A Hammam Spa Experience in Marrakech

This is my only experience of a Moroccan hammam spa, so this isn’t a recommendation as such, however I will walk you through the treatment I chose (and very much enjoyed) during my stay in Marrakech…

Many hammam spas require you to book in advance, but not all. If this is your preference, there are plenty to choose from with excellent reviews, to help you to decide before your visit. However, if like me you prefer a bit more flexibility in your trip plans, then Hammam De La Rose may suit your needs well. For reference, we were travelling to Marrakech in mid-February and visited this spa on a Tuesday, in the early afternoon. So, there are likely to be busier times, although the point still stands that you don’t need to pre-book for an incredible(!) hammam experience.

The reason I chose this particular place was simply based on an interaction with someone I got chatting to on the street outside while passing by (who wasn’t a salesperson for the place, or if they were, they clearly saw me coming…). They told me that they had been to this one and another one in Marrakech previously, but preferred it here, emphasising the low lighting at Hammam De La Rose. This point alone was enough to sway me, as I think low lighting is absolutely essential for ambience in a wellness setting, and find it surprising if this is overlooked.

I opted for the Hammam Berber massage. Pre-treatment I was supplied with slippers, a robe and paper underwear, before being guided up a candle lit staircase (hello low lighting) and greeted by my massage therapist at the entrance to a heated chamber, with a water feature as its focal point in the centre.

Then, for 45 minutes (although it seemed so much longer in the best way), I was treated to pure bliss as the massage therapist expertly rotated through a range of selected lotions, rubs and oils, including an exfoliating scrub and a henna mask. Between products, I was left alone for some time while my body absorbed its magic and my mind rested, which was the epitome of an oasis of calm away from the busy souks.

For removing the products, bowls of warm water were collected from the centre of the room and gently poured over me as though I was royalty (or, a baby). I had my hair caressed* with caramel scented shampoo and conditioner, which was also unbelievably soothing and felt like I had wandered into a majestic waterfall scene for Herbal Essences. While the conditioner set on my hair, I was rubbed in another body lotion, before being guided to the shower within the same chamber and massaged with two more lotions for my body, and then another for my face. I did not know which way was up or down by this point, time was a mere illusion. Once that was all washed away, I was covered in a final oil, wrapped in my robe with the hood pulled over my head and collected by another therapist, who guided me up a second candle lit staircase.

At the top of those stairs was a ‘silent room’, where I was handed Moroccan tea, a heart-shaped argan oil biscuit and water to enjoy while lounging on the scatter-back cushioned sofas that lined the space. Bright blue sky was visible through the windows above and the sun beamed down while therapeutic spa music chimed all around.

I laid back softening into the energetic goodness of it all until I was ready to head back downstairs to change, completely unhurried by any of the gracious, warm and welcoming women working at Hammam De La Rose.

 *the word washed felt too much of an understatement here