The hammam, or steam bath, is an essential part of Moroccan life. For centuries, people have gone to the hammam not only to get clean, but also to relax and meet friends. For visitors, a hammam is one of the most authentic and relaxing experiences you can have in Morocco, and the perfect way to recover after days in the sun and sea.
If it is your first time, here is what to expect.
What is a hammam?
A hammam is a set of warm, humid rooms, usually decorated with tiles or tadelakt plaster. The heat and steam open your pores and soften your skin. Then comes the most important part: a vigorous scrub that removes dead skin, followed by rinsing with warm water. Many hammams also offer a massage afterwards.
Public hammam or spa hammam?
Public hammams
Every Moroccan neighbourhood has a public hammam, used by local families. They are simple, inexpensive and full of local life. Men and women use separate sections or separate times. You usually bring your own products, and you can pay an attendant to scrub you. It is a very authentic experience, but it can feel intimidating if you do not know the routine.
Spa hammams
Spa or traditional “tourist” hammams offer a private, guided experience in a calm setting, with a therapist who takes care of everything. Products, towels and slippers are usually provided. This is the easiest choice for a first visit.
Step by step: a typical hammam ritual
- Welcome: you are usually offered mint or herbal tea and shown where to change.
- Warming up: you relax in the warm steam room for a few minutes to let your skin soften.
- Black soap: the therapist applies savon beldi, a traditional black soap made with olive oil, and leaves it on for a few minutes.
- The scrub (gommage): using a rough glove called a kessa, the therapist scrubs your whole body. You will be surprised by how much dead skin comes off.
- Rinsing: buckets of warm water rinse everything away.
- Clay or mask: some hammams apply rhassoul, a mineral clay from the Atlas mountains, on the skin or hair.
- Massage: many packages finish with a massage using argan oil, which leaves your skin soft and nourished.
What to wear
In spa hammams, you are usually given disposable underwear, or you can wear your own swimwear bottoms. In public hammams, people wear underwear or swimwear. Full nudity is not common. Bring a change of underwear for afterwards.
Tips for your first hammam
- Do not go straight after sunbathing if you have sunburn: the scrub will be uncomfortable.
- Avoid a hammam right after a heavy meal.
- Drink water before and after.
- Tell your therapist if the scrub or massage is too strong.
- Tell us before booking if you are pregnant or have a health condition such as heart problems or high blood pressure, as heat may not be suitable.
- Plan a relaxed evening afterwards: you will feel wonderfully sleepy.
What is argan oil?
Argan oil is produced from the nuts of the argan tree, which grows almost only in south-west Morocco, especially around Agadir and Essaouira. Cosmetic argan oil is valued for skin and hair, while toasted argan oil is used in cooking. Much of it is produced by women’s cooperatives, which are an important source of income in rural areas.
Book a hammam in Agadir
Our authentic hammam and argan oil massage includes return transport from your hotel in Agadir, a one-hour hammam with scrub, a one-hour argan oil massage, towels, slippers and herbal tea. It is a lovely way to end a day of excursions, or to start a relaxing holiday.
For more ideas, see our list of the best things to do in Agadir.
