The Hammam, the art of Moroccan relaxation

The origin of these hot baths, which give off humid steam, comes from Roman and Greek terms. In Marrakech, everyone goes to the hammams, but men and women must not mix in the traditional public baths. Mixed baths are not permitted in the so-called "neighbourhood" hammams. The hammam plays an important role in the Islamic religion in the same way as the mosque or the souk. It is above all a place of exchange and spiritual retreat. It refers not only to the place but also to the treatments you receive there.

It's also the perfect place to give your skin a makeover. The baths are made up of different rooms of varying temperatures to prepare the skin and open the pores before receiving treatments. Steam is necessary to detoxify and activate blood circulation. We are then treated with black soap, a mixture of olive oil and vegetable soda. The skin is then energetically exfoliated to remove all impurities and dead skin cells. Then the massage session can begin: for an hour, someone comes to moisturise your skin with argan oil and massage you from head to toe. Benefits guaranteed. Your body is purified and relaxed. You'll leave feeling totally transformed!

Public hammam: an authentic experience

Before choosing your hammam, it's important to distinguish between the traditional hammam and the more flexible private hammam. Public baths offering mixed bathing are very rare in Marrakech. However, they reflect the local culture and offer unbeatable prices. Despite the tourist numbers, some baths are still little-known and frequented exclusively by the local population. On some days, the baths are open only to women and on others only to men. It's best to check times and accessibility before you go. This is the perfect way to enjoy the experience like a Moroccan.

Hammam Mouassine, the oldest in the city

The Hammam Mouassine contributes to the preservation of Marrakech's cultural heritage. It is one of the very first public hammams in Marrakech. It was built in the 16th century. The interior of the building has undergone a number of renovations necessary for its preservation, but the place remains authentic and is one of the best addresses recommended by the locals. A total immersion in Moroccan life, between zen and zouine (pretty).

📍 Address: rue Sidi el Yamani, Marrakech

👛 Rates:

• Beldi package: access to the hammam room with black soap scrub treatment + Rhassoul body wrap for €15 (150 DH).
• Relaxation package: Hammam with black soap scrub, Rhassoul wrap + henna for €20 (200 dhs)
• Clay wrap (white or green) €10 (100 dhs)
• Clay facial (white or green) €5 (50 dhs)

⏰Opening hours: daily from 9am to 10pm

Hammam Essalama, Marrakech's most secret hammam

Still little known to tourists, this confidential hammam is frequented exclusively by locals. The decor is a clever mix of traditional furniture and more contemporary touches. Several packages are available at very reasonable prices. We recommend that you try the body scrub, a chance to revitalise yourself in this charming place.

📍 Address: boulevard Prince Moulay Abdellah, Marrakech

👛 Price: €9

⏰Opening hours: 9am-10pm

The traditional hammam is attracting more and more people, particularly a new clientele travelling to Morocco. Some establishments have adapted to the demands of their customers, offering services that reproduce the environment of the public hammam, but allowing mixed company. Travellers wishing to discover the ancestral baths and Moroccan massage techniques can do so as a duo, as a family or solo.

Les Bains de Marrakech

This private space has existed since 2002 and combines all the codes of the traditional hammams in a better way. The professional staff are trained in cutting-edge massage techniques. A bubble of well-being in an intimate setting.

📍 Address: Bab Agnaou, 2 Derb Sedra, Marrakech

👛 Price: €45

⏰ Opening hours: 10am-7pm

Le Bain Bleu

This temple to relaxation is located in the Medina. Comprising a hammam, massage room and beauty salon, the experience could end here but it would be exceptional. But the house also boasts a splendid solarium planted with trees and a bar/restaurant. All lulled by the scent of verbena and orange blossom.

📍 Address: 35 Derb Chorfa Lekbir, Mouassine - Médina, Marrakech

👛 Price (from): €20

⏰Opening hours: 10h-19h

For an atypical experience, there's a place in Marrakech that combines hammam and gastronomy. Located close to the Palais de la Bahia, the Rosa Bonheur welcomes its customers with a mint tea in a traditional, romantic setting with no frills. Duo treatments are also available. We recommend extending the experience with a delicious Moroccan meal on one of the beautiful sunny terraces.

⭐ Riad Alma Mouassine

Just a few steps from the Mouassine public baths and the Haddadine souk, this riad is ideally located in the Medina of Marrakech and offers pretty rooms finely decorated in a traditional Moroccan style.