A TRADITIONAL MORROCCAN HAMMAM.

Experience a true taste of Marrakechi culture.

One thing that is central to Morroccon culture is the Hammam.

A Hammam is similar to a Roman bath and dates back centuries in morrocco.

It was a ritualistic cleansing that people did before prayers, and many Hammams can be found near a mosque.

Before homes had plumbing, a Hammam was a place local people could come to get cleansed.

Seperated by gender, they were a space for people to socialise, relax, and detoxify.

During a treatment, morroccan black soap is used to scrub the body.

It is a grainy soap made from olive oil and macerated olives, perfect for exfoliating the dead skin cells.

The scrubbing is quite vigorous.

This is followed by buckets of water being thrown over you to wash off the black soap.

A clay called Rassoul clay from the Atlas mountains is used to cover the body as it’s rich in minerals like silica,magnesium, and calcium.

After this, your whole body is lathered thoroughly, including your hair with a gentler soap or gel.

The next treatment is an all-over massage using exquisite oils like rose oil or argan oil..

The treatment always begins in a dry steam room.

Relaxing in heat opens the pores and prepares the body for the scrubbing.

Once the treatment is finished,  you can relax in a separate area with mint tea and morroccan pastries..

The fragrance of incense wafting around the room adds to the ambience.

There are two types of Hammam in Marrakesh.

The public or private hammam.

The public Hammam is a true taste of Morroccan life, with many local people bathing together and chatting in their native language.

In a public Hammam, you have to take your own soap, towel, and oils in.

These are much less expensive.

The private Hammams provide you with everything you need, including disposable underwear, a bathrobe, and sandles.

Treatment options vary, including the length of the treatment and the type of massage and oils you prefer.

You can relax for as long as you want to after the treatment has finished.

The underwear for women is very flimsy, and some women ask for the male underwear instead.

Nubies can feel slightly vulnerable or uncomfortable being so exposed with just a disposable thong hiding your modesty.

The rooms are dimly lit, and the women known as Kassalas working in the hammam are very professional.

Most women do get over their initial shyness pretty quickly.

Hammam Mouassine is the oldest Hammam in Marrakesh. It opened in 1562 and can be found by the Mouassine fountain, close to the secret garden.

Many riads have a Hammam room and offer this service.

Other popular hammams are,

. Hammam de la rose.

. Mamounia Hamman..

. Les Bains Ziani.

Palm oil is often used to wash people’s hair, so if you don’t agree with the use of it,  check beforehand.

Experiencing a traditional Hammam is a welcome break from the chaotic souks and Jamaa El Fna.

It’s a relief from the baking heat of the morroccan sun and a chance to slow down the manic pace for an hour or so.

Many tourists feel unsure about wearing virtually nothing in front of strangers, but this is an ancient ritual that has been part of Morroccan culture for centuries.

Visitors to Marrakech have said that they experienced the most invigorating and relaxing time in a hammam and would definitely do it again.

I would recommend paying a little bit more for a private Hammam if it’s your first time.

However, if you want a taste of authentic Marrakechi life, go for a public hammam.

You can buy Morroccan black soap and other toiletries you’ll need inside the souks, near the spice square.

You can book a Hammam through Get Your Guide or Viator.

Riads organise their own..

Don’t forget a towel, bathrobe and fresh underwear..

For more information;