation should not be offered without an appropriate healthcare framework.
Sample Promotional Text:
“Start your day with light movement. Add some activity to your vacation with our stretching and body awareness session.”
B. Walking and Outdoor Activities
Activity Name: Movement and Exploration in Nature
Content: Walking along suitable routes around the facility, observing nature, and group exploration activities.
Implementation Conditions: Route safety, weather conditions, the physical capacity of participants, and the need for supervision must be evaluated.
Sample Promotional Text:
“Discover new places in the heart of nature, take time for a walk, and add an enjoyable outdoor experience to your vacation.”
C. Light Movement in the Pool
Activity name: Movement in Water and Free Time
Content: Light physical movements and unstructured water-based activities, in compliance with the facility’s pool usage rules.
Implementation conditions: Factors such as the pool’s intended use, temperature, depth, safety protocols, and supervision requirements must be taken into account. Activities intended as medical water therapy or condition-specific rehabilitation should be evaluated separately.
Sample promotional text:
“Enjoy the water. Add a new experience to your holiday with light movement and free-time activities.”
D. Breathing and Relaxation
Activity name: Breathing and Relaxation Session
Content: Exercises focused on breathing, calming the mind, mindfulness, and relaxation, performed in a comfortable position.
Implementation conditions: Participants should not be encouraged to engage in strenuous breath-holding or hyperventilation (excessively rapid breathing). The activity must not be presented as a form of medical or psychological treatment.
Sample promotional text:
“Take a break from the pace of the day. Set aside some quiet time for yourself during our breathing and relaxation session.”
E. Meditation and Mindfulness
Activity name: Mindfulness and Meditation Hour
Content: Focusing attention on the present moment, silent awareness, guided relaxation, and observing one’s own experience.
Conditions for implementation: Participation must be voluntary; the activity should not be presented as a treatment or psychological therapy that guarantees the same outcome for everyone.
Sample promotional text:
“Take some time for yourself. Enjoy a pleasant break from your daily routine with our mindfulness and meditation session.”
F. Music and rhythm
Activity name: Music, Rhythm, and Fun Together
Content: Listening to music, keeping the beat, singing, and group musical activities.
Conditions for implementation: Sound levels, hearing sensitivities, and the preferences of participants must be taken into account. The activity should not be presented as music therapy or a treatment for medical conditions without the necessary professional credentials and framework.
Sample promotional text:
“Join in with the music, feel the rhythm, and share enjoyable moments with other guests.”
A music repertoire for thermal hotels, designed to offer guests opportunities for rest, relaxation, socialization, and new experiences.
1. Handpan performances
Atmospheric, melodic, and soothing instrumental music.
Ideal for quiet hours, sunset, time spent in the garden, or as a prelude to meditation.
2. Tibetan singing bowl performances
Resonant, harmonic tones produced by singing bowls.
Suitable for silent listening sessions and guided relaxation activities.
3. Ney and bamboo flute performances
Music featuring the *ney* (traditional reed flute), *bansuri*, and improvisational flute melodies.
Perfect for programs rooted in Turkish culture or those inspired by world music.
4. Acoustic guitar and instrumental performances
Soft, classical, and acoustic guitar melodies.
Well-suited for lobbies, terraces, gardens, and afternoon relaxation periods.
5. Harp and piano performances
Classical compositions, film scores, and gentle melodies.
Ideal for enhancing the atmosphere in lobbies, special evening events, and relaxation areas.
6. Natural sounds and rhythmic percussion
Rainsticks, ocean drums, and wind chimes.
Perfect for listening sessions, mindfulness practices, and relaxation activities accompanied by the sounds of nature.
Examples of how such live performances can be integrated into hospitality and wellness programs are also available.
Other categories that should be included in a music archive
1. Meditation music – Guided meditation music, ambient meditation tracks
2. Breathwork – Music for breathwork and breathing exercises
3. Gentle morning exercise – Music for light morning workouts
4. Yoga and stretching – Music for yoga flows and gentle stretching
5. Tai Chi and Qigong – Instrumental music for Tai Chi and Qigong
6. Nature sounds – Forest sounds, birdsong, rain, ocean waves
7. Rain and water sounds – Rain ambience, flowing water, waterfall sounds
8. Pre-sleep relaxation – Ambient music for sleep, peaceful nighttime tracks
9. Spa and massage – Ambient music for spa settings and massage relaxation
10. Classical music – Peaceful classical pieces, relaxing piano music
11. Cinematic atmosphere – Cinematic ambient music, emotional instrumental tracks
12. World music – Instrumental world music, ethnic ambient tracks
13. Turkish instrumental music – Performances featuring the ney, kanun, oud, and tanbur
14. Relaxation with live-style music – Live sound bath, ambient instrumental sessions
Important note: If a hotel plays music in areas accessible to guests or uses it during events, copyright and public performance rights must be considered separately. The mere availability of a recording on YouTube does not grant permission for its commercial use within a hotel. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a record of the link for each track, along with its specific usage authorization status.
