My Moroccan Hammam Experience

My Moroccan Hammam Experience

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P.S. For those who prefer listening over reading, I've added an audio version of this blog post. (Disclaimer: It's not my voice, but it's a pretty good one.)

2024 was a rollercoaster, guys. A lot happened (which I won't bore you with!), but let's just say that by the time I finally booked that long-awaited holiday, I was in desperate need of some serious time off. Moving to the UK in 2022 had been a whirlwind, and between settling in and adulting, travel—my usual go-to for a mental reset—had been sadly neglected.

But at the end of 2024, I finally made it happen! And while the whole trip was amazing, there was one experience that truly stood out: the Moroccan hammam bath.

For those who don't know (I certainly didn't! ), a hammam is basically a traditional public bathhouse. It's a deeply ingrained part of Moroccan culture and so much more than just a place to get clean. It's a social gathering spot, a ritual, and a truly unique experience.

So, picture this: I walk into this beautiful, tiled space, and I'm immediately handed disposable underwear and ushered into a steamy haven. There were separate chambers for different treatments, and as I entered the first one, I was greeted by a scene that will forever be etched in my memory. Women of all ages, shapes, and sizes, completely comfortable in their own skin, were laughing, chatting, and enjoying this communal bathing ritual. They were scrubbing each other's backs, applying clay masks, and just...being. It was a beautiful display of female camaraderie, and it made me wonder why we don't have anything like this back home!

(Sadly, no pictures were allowed—for obvious reasons!—but I've added a few images I found on Pinterest below to give you an idea of the space.)

As a woman of colour, this whole experience resonated with me on a deeper level. Growing up, my mum had this weekly ritual of scrubbing me down, oiling me up, and giving me a head massage. As a kid, I hated it. No mercy with that scrubbing, haha! But being in that hammam, with these amazing Moroccan women taking care of me, brought me right back. It was like being a kid again, but in the best way possible. Someone was taking care of me, pampering me...and as an adult, that feeling is pure gold.

Seeing all these women, of all ages and backgrounds, just relaxing and enjoying themselves together was eye-opening. They were scrubbing each other's backs, applying clay masks, laughing and chatting. It made me wonder, would I ever feel comfortable doing this with my own female friends and family?

Where I come from, there's a certain...hierarchy in our relationships. Being naked in front of your mother or elder sister is almost seen as disrespectful. It's something I've always found a bit absurd, but it's deeply ingrained in our culture. The hammam made me question those norms and imagine a different way of connecting with the women in my life. Maybe one day, I'll even be brave enough to suggest a hammam trip with my mum and sister! Who knows?"

Emerging from the hammam, I felt like a brand-new woman. Not only was my skin glowing and baby-soft (seriously, I couldn't stop touching it!), but I felt lighter, somehow. All that scrubbing hadn't just cleansed my skin; it felt like it had scrubbed away the stress and worries that had been weighing me down. My soul felt like a kid again, carefree and joyful.

Before stepping back into the world, the lovely ladies wrapped me in a fluffy towel and offered me a glass of their famous mint tea. Sipping that sweet, warm tea, I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy for the women who get to enjoy this ritual regularly. It's more than just a bath; it's an act of self-love, a way to reconnect with yourself and emerge feeling refreshed and empowered.

And let's not forget the fact that men and women have separate hammams. Honestly, that was a huge relief. Being in such a vulnerable state, feeling like a child again, the last thing I needed was to worry about any unwanted male attention. This space was for women, by women, and that made all the difference.

I'm already dreaming of my next trip to Marrakech, and you can bet the hammam will be at the top of my itinerary. This is an experience every woman deserves to have. It's a reminder to slow down, take care of us, and embrace the power of human connection.