MASSAGE
It’s a good idea to book an argan oil massage as a follow-up to the
hammam. (Argan oil comes from the fruit of the argan tree, which grows only in Morocco. It used to be harvested from the droppings of the goats that climb the tree to eat the fruit; thankfully, these days it tends to be picked off the tree.) Beforehand, you’ll be asked which essential oils you’d prefer, and invited to sample from the choices on offer: these typically include patchouli, orange, rose, and verbena.
The massage rooms are lit with only a few candles, and soft music plays. Off comes the robe again, and as you lie on the massage table and get all your muscle tissues slowly reinvigorated, any stress related to taking an hour to get out of the medina, or overpaying for a teapot, will fade very quickly away.
FIVE OF THE BEST SPA HAMMAMS IN MARRAKESH
Here is our pick of luxury hammams that are perfect for winding down after a hectic day in the red city:
Heritage Spa: very luxurious, with a bewildering range of treatments including three hammam variations and six types of massage. Also specialises in face care.
Spa MK: a highly regarded private hammam in one of Marrakesh’s most exclusive boutique riads. The "Evening Pampering Package" includes hammam, massage and a five-course tasting menu at Gastro MK.
Les Deux Tours: treatments at this Palmeraie hotel include deep tissue and Ayurvedic massage, plus time before and after in the pool.
Hammam de la Rose: a stylish spa hidden away in the medina, offering a "four hand" massage, in case your stress knots are too much for one masseur alone.
Les Bains de Marrakech: one of the city's first private hammams and still one of the best. They even make their own beauty products for use in the spa.