Hammam in Morocco for Well Being and Relaxation

Steam, Scrub, Massage in Luxury Spa or Public Baths, African Style

May 16, 2009

In the privacy of luxury hotels or the bustle of public baths, the weekly Moroccan ritual guarantees to cleanse and relax every part of the body.

Already popular in Roman times, hammam blossomed in the Middle East when soap was rare and Prophet Mohammed recommended steam baths to achieve the ultimate cleanliness. Every medina in Morocco has one or more public baths, African style, often close to a mosque, since washing is a religious duty, or a bakery as a convenient way to share the heat.

Today most Moroccans living in the cities have indoor plumbing but visiting the hammam is part of life, a long standing tradition, with religious undertones, and a social as well as cleansing occasion. Visitors are always welcome in the public baths, though they may raise a smile or two, but anyone who recoils from the no frill culture shock can enjoy a sanitised version in the luxury spa of their hotel.

Well Being and Relaxation in Morocco, Steam, Scrub and Massage in Luxury Spa

Even in the soothing comfort of the best hotels, a hammam is not for the faint-hearted. Temperatures rise close to 50º C in the steam chamber, opening the pores before a vigorous black soap scrub ensures every surviving cell is left squeaky clean.

Hammam means spreader of warmth and after the relentless exfoliation, lying on a hot marble slab is surprisingly relaxing. The reward comes at the end with a stretch and massage with essential oils, often including the highly praised Moroccan argan oil, and may be followed by a milk and rose petal bath.

It’s an experience for all the senses with fluffy towels, candles, lanterns and fountains, and the scent of eucalyptus or orange blossom lingering in the air.

Hammam Experience in Public Baths, African Style

The public baths boast no privacy or comfort but offer the basic treatment at a minute fraction of the cost plus the chance to experience life African style. Scrubbing mitt, mat, buckets and soap are usually available on site but anyone concerned about hygiene may prefer to bring their own, along with towel and dry underwear.

Newcomers can watch the locals before attempting the do-it-yourself option or for a little extra, hire an attendant for the full treatment. Either way it’s steam, scrub, and hot and cold water by the bucketful. Scrub my back and I’ll scrub yours is a common request and in the women’s section, there will be children, some quiet, others not, and lots of gossip.

The floor is slippery and wet, the hottest room is next to the cistern and daylight filters eerily through small holes in the domed ceiling.

Stepping back into the sun is like returning from the underworld. It’s essential to take it easy and rehydrate with plenty of water or mint tea.

The copyright of the article Hammam in Morocco for Well Being and Relaxation in Morocco Travel is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish Hammam in Morocco for Well Being and Relaxation in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.