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Make Your Skin Shine With a Traditional Hammam in Marrakech
Published by Morgan Squires, Writer
Country: Morocco 
The Experience
Morocco is a land that has eternally been a crossroads link between Europe and Africa. As such, it is a country that is fabulously rich in culture, and provides many Europeans with an insight into Islamic lifestyles and traditions. One of these traditions is known as “hammam,” often referred to as a “Turkish bath” to many people.
Hammams were once viewed as an essential part of the life of a practicing Muslim. The religious significance of complying with the Islamic laws of hygiene and purification meant that many people visited the hammam prior to going into a mosque. Thus, a traditional hammam is actually separate for men and women, though many (especially those which cater for tourists) now allow for both men and women.
As you wander through the souks of the medinas in any of the Moroccan cities, you will see many hammams, often signposted as male only. The locals will frequent these, so you may feel like you are getting a more "genuine" experience. However, this is not necessarily the case. Any hammam will give you a genuine experience, and it will mainly be the cleanliness and quality of the attendants that separates the seedy-looking ones from the nicer ones.
Many friends had recommended Marrakech hammams from their visits to Morocco, so I chose a fairly well-known place called “Les Bains de Marrakech,” situated just inside the walls of the medina. It had all the attributes of a modern Western spa, but specialized in traditional hammams. This is what I would recommend for a couple, but if you are on your own or in a group of guys or girls, perhaps give one of the male only or female only hammams a go. Ask around before going in, because some will be quite confronting and/or dirty. The price of the nicer Marrakech hammams are still incredibly cheap compared to what you’d expect in a spa in Europe or North America.
Once changed, we were directed into a steam room and instructed to lie down. After sweating for a good 40 minutes, the attendants returned to the room and rubbed us down with a black soap, which was left to soak into the skin for a bit. When they returned after a short period, wearing their kessa gloves (rough exfoliating gloves), we were vigorously rubbed down. And I mean vigorously! The amount of dead skin that came off me was incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as clean as I was then. My skin was literally shining.
After this experience, it was time for a bit of a lie down with a calming Moroccan tea before heading off to get a massage. After the massage, it was on to a cooling swim in the pool, and then another lie down with some tasty pastries. I was in seventh heaven, with not a care in the world, as the hammam had completely relaxed every fibre in my body.
All in all, the Marrakech hammam spa is a highly recommended experience for any traveller to Morocco. It’s a fantastic way to get rid of the dust accumulated walking through the souks; and boys—I guarantee your ladies will absolutely love it!
Hammams were once viewed as an essential part of the life of a practicing Muslim. The religious significance of complying with the Islamic laws of hygiene and purification meant that many people visited the hammam prior to going into a mosque. Thus, a traditional hammam is actually separate for men and women, though many (especially those which cater for tourists) now allow for both men and women.
As you wander through the souks of the medinas in any of the Moroccan cities, you will see many hammams, often signposted as male only. The locals will frequent these, so you may feel like you are getting a more "genuine" experience. However, this is not necessarily the case. Any hammam will give you a genuine experience, and it will mainly be the cleanliness and quality of the attendants that separates the seedy-looking ones from the nicer ones.
Many friends had recommended Marrakech hammams from their visits to Morocco, so I chose a fairly well-known place called “Les Bains de Marrakech,” situated just inside the walls of the medina. It had all the attributes of a modern Western spa, but specialized in traditional hammams. This is what I would recommend for a couple, but if you are on your own or in a group of guys or girls, perhaps give one of the male only or female only hammams a go. Ask around before going in, because some will be quite confronting and/or dirty. The price of the nicer Marrakech hammams are still incredibly cheap compared to what you’d expect in a spa in Europe or North America.
Once changed, we were directed into a steam room and instructed to lie down. After sweating for a good 40 minutes, the attendants returned to the room and rubbed us down with a black soap, which was left to soak into the skin for a bit. When they returned after a short period, wearing their kessa gloves (rough exfoliating gloves), we were vigorously rubbed down. And I mean vigorously! The amount of dead skin that came off me was incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever felt as clean as I was then. My skin was literally shining.
After this experience, it was time for a bit of a lie down with a calming Moroccan tea before heading off to get a massage. After the massage, it was on to a cooling swim in the pool, and then another lie down with some tasty pastries. I was in seventh heaven, with not a care in the world, as the hammam had completely relaxed every fibre in my body.
All in all, the Marrakech hammam spa is a highly recommended experience for any traveller to Morocco. It’s a fantastic way to get rid of the dust accumulated walking through the souks; and boys—I guarantee your ladies will absolutely love it!
When to Go to Hammam Marrakech
The best time of the year to go to Morocco is probably in the spring because it can get really, really hot in summer.
It is important to be mindful of culture and conditions when in Morocco, especially when in one of the medinas. These are the old, traditional parts of town, and here women should ensure that their shoulders are covered, and should be careful if travelling on their own. In saying that, it isn't dangerous; just make sure you're respectful of the culture.
Morocco has thousands of tourists every year, but it's important to make sure that you're doing the right thing by your hosts. Trust me, if you do this, you'll ensure that you have the most amazing time in Morocco!
It is important to be mindful of culture and conditions when in Morocco, especially when in one of the medinas. These are the old, traditional parts of town, and here women should ensure that their shoulders are covered, and should be careful if travelling on their own. In saying that, it isn't dangerous; just make sure you're respectful of the culture.
Morocco has thousands of tourists every year, but it's important to make sure that you're doing the right thing by your hosts. Trust me, if you do this, you'll ensure that you have the most amazing time in Morocco!
Odds n' Ends
The cost of doing a hammam in Marrakech really depends on where you go. If you go to one of the upmarket places, you'll get incredible service and an experience to remember, and it'll only cost you about 500-1000 dirham (about 50 to 100 euros).
Make sure you wear bathers or some undies that you're prepared to get wet, because you get properly washed. Girls should wear a bikini top if they want, but the attendants aren't shy and will wash your chest all over if you're not shy either!
Make sure you wear bathers or some undies that you're prepared to get wet, because you get properly washed. Girls should wear a bikini top if they want, but the attendants aren't shy and will wash your chest all over if you're not shy either!
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