hammam experience
Riad ZamZam’s Spa Retreat for 2011
One of our featured riads, Riad ZamZam, has just announced the 2011 dates for its new “Goddess Retreat”, which will be held between 2 and 6 February 2011.
ZamZam’s owner Emma Joyston-Bechal tell us more about the Goddess Retreat.
She explains. “Like all our specialist retreats, the Goddess Retreat goes beyond the traditional. We get rid of the mysticism usually related to life exploration and come directly to the heart of the human condition. Based at Zamzam Riad in mystical Marrakech we also explore the Atlas mountains, the Sahara desert and the Atlantic coast.”
“By clearing energetic pathways, stirring up the fire of the breath and discussing what arises in a straight talking, refreshing way we help you gently peel back the layers to uncover your true liberated potential.”
“We think its time to lighten up to Enlightenment and whilst disciplined in our practice we also laugh together, celebrate and enjoy the magical gift of connection, allowing you to leave with a renewed sense of energy and joy.”
To get in contact with Emma directly and to learn more about the retreat, visit ZamZam’s page with us by clicking here.
Relax, unwind and rejuvenate in a traditional Moroccan hammam
If you’re on a short break to Morocco, you’ll want to pack as much in as possible. But if there’s one thing we’d say is essential that you try when visiting Morocco it’s the Moroccan hammam experience. There’s nothing quite like it for cleansing, revitalising and rejuvenating the mind and body, producing an overall effect of total, blissful relaxation.
The spa and hammam tradition is centuries old and many of the staff who work in these spas have learned the ancient local skills passed down from generation to generation, meaning you can rest assured of being in experienced hands.
Many Moroccan riads and hotels have their own hammams to meet growing demand from visitors. Morocco Gateway has a full list of hotels and riads in Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira that have hammams, which you can find here. Even if your chosen riad does not have a hammam of its own, you will find that many other hotels in the area open their spas up to non-guests. It’s best to consult your riad’s staff about booking time in these hammams.
Alternatively, if you are feeling adventurous, there are numerous public hammams that visitors are welcome to use. Again, staff at your hotel can advise you where to find these and how to book.
All hammams are unique and the treatments available in each will vary slightly. However, broadly speaking you can expect to be pampered in warm rooms decked out in marble, steaming the impurities from your skin, various body massages using clays and essential oils, wraps with algae or other plants, foot and scalp massage and treatments with hot towels or stones.
The hammam experience is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a hard day’s exploring the city and you are guaranteed to leave feeling thoroughly refreshed.
If you’ve visited Morocco and have a favourite hammam or spa you think we should know about, leave us a comment. We’re always keen to discover new places of interest in Marrakesh, Fes and beyond.
Image credit – CCA: Rabat hassan 2nd mosque hammam by zongo69.