Furthermore, rather than presenting this music as a direct form of therapy, it would be a more appropriate approach to introduce it using terms such as “relaxation activity,” “relaxation with music,” “mindfulness session,” or “instrumental recital.”
G. Social games and group activities
Activity name: Playing and Socializing Together
Content: Chess, checkers, darts, board games, group games, and quizzes.
Conditions for implementation: Games must be safe, accessible, and suitable for voluntary participation.
Sample promotional text:
“Meet new people, play together, and add wonderful memories to your vacation.”
H. Healthy living information
Activity name: Healthy Living Talks
Content: General information on sleep habits, daily physical activity, balanced nutrition, rest, and lifestyle routines.
Implementation guidelines: Content must be based on reliable sources. Personalized dietary advice, disease management, or recommendations for diagnosis or treatment should not be provided without the necessary professional qualifications and a formal service framework.
Sample promotional text:
“Learn about healthy living habits and discover new ideas you can incorporate into your daily life.”
I. Creativity and new skills
Activity name: Creativity and Self-Development Workshop
Content: Crafts, painting, ceramics, writing exercises, cultural workshops, and activities focused on acquiring new skills.
Implementation guidelines: Considerations must include the safety of materials used, the qualifications of instructors, and accessibility.
Sample promotional text:
“Try something new during your vacation, explore your creativity, and create a beautiful memory with a piece of your own work.”
J. Rest and personal time
Activity Name: Quiet Relaxation and Personal Time
Content: Reading, listening to calm music, utilizing relaxation areas, and free time.
Implementation Conditions: Spaces must be used in accordance with their intended purpose, and the privacy of guests must be respected.
Sample Promotional Text:
“Sometimes, the best plan is to set aside time for yourself. Relax, read, and let your vacation unfold at your own pace.”
K. Massage and Spa Services
Activity Name: Massage and Spa Experience
Content: Personal care and spa services, provided in alignment with the hotel’s operating license, scope of activities, the nature of the services offered, and the qualifications of the staff.
Implementation Conditions: It should not be assumed that every massage or spa treatment qualifies as a general hotel activity. A prior assessment must be conducted to determine whether a specific treatment has a medical nature, requires professional healthcare authorization, or necessitates special permits.
Sample Promotional Text:
“Discover the spa and personal care options available within our facility.”
L. Dance
Dance is an activity that should certainly be included among those recommended by ThermalTourism.com for hotels. In fact, it is one of the most versatile hotel activities, as it combines movement, music, entertainment, and social interaction. Furthermore, it is not exclusive to thermal hotels; it can be implemented by hotels with various concepts.
The key here is to position dance not as a form of medical treatment, but rather as an activity centered on entertainment, physical movement, and social engagement.
Dance event options for hotels
1. Dance Time for Everyone
A group activity where basic dance steps are taught through simple movements, open to guests of all experience levels.
Description: “Move along to the music and have fun together.”
2. Gentle-Paced Dance
An activity featuring simple steps that participants can follow either standing or seated, depending on their own physical capacity.
Description: “Move at your own pace and enjoy the music.”
3. Cultural Dance Workshop
An opportunity to learn the basic steps of Turkish folk dances or dances from various other cultures, fostering cultural exchange.
Description: “Discover new cultures and learn the rhythm of the dance.”
4. Evening Social Dance
A social gathering featuring free-style or partner dancing, integrated into the evening program.
Description: “End your day with music, dance, and wonderful memories.”
5. Rhythm and Group Dance
Group dances that do not require a partner, where everyone moves together following simple, repetitive steps.
Description: “Catch the rhythm, join the group, and enjoy the pleasure of moving together.”
Where do the regulatory boundaries lie?
Dance activities included in a hotel’s standard entertainment and recreation program may generally be considered within this scope, provided that appropriate operational and safety conditions are met.
However, it is necessary to maintain the following distinctions:
• Dance as entertainment or recreation: Teaching basic steps, social dancing, cultural dance, and group activities involving music.
• Dance for exercise: Activities that must be structured with appropriate intensity and safety measures, taking their nature as physical activity into account.
• Dance therapy: When offered with the intent to alleviate or treat the symptoms of a medical condition, different professional qualifications and healthcare regulations may apply. Simply changing the name of the activity is not sufficient.
Furthermore, obligations regarding copyright and public performance rights for the music used must be verified based on the nature of the activity.
Example: How can it be adapted for individuals with fibromyalgia?
While some individuals with this condition may be interested in light movement-based activities, there is no single type or intensity of dance that is suitable for everyone. Therefore, a hotel should not market the activity as a treatment for fibromyalgia.
A more appropriate approach:
Activity name: Gentle Dance and Rhythm Session
Program description: A social movement activity featuring simple steps and music, in which participants can engage either standing or seated, according to their own physical capacity. Participation is voluntary; movements can be adapted to individual limitations.
Recommendation from ThermalTourism.com:
Instead of treating dance as a standalone activity, you can integrate it in various forms into 3-, 5-, or 7-day hotel programs. For example, one day might feature light-paced dancing, another day a cultural dance workshop, and yet another evening, social dancing.
