Text by Sara Wilde
Amid the chaos of Marrakesh’s vibrant medinas, a hidden sanctuary awaits – a place where time slows, senses awaken, and the weight of the world lifts with each breath. The hammam, Morocco’s traditional steam bath, is more than just a space for cleansing; it is an ancient ritual of renewal that has been practiced for centuries. Stepping inside, the city’s noise and bustle become a distant memory. Here, beneath the domed ceilings, the past and present collide in a ritual as old as the city itself, offering not just purification for the body, but a restoration of the spirit.
A Ritual Rooted in History
The Moroccan hammam traces its origins to Roman thermae, public bathhouses that combined hygiene and socialization. As the Roman Empire expanded, this bathing culture merged with Islamic purification traditions. Under Ottoman rule, the hammam evolved into the iconic bathhouses seen across North Africa today.
In Morocco, the hammam became central to daily life, especially in homes without private bathrooms. It was a weekly necessity and a social hub where women gathered to share news, celebrate milestones, and prepare brides for marriage. Men also used the hammam for relaxation and camaraderie. Today, public hammams remain essential, with luxury versions catering to visitors seeking indulgence.
The Ritual
The hammam experience is not rushed. It unfolds in stages, each one designed to strip away tension as much as dead skin. First, on stone ‘beds’, the steam softens the body, drawing out impurities while preparing the muscles for relaxation. Black soap (also known as Beldi soap), made from olives, is applied, and the steam allows it to sink deeply into the skin, providing moisture while dislodging dead cells.
Then comes the exfoliation—a vigorous eucalyptus scrubbing with a Kessa glove that sloughs away layers of skin, revealing a renewed surface beneath. Unlike a delicate spa treatment, this is an act of renewal—grounding, invigorating, and deeply cleansing. Warm water is then poured over the body, removing any remaining soap and scrub.
Hair is lathered and rinsed with orange blossom shampoo, an often-overlooked moment of care that adds to the nurturing nature of the ritual. Then, in a quieter space, rich Argan oil is massaged into the skin, its warmth absorbing deeply to restore moisture and elasticity. Lavender, rose, and verbena are often blended into these oils, their natural fragrances heightening the senses and adding to the overall indulgence. Sensual and spiritual pleasure is enhanced in this environment, where the body is softened and the mind freed from distraction. By the end, the body feels lighter, the mind clearer.
Beyond the Surface
The benefits of the hammam go far beyond the skin. The heat stimulates circulation, improving oxygen flow and easing muscle tension. The steam opens pores, allowing for deep detoxification, while exfoliation promotes cell regeneration, leaving the skin visibly brighter and softer. The use of natural oils—particularly argan, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids—provides intense hydration, nourishing the skin at a deeper level.
But beyond the physical effects, the hammam offers a rare kind of mental stillness. The combination of heat, water, and rhythmic cleansing creates a meditative state, helping to lower stress and promote relaxation. In a city as intense and intoxicating as Marrakesh, the hammam is not just a retreat; it is a necessary counterbalance—a ritual that strips away the weight of the world, leaving you with nothing but stillness and renewal.
