A Beginner's Guide to Moroccan Bath

Moroccan Bath is a centuries-old tradition that’s been practiced in the country for generations. It’s more than a simple spa treatment or a quick shower—it’s a spiritual experience that purifies both the mind and body. And while many people have heard about the cleansing and rejuvenating benefits of this ancient bathhouse ritual, a trip to a hammam can be a little intimidating for first-timers. That’s why we created this guide to help you get acquainted with the traditional bathhouse and its soul-soothing practices. From what to expect to what to bring, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Moroccan Bath so you can have a relaxing and enjoyable experience!

Moroccan bath, also known as a hammam, is not to be confused with a thermal spa. Instead of thermal waters, a hammam uses hot steam to encourage a deep cleanse and exfoliation. The steamed skin is then scrubbed with a special textured glove called a kessa to remove dead skin and impurities. Finally, rhassoul clay is used to soak up any remaining oils and leave the skin feeling incredibly clean and nourished.

While a trip to the hammam may sound intimidating, the entire experience is actually very relaxing and rejuvenating. Regular visits to the hammam can help reduce stress, lower cortisol levels and unclench tight muscles. The scrubbing and exfoliating of the skin also supports healthy blood circulation, which is especially important for athletes and those who engage in high-intensity workouts.

The entire process takes place in a hammam that’s typically divided into three or four rooms. Traditionally, these large bathhouses were located near mosques so people could cleanse both the body and the حمام مغربي soul before praying. Today, hammams are found all over Morocco and are available for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

There are both public and private hammams, with the latter offering a more luxurious and exclusive experience. While both experiences offer the same cleansing and exfoliation services, the difference is that with a private hammam you can expect to receive a massage as part of your visit as well.

If you decide to head to a public hammam, it’s good to be prepared with the basics: a towel, a small bucket, black soap (usually made of olive oil and eucalyptus leaves) and a kessa. Some hammams will provide these supplies for you, while others will require you to bring your own. If you’re not accustomed to going fully nude, make sure you come dressed in a swimsuit or bikini bottoms and a towel to wrap around your waist.

The first step of a hammam experience is sitting in the steam room for 10 to 20 minutes, which helps to open your pores and prepare the skin for the exfoliation. Once you’re ready, a professional will begin to apply the black soap all over your body and then rub it into the skin using a kessa. After the black soap has had some time to work, a professional will then rinse you off and scrub away the loose and dead skin with the kessa, leaving your skin feeling smooth and supple.