A hammam spa is a type of steam room that originated in the Middle East and is now found in many parts of the world. It is a public steam room where people can come together to relax and bathe. The hammam ritual involves several steps aimed at cleansing and relaxing the body, which many modern-day hammams still utilize. Hammam treatments use hot steam to encourage a deep and invigorating cleanse, rather than using thermal waters. Hammam treatments are a treat for the mind, body, and skin, and can range in time from 15-50 minutes. Hammam treatments include full-body scrubs or exfoliations, facials, foot treatments, massages, and other skin care treatments.
In a traditional hammam, privacy was discarded in favor of efficiency and cost, although there were separate rooms available for men and women. However, modern hammams often offer more privacy and luxury. Hammam treatments are generally not done in private areas, but neither men nor women are scrubbed in any of their private areas.
If you are planning to visit a hammam spa for the first time, it is important to be aware of the etiquette and customs. Going to any old hammam on the street in Morocco, for example, can be a challenging experience, as it is not like a luxury hotel or spa in North America where you can ask questions and they walk you through with kid gloves. However, following some tips can help you be ready to enjoy an authentic hammam experience.
