Let Off Some Steam In A Traditional Hammam

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A wonderful way to truly immerse oneself into the traditions and cultures of Morroco is to visit a hammam. Hammams have existed for thousands of years. Descended from Roman baths and modeled after Turkish baths, hammams were originally utilized by Moroccans whose homes lacked indoor plumbing. The hammam is still used today for a feeling of well being or as a treatment for certain medical conditions, however the main focus is on relaxation and social contact.

Hammams are common in many parts of the world and each culture has a slight variation on the theme. A Moroccan hammam involves the combination of bathing, the use of aromatic and essential oils, clays and other preparations and abrasive exfoliation. This process of rinsing, exfoliating and cleansing leave the skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated and the body detoxified and invigorated. The hammam normally consists of several rooms centered on large cisterns with flowing fountains.

The water is heated by a large wood-burning fire in the center of the domed building. As one ventures deeper into the hammam towards the wood fire, the water, fountains, stone walls and floor get progressively hotter. Buckets are provided to collect water from the hot and cold fountains. The water and steam soften the skin and, after rinsing and cleansing, the Hamami, or attendant, sets to work on vigorously scrubbing and exfoliating. The resulting effect is a glowing, radiant skin and an incredible feeling of well being. Men and women take their hammam separately either in different rooms or at separate times of day.