The spa industry is one of the most booming sectors in Istanbul’s hospitality sector and brings in a new innovation every so often. Most recently this has to do with the marriage of environmental issues with luxurious experiences.We have to talk about Spa Soul, a company that has grown from a local initiative into an internationally recognized name in spa management circles for its embrace of sustainability. Founded in 2009 by Zeki Dikmen and Asuman Helvacioglu, Spa Soul has become a leader in the broader shift toward sustainable practices in the wellness industry. For one, the company is truly versitile when it comes to its portfolio, covering the spectrum from boutique day spas to resort wellness centers. The Istanbul-based firm has overseen numerous high-end projects across the country and abroad. But it’s its pushing of eco-conscious design that has earned the International Sustainable Award in 2023 for introducing groundbreaking green practices into Turkey’s spa sector. One of Spa Soul’s standout contributions is its use of recycled and restored materials. Through exclusive partnerships with brands like Magisso and Charme D’Orient, Spa Soul integrates sustainability into the very core of its offerings. At their spas, guests sip tea from Magisso’s Lastu Tea Cups, made of wood biocomposite materials sourced entirely from renewable Finnish forest sidestreams. These cups not only enhance the wellness experience but also reduce carbon emissions by 87% compared to traditional plastic. In the treatment rooms, the focus remains on organic, skin-friendly products. Charme D’Orient’s certified organic and vegan vegetable oils, used in massages and skincare routines, can best sum up Spa Soul’s ethos: that wellness for the body must not come at the expense of the planet. Even operational details—like donating used towels to animal shelters before recycling—reflect a deeper dedication to circular economy principles.