A hammam (which in arabic means “spreader of warmth”) is a traditional cleansing ritual that many Moroccans take part of once a week.

Think of a hammam as an oversized sauna.  You first enter a warm steam room to let your pores open, followed by a coating of olive oil soap.  Then comes the part that foreigners find freaky….the “gommage”…..this is where all the dead layers of skin are rubbed off with a glove that feels like it is made of super rough sand paper.  You are then covering in a full body clay mask, which is then washed off with ice cold water to close your pores.  The ritual ends with a soothing massage.

Public hammams are available all over Marrakech, but keep in mind you will be in a room with all local women or men and will be scrubbed with a glove that has scrubbed many others before you.

For hygeno-freak americans, a great alternative is the hammam found in Les Jardins de la Koutoubia hotel. It is a hybrid of a western spa and a hammam, but you do get to experience a 100% authentic hammam treatment (and they give you your own glove to keep).  The nice part for couples is that the steam rooms are private and for two, so couples can enjoy the treatment together.

Pictured above is the spa’s pool where you wait to be called for your treatment.  For more info visit their website: lesjardinsdelakoutoubia.com