How to Find Your Oasis: Exploring the Sanctuary of Moroccan Spas

If you're heading to Morocco, you must try a hammam. It's not just a bath; it's a whole cultural experience! Hammams are where Moroccans go to wash away the day and chill out. This article is about the different kinds of hammams you'll find and what to expect when visiting a Moroccan hammam.

What Is a Hammam?

Hammams are Moroccan spa treatments. They're the go-to spots for anyone looking to relax, detox, and just take a break from the hustle and bustle.

These places are all about pampering. Think hot steam baths, soothing massages, and invigorating body scrubs. It's a whole package of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Where Can You Get a Hammam?

There are spas all over Morocco that offer hammams. Most tourist hotels, like Riad Elegancia, feature spas that offer hammams too. If it’s your first time in Morocco and want to try a hammam, you probably should stay at a place with a spa offering these treatments.

Types of Hammams

You have two main types to choose from: public and private, and each offers a unique experience.

Public hammams are the real deal if you're looking for an authentic, centuries-old experience. They're more wallet-friendly, but keep in mind, you'll be sharing the space with others of your gender.

Private hammams, on the other hand, are more like your typical spa. Along with the traditional hammam rituals, these often offer extra pampering like massages, manicures, pedicures, and facials.

What to Expect

Here's what you can expect.

Step 1

When you first get to the hammam, an attendant will be there to guide you to the changing room. Here, you'll receive a robe and a locker to store your belongings. This is where you'll get undressed for the hammam experience. For women, it's totally your call – you can choose to go naked or keep on bikini bottoms or underwear. It's all about what makes you feel comfortable. Many women opt for bikini bottoms for a bit more coverage. As for men, wearing some form of bottoms is a must. You can stick with your own underwear or a bathing suit, and in some places, they might offer you a disposable pair of underwear.

Step 2

As you continue your hammam journey, the attendant will take your robe and lead you into a hot, steamy room, where the thick steam might make it hard to see much at all. But that's all part of the experience. Your main task in this room is to simply sit back, relax, and let the warmth envelop you. The steam works its magic, opening up your pores. It's a moment to just be and let the soothing environment do its work.

Step 3

About five minutes into your steam room experience, the attendant comes back, this time with a bowl of unique Moroccan soap. It's thick and dark, almost like molasses or crude oil, but it's a treat for your skin. Get ready for a bit of a workout – standing up, sitting down, turning around – as the attendant gets to work lathering you up. They'll soap your legs, feet, back, and even your face. Once you're all soaped up, it's your turn to gently rub the soap into your skin. Then, just sit back, relax, and let the soap do its magic for another five minutes.

Step 4

In the next step of your hammam experience, the kind of equipment used might vary depending on where you are. The attendant will return, either with a full wooden bucket or a plastic pail of water. With this, she'll start scooping out water, using it to thoroughly rinse off all the soap from your body. It's a simple but refreshing part of the process.

Step 5

After rinsing off the soap comes the most intense part of the hammam experience – and it's not exactly for the faint of heart. This step can be a bit uncomfortable. The attendant will use a hammam glove, which feels a bit like rough sandpaper, to exfoliate your skin. This is when they literally scrub away the outer layer of dead skin cells. It might sound a bit daunting, but it's incredibly effective. So, brace yourself – it's a bit of a shock to the system, but your skin will thank you later!

Step 6

After the thorough scrubbing session, there's one last delightful step in your hammam experience that you simply can't miss. You'll get your robe back on and head to a relaxation area. Here, you'll be handed a steaming cup of sweet Moroccan tea. This is the perfect way to wind down, sipping on this traditional, aromatic beverage. It's a moment to just sit back, relax, and reflect on the unique and revitalising experience you've just enjoyed.

This blend of traditional spa treatment and cultural immersion, capped off with a cup of tea, is what makes the hammam experience truly complete.