The Hamam Experience

A hammam is a traditional Moroccan public bathhouse (similar to a Turkish bath) and the word translates as “that which spreads the heat.” Moroccan hammams can be traced back to 600AD. With their roots in Greek and Roman baths, the Prophet Mohammed promoted their use as he believed that they were both healing and rejuvenating. Today, as a purification process and opportunity for reflection and tranquillity, they are a very important part of Islamic life in Morocco. Infact, hammams are often connected to mosques. Your body is washed with a mitt made of goat’s pelt and black soap, which is a paste made from olive and eucalyptus oils. Then, after a cold rinse, Ghassoul is applied. Ghassoul is volcanic clay from the Atlas Mountains. This process aids drainage of the lymphatic system, exfoliates and opens skin pores, aids respiration and eases muscular pain. Hammams are social affairs and are also incredibly relaxing and de-stressing and it is almost impossible not to fall asleep straight after one. Men and women use the public hammams at different times of the day and there are many where tourists are welcomed. Alternatively many hotels and riads offer a more luxurious version and there are also several riads that have their own hammams in the suites.