The Ultimate Moroccan Hammam Massage You Must Experience

Hammam is an essential part of any Moroccan holiday. Public baths in Morocco are embedded into the socio-cultural history that has played a significant role in both urban and rural Moroccan cities, and today it serves as a bucket-list item for tourists to experience its uniqueness on their Morocco tours.

Hammams in Morocco are often in the vicinity of mosques to facilitate the performance of ablutions. Because of their private nature, their entrances are often discreet and the building’s façade is typically windowless. From the traditional ones to the luxury ones, you will find all kinds of Moroccan hammams in the city based on your preferences.

Over the years, hammams had been a ritual and a socializing point, where locals visit with their own hygienic kit and friends wash each other or hire an attendant to do it for a few bucks. It is a weekly affair where members of the same gender get together for socializing. But for tourists, it’s an experience that might last anywhere between 30 mins to 1 hr.

What to carry in a local Hammam?

Unlike a tourist hammam, nothing is provided at a local hammam and hence it is advisable to carry your stuff. One needs to carry some money to pay at the hammam, so that’s vital. A towel, underwear or bathing suit bottom is a must. A pair of hammam gloves is also necessary. The traditional black soap is something you should carry. All these items can be easily sourced from any nearby souk. At the hammam, you might have to hire an attendant to scrub you.

Step-by-Step Hammam Treatment:

Get undressed

Relax in the steamy room. Steams will help to open up the pores.

The attendant will use “savon beldi” to soap you up.

Rinse off the soapy layer with hot water, the attendant will assist.

The attendant will now use a “kessa glove” to scrape away the outer layer of dead skin. This helps in proper blood circulation.

Next, go for a hair wash.

Once done with the above step, put on your robe go to the relaxation area, and enjoy a cup of Moroccan mint tea.

Hammams in Morocco are very unique and can be a wonderful way of experiencing the local culture. Leave your modesty at the doorstep and let the experience speak for itself. An exhaustive session at the hammam will leave you all refreshed and rejuvenated.

Marrakesh has an infinite array of quality hammam options, from the insanely affordable to overtly luxurious that can cost you a bomb. No matter how much you’re willing to shell out, each hammam is a chance to be a part of this Moroccan tradition. It’s worth choosing a hammam close to your accommodation so you can float back in bliss when your treatment is over.