Hammam in Marrakech: a guide for first-timers

The hammam has been part of Moroccan life for centuries. In Marrakech, people go to wash, relax and take care of their skin, often once a week. For visitors, it is one of the most memorable experiences of a trip. You just need to know what to expect: here is everything you need to know before your first hammam.

What is a hammam?

A hammam is a steam bath. You move from a warm room to a hot room, where the humid heat opens the pores and prepares the skin. Then comes the scrub with a glove, which removes dead skin cells, followed by a rinse with warm water. You come out with soft skin and a relaxed body.

In Marrakech, there are two main types of hammam:

• The neighbourhood hammam, public and very cheap, used by local residents. Men and women have separate hours, and you bring your own products.
• The spa hammam, more private, where one person looks after you from start to finish. Products, bathrobe and tea are included. It is the easiest option for a first time.

How a traditional hammam works

In a spa, a hammam ritual usually lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour. The steps are almost always the same:

1. The heat. You settle into the hot room, on a marble or tadelakt bench, for about ten minutes.
2. Black soap. Black soap, a paste made with olive oil, is applied and left on the skin for a few minutes.
3. The kessa glove scrub. This is the best-known moment: the rough glove removes dead skin. It feels intense but should never hurt.
4. Rhassoul. This Moroccan clay, sometimes mixed with rose water, is applied as a mask on the body or hair.
5. Rinsing and rest. After a final rinse, you relax in a quiet room, often with a mint tea.

Many spas then offer a massage. The hammam prepares the skin and muscles very well: it is the best time to enjoy one.

What to wear and what to bring

• In a spa, almost everything is provided: bathrobe, towels, slippers and sometimes disposable underwear. Just bring a swimsuit if you prefer to keep one on.
• In a neighbourhood hammam, bring black soap, a kessa glove, a towel, slippers and a change of underwear.
• Take off your jewellery and avoid wearing make-up before the session.

Our tips for a first time

• Drink water before and after: the heat makes you sweat a lot.
• Avoid the hammam right after a heavy meal or a long time in the sun.
• Speak up if the scrub is too strong or the heat bothers you: the staff will adapt the treatment.
• Ask for advice if you are pregnant, have blood pressure problems or sensitive skin.
• Book ahead, especially at weekends and for treatments for two.

Where to try your first hammam in Marrakech

For a first experience, choose a spa that offers a traditional hammam with full care. In the medina, several places in our guide are a great choice:

• Les Bains de l’Alhambra, in the Kasbah, offers eight hammam rituals, from the Discovery Hammam at 180 MAD to the Alhambra Ritual at 450 MAD.
• Les Bains de Marrakech, near Bab Agnaou, lets you combine 1 to 4 treatments, with double treatment rooms.
• Click Spa Marrakech, in a riad near Bab Aghmat, offers private marble hammams and ghassoul scrubs.
• Les Bains du Lotus, in an Art Deco riad in the medina, for a two- to three-hour break.

Prices are given as an indication only: always confirm services and prices directly with the venue before your visit.