My First Hammam Experience in Marrakesh: Laughter, Surprise & Pure Relaxation

When we plan trips, we often dream about the food we’ll try or the sights we’ll see - but sometimes it’s the unexpected experiences that stay with us forever. 

On my first trip to Marrakesh, I decided I had to try a traditional hammam spa.  I’d read just enough to be curious - steamy rooms, deep scrubs, centuries-old rituals, but not enough to know exactly what I was signing up for. 

After what felt like endless research, I finally found a hammam that offered a couples treatment.  I convinced my husband to come along, promising it would be relaxing and romantic.  (Spoiler: he’s still not sure about the “relaxing” part!) 

Finding this hidden spa turned out to be an adventure all on its own.  We left the busy city behind and ended up on a quiet dirt road outside the city walls. There were no signs - just dusty streets, kids playing soccer, and a few old doors we’d passed at least three times. Just as we were about to give up, a boy asked what we were looking for.  When we told him the name of the hammam (Riad Al Ksar & Spa for those wondering), he pointed at an unmarked door right at the corner - our hidden oasis. 

We knocked, and stepping inside felt like crossing into another world.  The riad was serene and stunning - soft light, tiled walls, a peaceful courtyard. I never would have guessed this beautiful space was hiding behind a plain door surrounded by crumbling walls. 

The owner greeted us in perfect English and showed us to a changing area with lockers, fluffy robes, and slippers.  I had no idea what to expect, so I kept my bikini on (turns out, underwear is required but the everything else must go- something I learned the awkward way). 

We were escorted into the steam room by an attendant who didn’t speak a word of English but communicated everything perfectly through gestures. She took our robes, casually removed my bikini top, and motioned for us to lie down on warm stone benches. 

What came next caught us completely off guard - buckets of super hot water thrown on us with zero warning.  My husband let out a yelp that echoed through the steam, which made me laugh so hard I barely noticed when it was my turn.  Back and forth she went - hot water, then a thick lather of black soap, then an intense scrub with what felt (to my husband, at least) like a steel wool pad.  I’ll admit, it was rougher than your average spa scrub, but my skin has never felt smoother. 

Black Soap (Beldi) with a Kessa Scrub (AI)

 After a mud wrap and a bit of blissful steam time, the buckets returned - more hot water splashing away every last bit of scrub and stress.  She washed our hair, massaged Moroccan oil through it, wrapped us in robes and towels, and guided us to our massage room where two more wonderful attendants gave us one of the most relaxing massages we’ve ever had. To top it all off, we ended our hammam adventure with sweet mint tea in the tranquil courtyard.  It felt like we’d stumbled on a secret - this warm, ancient ritual hidden behind a simple wooden door on a dusty street. 

The best part?  This incredible two-hour and forty five minute experience for both of us cost less than a single massage back home in Canada. 

So, if you ever find yourself in Marrakesh and wonder whether you should try a hammam: do it. Go with an open mind (and maybe leave your modesty at the door).  You’ll laugh, relax, and feel reborn - exactly how travel should feel.