A visit to a hammam is one of the most memorable things you can do in Marrakech. The hammam is a centuries-old ritual of cleansing and community, practiced by Moroccans every week of their lives.
The experience begins in a warm, steam-filled room that opens your pores. Black soap ("savon noir") is applied — an olive-based paste left on the skin. Next comes exfoliation with a kessa glove, a coarse mitt that sloughs away dead skin. Many hammams finish with a rhassoul clay mask, sometimes followed by an argan oil massage.
Popular hammam vs spa hammam: what's the difference?
The "popular" or neighborhood hammam is where locals go daily — simple, inexpensive, and genuinely authentic; you bring your own supplies. The spa hammam is designed for tourists: a polished setting with scrubbing plus massage bundled into a package, but considerably pricier.
What to bring and know before you go
At a popular hammam, bring your own black soap, kessa glove, towel, and sandals. Moroccan hammams are strictly single-sex, and modesty is expected, with underwear or a swimsuit kept on.
If you're staying at Riad Dar Kawkawa, in Hay Laksour just a 3-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna, several traditional and spa hammams are within easy reach. Feel free to ask our team for recommendations, or reach us at +212 661 13 22 74.