How To Use the Moroccan Hammam

Maybe you’ve heard of it, and maybe you’re wondering, what is a hammam? The Moroccan hammam is one of the most widely loved and yet puzzling experiences for people who have never visited Morocco nor had the opportunity to try a hammam. Many “must do in Morocco” lists include taking a hammam, but just what does that mean and why is it such a revered tradition?

It’s hard to imagine, but not so long ago, it was very uncommon for people to have their own shower or bath in their homes. I can remember my grandparents telling stories about taking a bath in a metal tub once a week. Water, and especially hot water, was a precious commodity before the era of hot water heaters. In Morocco, a practical solution was created to get around this difficulty: the hammam.

Today, you’ll find a wide range of hammams in Moroccan cities. The most traditional variety are found in neighborhoods everywhere. You also will find luxury hammams in major cities. A third variety are a step up from traditional hammams but more affordable than luxury style. Depending on which you will visit, your experience will vary.

Visiting a Luxury Hammam

If you opt for a more upscale hammam, your experience will be similar to that of a spa. While each is slightly different, you’ll be asked to undress (leave on your underwear) and given a robe. You’ll be escorted to a warm/hot room and asked to sit and relax. Next, savon beldi, a traditional Moroccan black soap made from olive oil, is used and rubbed all over, then rinsed off.

As a first-timer in a hammam, expect an intimate and communal bathing experience unlike any you’ve had before. A local attendant will guide you through the process. The experience can be both invigorating and slightly intense, as the exfoliation is thorough and the atmosphere is steamy. Ultimately, you’ll leave feeling deeply cleansed and relaxed, having gained insight into a cherished Moroccan ritual.

Now comes the interesting part.

Using a kess, an exfoliating hand mitt, a woman will scrub your entire body. Yes, it may feel rough, but this is what removes the dead skin. If it’s too hard, let her know! Bshwiya means slow down or soften up. You may be asked to turn over, move around, or lay down. Once she’s satisfied, she’ll either continue bathing you by washing off with your soap, shampooing, and rinsing your hair, or she’ll leave you to do this alone. The entire process takes 30-45 minutes.

Incorporating argan oil and prickly pear oil into your Moroccan hammam routine can elevate your experience to new levels of luxury and nourishment. After your thorough scrub with the kess, apply a few drops of argan oil to your damp skin for deep hydration and a radiant glow. Follow this by massaging prickly pear oil onto your face to benefit from its anti-aging properties and rich vitamin content. These oils are not only fantastic for your skincare routine but also make for top souvenirs to take home from Morocco.

Argan oil and prickly pear oil not only moisturize but also help to soothe and repair the skin, making them perfect post-exfoliation treatments. To complete your routine, you can also use a small amount of argan oil in your hair to condition and add shine, ensuring you leave the hammam feeling rejuvenated from head to toe.

Visiting a Neighborhood Hammam

What you’ll need to bring:

• A full change of clothing
• Savon beldi (a blackish-looking soap made with olive oil)
• A kess
• Your own regular soap and shampoo
• Water bucket and small cup or bucket for scooping water
• A small foldable mat for the floor
• Razor, face wash, and any other toiletries you use when bathing
• A towel and/or robe
• Plastic flip-flops or other shoes that can get wet
• Brush and any other products you use after a bath

Going to a neighborhood hammam is a completely different experience. One of the biggest differences is that the screen of privacy is removed. A local hammam reminds me of a three-part locker room shower house. On entering, you will pay someone, usually a woman at the entrance. If you want to bathe yourself, it’s 10-20 dirhams (depending on the hammam); if you want to be scrubbed, it’s about 50 dirhams.

The next room you enter has long benches. This is where you change your clothing. What do you wear in a hammam? Nothing, or at least very little. Take off everything except your underwear, wrap up in your towel, and wear your flip-flops. You’ll then give your bag of clothing to another woman who monitors the cubbies of belongings. Take with you the items you need for bathing (soap/shampoo, etc.).

You’ll then be greeted by the woman who does the scrubbing. For someone who has never been to a hammam, it may be a shock to discover not only will your attendant also likely be naked aside from underwear, but the hammam is full of other women of all ages in a similar state. Most people are caught off guard as they assume the conservatively dressed women outside would be more guarded. Not so.

Your attendant will bring you into the bathing area and set aside your towel. Once inside, you’ll notice three different rooms. They start with a warm room, then a warmer room, and finally the hottest room. Let her lead the way! Find a spot and get yourself set up. She’ll use your water bucket and possibly others that are there to use.

You’ll want to remember only to use your water buckets. They’re filled by spigots in each room, and that can mean a wait at times if the hammam is busy. Don’t steal someone else’s bucket!

After rinsing off, you start by using savon beldi and rubbing it all over. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, sit back, and relax. Moroccan women go to the hammam as much for a bath as they do to catch up on gossip! When it’s time, your lady will come back and rinse you off.

She’ll ask for your kess and will start scrubbing. This isn’t a delicate procedure! Remember, bshwiya means go softer. You may feel like a toddler again, being flipped over and handled while she ensures you’re cleaned top to bottom. When she’s satisfied, she’ll start rinsing away all the skin that’s been removed.

Then you’re on your own to soap up and rinse off, wash your hair, shave your legs—whatever it is you typically do in the bath. She’ll continue to bring you water to use as needed.

When you’re done, gather up everything and make your way back to the changing room to get dressed. Voila! Expect to spend at least 45 minutes at the hammam, but take your time. Many Moroccan women spend several hours!

Hammams in Morocco are very unique and can be a wonderful way of experiencing local culture. Leave your modesty at the door and let the experience speak for itself. Trust me, you’ve never felt as clean as you will after a hammam!

My Recommended Marrakech Hammams

Here are my top picks for the best hammams in Marrakech that promise relaxation, rejuvenation, and a touch of Moroccan magic.

• Les Bains de Marrakech
• Marajah Hammam
• Heritage Spa
• Spa Royal Mansour
• Spa at the Mandarin Oriental
• Les Bains de Orient

If you’re planning a visit to Marrakech, you won’t want to miss out on experiencing a traditional Moroccan hammam. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat or a more authentic local experience, the city offers a variety of hammams to suit every preference.

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