Before I begin I need to let you know, I had never heard of a hammam before going to Morocco! However, anything ‘pamper’ related is A-ok with me – so, I went. The hammam experience in Morocco is really quite something else! Here’s is my experience.
What happens
When we arrived at our Hammam – Mains de Fees we received Moroccan mint tea to sip on whilst we relaxed in a gorgeous room full of bright colour, patterned carpets and luxury. Shortly after we were escorted to a room where my friend and I had to strip down and put on a paper thong to wear for our hammam experience. We were then allowed to also wear a white fluffy bath robe.
Once assembled, our hammam-giver led us to a shed-like room on the rooftop of the riad where our robes were then taken from us. There we were, wearing nothing but the paper thong in front of each other and the hammam lady. This, we hadn’t expected. The room had nothing more than a bucket and 2 short stools inside, not quite the lap of luxury we had in mind.
One by one we were summoned to stand with the lady who would throw buckets of hot water over us, over our heads. It was not done delicately. We were being monsoon-ed on from all directions. After being doused in water, then it was time for the scrub. First, a full hand of squished prunes was rubbed over our body, then some kind of thick salt scrub, and then the water bucket washing again. Initially within the room, in our nakedness, it was awkward. Soon however, we got quite comfortable with the situation and just looked at each other and laughed from time to time.
After each of us had been cleaned within an inch of our lives, we were then shown the sun beds, where we would dry off. Perfectly situated on the rooftop of the riad, with tree branches and cool glasses of water – this part felt like that bit of luxury we were after. Just as we were getting used to the sunshine, it was time to be taken to another room for our couples massage! The massage was SO RELAXING. My masseuse must have used a full bottle of Argan Oil all over my body – I was absolutely covered head to toe in the stuff!
After our massage, we grogily got up, discussed how amazing it was, and dressed ourselves. Over lunch nearby we discussed the merits of being water dunked and the softness of our skin spending much of the time stroking our own arms to feel the softness. I think my skin was softer than a babies!
If you are ever in Morocco you have to go to a Moroccan Hammam! It’s the most bizarre experience and on top of that, you’ll have the cleanest and softest skin ever!
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Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
