The Hammam.

An ancient Moroccan bathing ritual.

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 is a ritualistic cleansing that people do before prayer. This is the reason many hammams can be found near a mosque.

Before homes had plumbing, a  communal hammam was the place where Moroccan people went to bathe. They were a sacred space where people gathered to socialise and relax, separated by gender.

Hammams are still widely used in Morocco today. They’ve become increasingly popular with tourists who wish to learn more about the country’s fascinating culture.

The treatment always begins in a dry steam room. Heat opens up your pores and prepares your body for scrubbing. Morroccan black soap is used to scrub your body vigorously. It is a grainy soap made from olive oil and macerated olives, perfect for exfoliating and removing dead skin cells.

Traditionally, scrubbing is followed by throwing buckets of water over you to wash off the black soap. In a public hammam, buckets of cold and hot water are thrown simultaneously, which can be very invigorating.

In some of the luxurious private hammams, Rassoul clay from the  high Atlas mountains is used to cover your body. It contains rich minerals such as silica, magnesium, and calcium, which is good for the skin. Next, your body and hair are lathered with a gentle soap or gel to wash off any residue. This is the final part of the cleansing ritual.

Once your body and hair are thoroughly exfoliated and clean, you receive a massage using  fragrant oils such as rose or argan oil. This is an intensely relaxing experience.

Once the treatment is over, you are encouraged to relax with a pot of mint tea and morroccan pastries. The fragrant incense filling the room induces a calm and relaxing ambience.

There are two options for experiencing a hammam in Marrakech. One is a public hammam, and the other is a private one.

A public hammam is a true taste of Morroccan life, where local people bathe together chatting in darija,the Arabic dialect spoken in Morocco. Sometimes, women take their children in, and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. When you use a public hammam, you have to purchase your own soap and oils to take in. Using a public hammam is less expensive and one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the life of local people in Marrakesh. Public hammams are perfect for travellers on a budget, but don’t expect any frills. However, they are up close and personal to the customs and traditions of Moroccan people.

On the other hand, private hammams provide you with everything you need. This includes soaps, massage oils, disposable underwear, a bathrobe, and sandals. Treatment options will vary, from the length of treatment to which kind of massage you prefer. You also get to choose which oils you would like. Interior decor can be quite luxurious, including exotic plants and comfortable couches to relax on. You are welcome to stay for as long as you want once the treatment is finished and some hammams serve food. Les Bains Kenaria is a prime example of a hammam with tranquil surroundings and good food.

It’s worth pointing out that the underwear given to women is very flimsy. Some women ask for the male underwear instead. Nubies sometimes feel vulnerable in front of strangers with only a thong hiding their modesty. However, the rooms inside the hammam are dimly lit, and the Kassalas working there are very discreet. Most women soon get over their initial shyness.

Hammam Mouassine is the oldest hammam in the city of Marrakesh. It opened in 1562 and can be found by the Mouassine fountain, close to the secret garden. Many riads also have a hammam, and this service is available for guests to book.

Here are a few hammams in Marrakech you might wish to visit,

. Hammam de la rose.

. Mamounia Hamman..

. Les Bains Ziani.

. Les Bains Kenaria.

Palm oil is sometimes used when washing hair, so if you don’t agree with the use of it, check beforehand.

Visiting a hammam has been an ancient ritual that has been part of Morroccan culture for centuries. Experiencing a traditional hammam is a break from the chaotic souks and Jamaa El Fna. It can be a relief from the baking heat in Marrakech and a chance to slow down from the manic pace.  Tourists who visit a hammam come away feeling refreshed, invigorated, and relaxed. Some tourists even become hooked, expressing it’s an unusual experience,difficult to describe in words, but they feel amazing afterwards and can not wait to go again.

If possible, I recommend paying a bit more for a private hammam, especially if it’s your first time. You feel less self-conscious because they’re similar to spa treatments in the West. It’s possible to book this kind of hammam through Get Your Guide, and they can come and collect you so you know where to go.

If you want a taste of true Marrakchi life head for a public hammam. They’re budget friendly, and you can buy Morroccan black soap and other items you’ll need in the souks or the spice square. Don’t forget to take a towel, bathrobe and some fresh underwear in with you.