After a long day in an exotic city, nothing is better than a tranquil sanctuary to revive your tired feet and senses. Marrakech is bursting with secret urban retreats; in the heart of the bustling Medina, hidden doorways lead to tranquil riads (courtyard hotels) where pools shimmer in rooftop lounges, and the famous Moroccan hammams, or Moroccan spa, are just waiting for you.
What is a hammam?
A hammam is a type of steam bath that is particularly popular in countries across the Middle East, North Africa and Mediterranean, and you’ve probably heard about them as Turkish baths or a Moroccan bath.
The Moroccan hammam ritual is an ancient cultural tradition that was developed for both hygiene and social reasons, today, it’s a tradition that has been updated for modern tastes. On holiday in Morocco you’ll often find that the All Inclusive Marrakech hotels tend to have their own hammams, so there really is no excuse not to try.
So, what should you expect when you visit a hammam in Morocco?
Traditional Moroccan hammams are exquisite places with beautiful architecture, domed ceilings and detailed mosaic tiles all to create a serene atmosphere – they really are the epitome of relaxation.
Lots of people hear the word bath and think this means you have to strip off completely, but you do not! It’s important to respect the culture and tradition but also to be comfortable, it’s more than expected for men to wear trunks or swim shorts, while women can wear swimsuits or bikinis. It also varies what kind of hammam you’re in, for example, in public hammams nudity may be more present, and often women will go topless, while in private hammams, comfort is more the focus.
Men and women are nearly always separated, so you will have privacy as well.
What is the difference between a private hammam and a public hammam?
At a public hammam and private you can expect the same treatment and facilities, the only difference is who else may be in there with you.
Public Hammams
Each Moroccan town and city has a public hammam, which is the centre of social life. You can bring your own towel or rent one for a few dirham, and make sure to bring flip flops. Once inside, change into your underwear, grab a bucket for water, and buy a scrubbing glove (kiis) and some famous black soap; this dried Moroccan clay is mixed with olive oil and herbs, and turns into a rich soap and shampoo when mixed with water.
Each marble steam room gets progressively hotter, with a gurgling water fountain in the centre of the room. Fetch a bucket of water and sit around the outside of the room, soaping up and rinsing off with the hot or cold water. Make sure to seek out a scrub from the hammam attendant, and be prepared to lose a few layers of skin. It’s not quite the same as a spa back home with rose petals and zen music, but it’ll give you the exact same feeling.
Private Hammams
Many hotels and riads in Morocco offer luxury hammams onsite, some of which offer private rooms, so it can be just you or you and whoever you’re going with. Upon entering the hot marble steam room, an attendant will douse you with hot water, wash you with the black olive soap and give you a perfumed scrub-down. After rinsing you again with hot water, this will be followed by a Moroccan Rhassoul clay mask or aromatherapy massage. Any stress will be rinsed away when you step into the cool plunge pool, and are given a final rinse with perfumed water and a glass of mint tea.
The weather in Marrakech is still comfortable throughout the winter, with high temperatures in the teens and low twenties – so much better than the miserable English winters. A trip to a Morrocan spa can be a great addition to your spot of winter sun in Morocco, after all, if you’re escaping the winter blues, you may as well do it properly! You’ll be heading back home fully revitalised.
Whether you’ve been thinking about trying out the Moroccan hammams for a while or you’re looking for things to do on your holiday in Morocco, visiting a hammam is a must for any visitor to Morocco.
If you haven’t yet booked, have a look at some of our best hotels in Marrakech and give yourself that treat you deserve.
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