Awash in Relaxation: The Hammams of Morocco

Magnificent Morocco. I spent a week traversing remarkably diverse terrain, from coastlines to deserts, vibrant cities to soaring mountains. This was my first time visiting this country that rounds out the northwestern corner of the African continent. Here the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean, and Europe and Africa are separated by only 8 mi (13 km) of water.

I arrived in Morrocco ready to embrace its unique and varied adventures head-on. I rode atop a camel and raced through rocky hills on an ATV. My skin felt the spray of the salty sea, the blowing desert sand, and the roaring spring sun. I climbed towers, dodged motorcycles in narrow streets, hauled market treasures, and tasted dazzling flavours.

I relish being a weary traveler. My Apple Watch validated my tired eyes and sore feet, tracking nearly 90,000 steps in my first five days. These are the signs of a well-travelled trip. These signs also pointed me straight to a hammam, Morocco’s most quintessential wellness experience.

Hammams are bathhouses, and they come in many varieties. A traditional hammam is steeped in Islamic culture, emphasizing purification, especially before prayer. It is also a community space for locals to congregate and socialize during communal bathing.

I recommend visiting those that cater to tourists, which offer more private, spa-like settings. Many hammams are hidden within the winding lanes of souks. Many resorts and riads integrate them into their spas. Each one is an oasis to behold.

While in Marrakech, I visited my very first hammam, greeted by humid air, the sound of splashing water, and a sense of calm trickling over me. The modest entrance belied the interior’s opulent decor. Intricate mosaics, soaring arched ceilings, and elaborate woodwork adorned the space. I was guided to a small sauna-like room where I laid on a stone slab while my attendant got to work. Savon noir. “Black soap,” I recalled with my limited French. This vitamin-rich paste, made from olives, was scrubbed head-to-toe with exfoliating gloves. The tingling of eucalyptus oil built as the scrubbing became more vigorous. Cups of water were splashed over me in soothing intermissions. I rotated, stood up, turned around, and posed like a statue to ensure every inch of my fatigue was washed away.

Thoroughly reinvigorated, I was ready for the relaxing stage of my treatment. A tray of jars was presented to me, their exotic fragrances wafting through the steam—sandalwood, amber, rose, and my pick, orange blossom. The scent’s calming properties are infused in argan oil, Morocco’s world-famous cosmetic export. After almost half an hour of scrubbing and splashing, a typical hammam experience is rounded out with a 10-minute massage. I opted for a full massage, moving to a treatment room and giving me a full hour to enjoy the oil hydrating my thirsty skin.

Finally, I retreated to the lounge awash in tranquility. I stared at the ornate geometry etched into the stone ceiling, my mind free to contemplate the immeasurable beauty I had experienced in the past week. I recalled waves lapping on rocky coastlines, waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs, and deep wells nourishing desert villages. Morocco has indeed quenched my thirst for adventure. Now for a cup of mint tea.

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