A bath in Morocco

A hammam was a public steam bath. The original hammams were found in Arabia, and bathing became a central part of Roman life. But Turkey popularized the tradition by making hammams available to people of all statuses and introduced them to Europeans. Bath houses were especially popular in the Ottoman Empire.

These early spas were also found in ancient Greece and remain an important cultural ritual in Japan. It is possible that cultural exchange throughout the Mediterranean helped spread the concept of the hammam across several societies.

The hammam today, however, is not merely housing a giant public bath tub. It is a place for ritual bathing as well as for socializing. In some regions of the Middle East, important events are still celebrated at the local hammam. For example, brides often visit the hammam before their weddings. Private palaces and large homes also historically had hammams for their exclusive use.

The elegant spas we enjoy now are the grand descendants of those public bath houses. In the harried rush of modern life, they are probably even more sought out as refuges to relax, reenergize and temporarily escape outside pressures.

In addition to a menu of massage options, Morocco’s spas offer experiences focused on authentic hammam rituals and treatments in special, uniquely designed relaxation rooms. As part of the hammam, specialized herbal remedies have been created with traditionally cultivated organic plants used by Ouirgane villagers of the region. These organic plants are used in recipes for natural beauty products or for herbal teas that extend the benefits of the treatments. The goal is to promote local natural resources such as olives, argan oil and volcanic clay, while also preserving the environment, culture and traditions of the region.

Some spas present workshops where guests can learn about the therapeutic properties of aromatherapy; or explore the secrets of preparing ghassoul, a mineral only found in the rock strata beneath Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. You can attend a Henna Tattoo workshop and learn how to prepare a henna paste and make your own traditional tattoos.

We can help you add an old-world experience in an intriguing setting to your Morocco vacation.