In this way, the hotel goes beyond simply providing a pool and accommodations; it offers guests opportunities to learn, stay active, socialize, and have fun.
The best general heading to use for dance-related activities:
“Dance, Rhythm, and Social Movement Activities”
This phrasing avoids making any health-related claims while allowing hotels to offer a wide range of activities.
4. EXAMPLE: FIBROMYALGIA
From Condition Name to Activity Program
Fibromyalgia may present with symptoms such as widespread pain and fatigue. Individuals with this condition might seek information regarding physical activity, rest, and daily living habits. However, personal needs vary, and hotel-based activities cannot serve as a substitute for medical evaluation.
A thermal hotel—provided it does not imply that it offers treatment or rehabilitation for fibromyalgia (as it lacks the authorization to provide healthcare services)—may design a general wellness program as follows:
Program Component Activity Name
Light Movement Gentle Exercise and Stretching
Water-based Activity Movement in Water and Leisure Time
Rest Quiet Rest Hour
Mindfulness Breathing and Relaxation
Social Engagement Music and Group Activities
Information Daily Living and Healthy Habits
Suggested promotional text:
“During your stay, you are welcome to join our program, which includes gentle movement, relaxation, rest, and social activities. These activities are designed for general wellness and recreational purposes; they are not a substitute for medical evaluation or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional regarding the suitability of these activities for your specific health condition.”
This text does not, under any circumstances, guarantee legal compliance. The actual content of the program, the qualifications of those facilitating it, and the promotional material in its entirety must be evaluated separately.
5. LANGUAGE TO BE USED IN PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL
Phrases to avoid:
• We treat fibromyalgia.
• We eliminate your chronic pain.
• We remove inflammation.
• We offer rehabilitation tailored to your specific condition.
• We guarantee a complete cure using thermal water.
• With this program, you can reduce your need for medication.
Depending on the nature of the service and the overall context of the promotional material, such statements may be construed as claims of medical outcomes or specific treatments.
Alternatives focused on activities:
• Light movement and stretching activities
• Breathing and relaxation exercises
• Options for rest and personal time
• Walking and exploration in nature
• Music, rhythm, and social activities
• Information on healthy lifestyle habits
• Appropriate spa and personal care services offered at the facility
Adding a disclaimer does not, in itself, make a misleading treatment claim legally compliant. The promotional material must be accurate in its entirety and consistent with the services actually provided.
6. FOR HOTEL MANAGERS
Implementation Checklist
Before any new activity is added to the program, the following questions should be evaluated:
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Have the purpose and content of the activity been clearly defined?
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Has it been assessed whether the activity is a general recreational pursuit or a healthcare service?
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Do the hotel’s licenses and permits cover the service to be provided?
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Are the practitioner’s training and professional qualifications appropriate?
•
Have the venue, equipment, use of water, and participant safety been verified?
•
Is participation voluntary, and has the necessary information been provided to participants?
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Have any claims regarding the treatment of medical conditions or guaranteed outcomes been avoided?
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Do promotional materials, visuals, and website content accurately reflect the true nature of the service?
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Where deemed necessary, has guidance been sought from the relevant Provincial Health Directorate or legal counsel?
7. LEGISLATION
Official Sources
The following sources, in particular, should be examined when preparing the program:
1. Regulation on Thermal Springs (Kaplıcalar Yönetmeliği): The legislative framework concerning thermal spring facilities and thermal services. Official website of the Ministry of Health: https://www.saglik.gov.tr/TR,10505/kaplicalar-yonetmeligi.html
2. Regulation on Promotion and Information Activities in Healthcare Services: Published in the Official Gazette dated November 12, 2025, and numbered 33075. The current text should be used as the basis for the rules regarding the promotion of and provision of information about healthcare services.
3. Regulation on the Independent Practice of Healthcare Professionals: Contains provisions regarding healthcare service units where healthcare professionals practice their professions independently.
Official sources:
• https://antalyaism.saglik.gov.tr/TR-366500/saglik-hizmetlerinde-tanitim-ve-bilgilendirme--faaliyetleri-hakkinda-yonetmelik.html
• https://antalyaism.saglik.gov.tr/TR-343653/saglik-meslek-mensuplarinin-serbest-meslek--icrasi-hakkinda-yonetmelik.html
Important note: This guide has been prepared for general information and program development purposes; it does not constitute legal advice. The current consolidated text of the legislation, the facility’s operating license, any healthcare service permits (if applicable), and the nature of each specific practice should all be evaluated together.
8. THE THERMALTOURISM.COM APPROACH
ThermalTourism.com aims to help hotels enrich their existing facilities with activities and curate more comprehensive stay programs for their guests.
Key recommendation:
Create 3-, 5-, and 7-day activity programs.
Show your guests not only where they will stay, but also what they can do, discover, and experience throughout their visit.
Plan activities—ranging from light physical movement and music to nature walks, dance, and creative workshops—that align with your property’s amenities. Ensure that your program is promoted in a way that accurately reflects the services you provide.
ThermalTourism.com — An experience and collaboration platform bringing Türkiye’s thermal tourism to the world.
