Five steps, in the order they are done

The hammam journey in five steps

01/05

1. 

   Step 1Bayt skhoun

   The heat that opens

   It begins in the warm room, lying on warm marble while the steam opens the pores. There is no hurry: the heat does the work for every step that follows.

   15 min

2. 

   Step 2Black soap

   The olive’s dark

   Savon beldi, the black olive-oil soap, is spread over the whole body and left for a few minutes. It softens dead skin without stripping it, and readies it for the glove.

   10 min

3. 

   Step 3The kessa

   The glove scrub

   The attendant scrubs with the kessa glove in long strokes, never twice in the same place. The skin comes out new — and the glove is yours to keep.

   20 min

4. 

   Step 4Ghassoul

   Clay and orange blossom

   Ghassoul clay, mixed with orange-blossom water, wraps the body and hair. It cleanses without drying and leaves a scent you keep until evening.

   15 min

5. 

   Step 5Rest

   Tea, after the steam

   Wrapped in a fouta, you move to the rest lounge for mint tea and makrout. This time is part of the treatment: skin and heart settle together.

   20 min