Moroccan Hammam

Posted by Staff in Morocco, Sundays Spa Report

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

Beware of organic abroad

Posted by Staff in Eco Saturdays, Morocco

When traveling in less developed countries, many foods are grown organically. Although the lack of chemicals is great, remember what is used instead…..manure….poop…caca…whatever you want to call it.

When in Djemma el Fna square in Marrakesh, there are tons of carts selling fresh sqeezed orange juice. Although you may think “it has a peel so it should be safe,” you are mistaken.

In Morocco, donkey maneur is used instead of pesticides…..and the oranges are not usually washed well….so when they are sliced to be juiced, you can end up with traces of donkey dung in your juice.

My host in Morocco said that many tourists drink the orange juice and are fine, but many get sick as well. So to avoid only seeing the inside of a restroom in Marrakech….stay away…..unless you are a gambler!

And remember, when traveling always vigorously clean pealed fruit…..even if you only eat what is inside.

Portable architectural marvel

Posted by Staff in Architecture Marvels, Morocco

This weeks’ “Architectural Marvel(s)” are the food stalls of the Djemma El Fna square in the heart of the Marrakech medina.

Every night this barren square is transformed into endless rows of open air restaurants.  These “restaurants” come wheeled in on small carts and somehow magically transform into a full service kitchen, and seating for 20 or more, in less than an hour.  

I consider this phenomenon an architectural marvel because of the ingenuity used to make portable restaurants, and for the fact that these “mobile” restaurants have had long term staying power….this is not just a trend that will disappear….the food stalls are here to stay.

Kasbah Tamadot, Morocco

Posted by Staff in Luxury Monday, Morocco

Hidden in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, an hour outside of Marrakech, you will find the Kasbah Tamadot.

An oasis built by the Virgin mogul Sir Richard Branson (who has to be the coolest billionaire on earth), is an uber-luxurious but still authentic Moroccan experience.

The Kasbah has 18 rooms and 6 berber tents, indoor and outdoor pools, a hammam and beautiful gardens.

Dinner is offered at different locations on the property each night, my favorite location being the rose petal filled courtyard pool.

Rates start at 320€, including breakfast.  Find out more here….