Embracing Tradition: A Journey Through Marrakech's Hammams
Nestled within the vibrant maze of Marrakech's medina, amidst the hum of bustling souks and the aromatic allure of street-side kitchens, lies an ancient tradition that offers a serene escape from the city's lively pulse.
Hammams, traditional Moroccan steam baths, are not just about cleanliness; they're a deeply ingrained part of the culture, a ritual that soothes the soul as much as it purifies the body.
During our journey through Marrakech, we dove into the world of hammams, and here, we share our encounters with this age-old tradition, offering insights and tips for those looking to immerse themselves in this quintessential Moroccan experience.
The Essence of Hammams
The concept of hammams, integral to Moroccan culture, is steeped in a rich tapestry of history, drawing from Islamic washing rituals, the Ottoman Empire's luxury, and ancient Rome's communal bathhouses.
These steam baths are rooted in the religious emphasis on cleanliness and have evolved through centuries, incorporating the elaborate rituals of the Ottomans and the architectural grandeur of Roman baths.
The traditional Moroccan hammam involves using hot water and black soap (made from olive oil and rich in vitamin E) to exfoliate your skin and leave you feeling rejuvenated, both physically and spiritually.
Public vs private Hammam's
The hammam experience in Morroco comes in two distinct flavours: public and private.
Public hammams are deeply rooted in the local community, serving as a traditional gathering place for Moroccans to perform their weekly bathing rituals. These establishments are modest, gender-segregated, and focus on the essentials of the hammam experience—steam, scrub, and socialisation.
Visiting a public hammam offers an authentic glimpse into Moroccan culture, where bathing transcends mere cleanliness and becomes a communal event, marked by shared conversations and the timeless practice of helping one another scrub down.
Just remember to bring your own black soap (which you can find all over the souks), towels, slippers and swimwear.
Private hammams, often found within luxury riads or upscale spas, cater to those seeking a more secluded and pampering experience. These hammams blend traditional practices with spa-like indulgences, offering personal attendants to scrub you down, a variety of treatments, and an ambience of luxury and tranquillity.
Remember to book ahead if you are visiting a private hammam, and in general, you don’t need to bring anything of your own.
Whether you choose the communal vibrancy of a public hammam or the serene exclusivity of a private one, both experiences encapsulate the essence of Moroccan wellness traditions, albeit from different perspectives.
Our Hammam Experience
As our adventure in Marrakech drew to a close, our Airbnb host, Tariq, made a delightful suggestion: a visit to Koutoubia Spa. He kindly handled the reservations, setting the stage for a serene finale to our Moroccan journey.
Nestled in the city's heart near the Jamaa el Fna, Koutoubia Spa offered us a private hammam experience, and we didn’t need to bring any of our things. We indulged in their couple's package, priced at 800 MAD (approximately £75), which promised a tapestry of relaxation:
A traditional hammam with black soap
A 60-minute full-body massage
Moroccan mint tea
The entire experience lasted just over 90 minutes. While Koutoubia may not be the fanciest of hammams in Marrakech, we enjoyed our experience and thought that it was of excellent value.
Upon entering, we were welcomed into the main chamber, where lockers awaited to safeguard our belongings.
Donning waterproof slippers and somewhat comical disposable underwear, we stepped into the hammam and were greeted by a serene water feature and two large marble slabs poised for our relaxation.
The hammam's attendant initiated our ritual with a cascade of warm water, enveloping us in comforting warmth. She then anointed us with the rich, detoxifying black soap, allowing it to nourish our skin before exfoliating us with a traditional glove known as a “kessa”. This thorough cleanse was followed by a final rinse, sweeping away any remnants of the day.
Wrapped in cosy robes, we transitioned to the spa, where the massage therapists awaited with our full-body massages, which were more reminiscent of what we would experience back home.
Our hammam experience concluded as it began, with the gentle embrace of mint tea, a reminder of the city's hospitality.
Tips for visiting a hammam in Marrakech
For those new to the hammam experience, here are a few tips:
If you’re looking for a private hammam experience, then make sure you book in advance to secure your slot
If you’re visiting a public hammam, make sure you have your own slippers, towels, black soap and exfoliating scrub
Decide how much you want to spend; the cheaper hammams will be a bit more rustic and small compared to the grandness of the more expensive ones, which can put some people off. For example, our hammam was just one small room, but the more expensive places will have larger separate steam rooms for you to move between during your treatment.
Embrace the culture and enjoy yourself!
Best hammams in Marrakech
While we enjoyed our treatment in Koutoubia Spa, we wouldn’t recommend it unless you want to save some money and go for a cost-effective option. Try and find a hammam with more open space to relax.
Dar Les Cigognes: An elegant Riad in the heart of Marrakech with Moroccan and European-style rooms offering fantastic views and award-winning cuisine.
Mosaic Palais Aziza: Owned by a Saudi prince, this secluded hotel offers tranquillity amidst luxury, featuring a lush pool, spa, hammam, and two restaurants.
Riad Kaiss: A former home of Sultan Moulay Yacoub, now a boutique hotel that offers a traditional hammam experience near the UNESCO heritage site Djema el Fna.
Riyad el Cadi: Comprising five 14th-century Riads with enchanting interiors, this place offers a stylish refuge in the Medina, well-suited for families.
Dar Ayniwen: Set in the Palmeraie de Marrakech, it provides a serene escape with luxurious amenities and offers free cookery classes for hotel guests.
Spa MK: Located in one of Marrakech's most exclusive boutique riads, it offers an "Evening Pampering Package", including a hammam, massage, and a five-course tasting menu.
Les Deux Tours: In the Palmeraie area, offering treatments like deep tissue and Ayurvedic massage are complemented by pool relaxation before and after treatments.
Hammam de la Rose: A stylish spa in the medina offering a unique "four hand" massage, among other treatments, for those whose stress knots are too tough for one masseur.
Les Bains de Marrakech: One of the city's first private hammams, known for making their own beauty products used in the spa, providing an authentic experience.
Royal Mansour: A hammam fit for royalty, housed in a hotel commissioned by King Mohammed VI, featuring treatments that include ritual washing and massage with argan oil.
Each of these hammams offers a unique experience, from royal pampering to traditional Moroccan treatments, making them must-visits for relaxation and indulgence in Marrakech.
