The Hammam handbook: a deep dive into the ancient ritual

From Roman roots to the modern-day medina, This Time Tomorrow explores how the Moroccan hammam remains a sacred sanctuary for purification, community and relaxation

Marrakech is a riot of the senses. From the street performers of Jemaa el-Fnaa to the sights and smells of the medina, the Red City can be a lot to take in. Luckily, a traditional Moroccan hammam offers a fine retreat away from all the colour-drenched chaos the city has to offer. Amid cool, tadelakt-lined halls of a traditional Moroccan hammam, the air grows heavy with the scent of eucalyptus and orange blossom as the light cuts through the mist in celestial beams; steamy sanctuaries that have served as the social and spiritual heartbeat of Marrakech since the 7th century.

Inspired by Roman thermae, then adapted to serve Islamic tenets of physical and spiritual purity. Historically, they were essential for sanitation in homes without private plumbing and provided a crucial social space for people to connect and socialise. Today, the ritual prevails not just as a relic of the past, but a modern spa ritual. As the world moves faster than ever, the hammam remains a timeless bridge between the physical and the divine — a place where the dust of the medina can be shed, and the soul is given space to resurface.

The Preparation: Sabon Beldi

Every hammam begins with the application of Sabon Beldi — a thick, buttery soap made from macerated olives and potash. Unlike standard soaps, it is designed to sit on the skin rather than lather, softening the surface with its high Vitamin E content to prepare the body for deep exfoliation. This ‘black soap’ creates a chemical reaction with the skin, softening the top layer of the epidermis in preparation for the scrub.

The Transformation: The Kessa & The Gommage

The core of the ritual is the exfoliation. Using a Kessa — a traditional sand-textured glove — the skin is vigorously scrubbed in long, firm strokes. As the dead skin rolls away, circulation is stimulated, and the lymphatic system is kickstarted. Philosophically, the Gommage represents a shedding of the old self to make room for the new.

The Purification: Ghassoul & Rose Water

To complete the ritual, the body is enveloped in Ghassoul — a mineral-rich clay mined exclusively from the Atlas Mountains. Unlike standard mud masks, Ghassoul (derived from the Arabic word ghassala, meaning ‘to wash’) possesses a unique ability to exchange its minerals for the skin’s toxins. When mixed with organic Damask rose water, it calms the heat of the scrub and leaves the skin with a silk-like finish that lasts for days.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR MOROCCAN HAMMAM EXPERIENCE

• For a deep dive into tradition, visit the historic Hammam Mouassine (built in the 16th century) for an authentic experience where the architecture is as powerful as the scrub.
• Historically, Hammams were built near mosques because physical purity is a prerequisite for prayer. Moroccan tradition adds a layer of mysticism: it is said the steam purges the body of bas (ill fortune), replacing heavy energy with clarity. The ritual concludes with a final bucket of cool water — a douse that is believed to seal the spirit and the skin simultaneously, protecting the bather before they step back into the world.
• The best time for a Hammam is at sunset. Your pores stay open for hours afterward, and as the desert air cools, the skin absorbs the evening moisture far better than in the midday heat.

For a fresh, post-hammam glow, opt for a glass of hot mint tea with a sprig of ‘Sheeba’ (wormwood) to balance the body’s internal temperature.

GO DEEPER WITH THIS TIME TOMORROW

As a guest of This Time Tomorrow, the Hammam is yours to explore with unparalleled privacy. Plus, you’ll find a curated ‘hammam kit’ waiting in your suite’s private bathroom, featuring mineral-rich black soap and bath salts for a mid-stay refresh.

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