How to Experience a Moroccan Hammam
If you are going to go to Morocco, a hammam is a unique way to experience a part of the culture. Allowing you to participate in a tradition dating back centuries ago. A hammam is a public bathhouse, where you can come use the hot rooms to sweat and detox. Use the warm water to rinse off and get a scrubbing to exfoliate your skin. This is a great way to experience the local culture and hopefully leave feeling refreshed.
What to Expect
The first room you will be brought to will be the room you will change out of your clothes and depending on the Hammam they may or may not lock up your belongings and give you a key to the locker. The next room will be the room where you will rinse off using the scoop and bucket method. After rinsing off you will be brought to a bigger room that will be very warm. This is where you will be rubbed down with the Aragon oil and get scrubbed down with the kese (a coarse exfoliating glove). In the final steps, you will rinse off again and they will wash your hair.
Most hammams will have another room with a hotter temperature, like a sauna, where you can sit and sweat it out. The hammam I went to only had the two rooms, one to get scrubbed and the other to rinse off in.
After rinsing off you will dry off, change back into your clothes, and you will have officially experienced a Moroccan Hammam! Overall the experience takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
On a side note, if the idea of it being public terrifies you, a lot of luxury hotels will offer a private spa treatment.
What to Bring
- Kese (exfoliating glove/cloth)
- Aragon Oil
- Mat
- Bucket with scoop
- other toiletries (shampoo, soap)
- cash to pay
You can bring none of these items (besides the cash) and the Hammam will provide everything you may need. I would recommend bringing your own scrub brush, if you are going a more local route. One was provided for me by the Hammam I went to, but I am not sure I was the first owner if you know what I mean. You can find any of these items at most of the markets.
Cost
The cost of a hammam can vary depending on the facility you choose. Therefore, a hammam can cost you anywhere from $2.50 – $15.00
*please remember to tip the person that scrubs you
How to Find A Hammam
Google maps is a great way to find one close to you, make sure to read recent reviews, because in my case I went to a hammam I found on GoogleMaps only to find out it closed several years back. I could have avoided this if I had looked at the reviews and seen that the most recent one was two years ago. Please learn from my mistake.
Also, you can ask the hotel receptionist if they know of one they would recommend, or you can walk around like I did, till you find one.
To conclude, when it comes to a Moroccan Hammam you can go really nice or go really budget friendly. Whichever one you choose will be an experience you will not forget. If you have any questions feel free to reach out!
