Wellness tourism continues to be on the rise, but today’s traveler is expecting more than the typical signature 50-minute hotel massage. Instead, travelers are seeking cultural immersion experiences and are looking for authentic, traditional spa treatments and wellness opportunities that tie directly to a destination’s history and culture.
Originated from historic Arabic culture, Hammams have gained popularity around the world as travelers demand more traditional wellness experiences. Moroccan women have held these spiritual and purifying ancient treatments secret for thousands of years due to their healing and relaxation properties. The legendary, 100+ year-old La Mamounia, which is a historic Moroccan entity in itself, has become a leader in the Hammam space, offering travelers a truly authentic experience.
Hammams in Moroccan Culture “The Hammam is a physical and spiritual experience with deep cultural roots in Morocco, dating back centuries to ancient bathing rituals. It enjoys great importance as a communal space that brings people together not only to purify their bodies, but also their spirits. The Hammam has long been considered an essential aspect of the community, promoting hygiene, relaxation, and social interaction, especially at a time when women could not go into public spaces such as cafés and the like.” - Celian Skandrani, Hotel Manager at La Mamounia
The wellness benefits of Moroccan Hammams are endless. Cellular renewal, circulation stimulation, skin regeneration, as well as detoxification and stress relief are just a few of the treatments’ perks. Additionally, Hammams have also been known to foster a sense of community and shared rituals, as people gather together to experience the magic.
La Mamounia’s Hammams For a truly authentic experience, La Mamounia’s spa treatments make use of traditional Moroccan ingredients that can be found either on property or throughout Morocco, such as Moroccan black soap made of plant essences and olive paste - a nod to La Mamounia’s 900-year-old olive trees or neroli and eucalyptus essences from the valleys of the Middle Atlas of Morocco. Additionally, the treatments themselves are historic, and often honor traditional Moroccan culture and wellness practices.
La Mamounia’s Hammam spaces are some of the most beautiful spots in the hotel, featuring traditional Moroccan design elements providing travelers with a real sense of place. Adorned with luxurious marble mosaics and colorful tiles and suited with dim lighting and the relaxing sound of water, the Hammams are peaceful and rejuvenating.
Hammam Rituals to Experience at La Mamounia Signature Moroccan Hammams can be experienced on property, which begin with a moisturizing mixture of Moroccan black soap to prepare the body for deep exfoliation. The use of a Moroccan Kessa glove then cleanses the skin, alongside the healing powers of a Ghassoul body mask, made of neroli and eucalyptus essences. The “Evasion” Hammam combines a Kessa glove with Amber Honey exfoliant followed by an orange infusion shower milk wash. The “Royal” Hammam begins with applying black soap composed of olive oil and beneficial plants, followed by a body cleanse with the Kessa glove and then a body ghassoul mask.
