Hammam Pur Life Maroc
Hammam Pur Life Maroc

Traditional hammam for healthful cleansing

Scrubbing body and soul

Lively bathhouse tradition: filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.

Hamam Pur Life Maroc

“The suggestion was made to visit a hammam (…) We entered a wide, high building, in the middle of which a fountain gently burbled (…) I was not in the least tempted to disburden myself of even the smallest part of my toilette; in addition, I couldn’t even see a bathtub.” General Field Marshal Helmut von Moltke’s description of his first visit to a hammam is not exactly enthusiastic. At the start of the previous century, the principle of a Middle Eastern bath was barely known in Central Europe, and the Prussian must have been truly baffled by the procedure.

However, his scepticism and initial discomfort were thoroughly and vigorously brushed off, leaving nothing but a profound sense of well-being and the feeling

“that one has never been as clean as after an Eastern bath.”

TOP: VISIT TO A TRADITIONAL HAMMAM

In a traditional hammam of the sort that the locals visit in Morocco, gentle massage strokes are not on the cards. This is serious business, and unlike in Europe, cleansing doesn’t just mean having a shower and using soap. The result: You will feel reborn – and, up to a certain point, the feeling is correct.

Men and women, strictly segregated, come to the hammam not just for cleansing, but also to relax. As opposed to the classic European wellness rituals, the public hammams in Morocco where the locals also go can get quite lively. They are places for gossiping, laughing, arguing. A visit to the hammam is a fixture in the weekly routine.

Hammam Pur Life Maroc
Hammam Pur Life Maroc

SQUEAKY CLEAN

A visit to a classic hammam follows certain rules that you should adhere to. Get undressed in the changing rooms. Men should keep their underpants on, but the rules in the women’s section tend to be more relaxed. Before visiting a hammam, make sure to purchase some essentials, such as a towel, a peeling glove, a ladle, slippers, and the traditional olive soap paste, savon noir or black soap, an unbelievably soft, rich soap with an intense scent of olives.

The first step is cleansing, i.e. ridding the body of any surface impurities (the fact that we are really just talking about the surface here will be obvious at the end of the process). Fill a bucket with hot water and ladle it over yourself (using the ladle you brought), rubbing yourself down with soap at the same time.

After the first cleansing step comes the steam bath, where moist, hot steam provides a sense of pleasant warmth and helps relax tense muscles (and thoughts). Next, you will be placing yourself in the competent hands of the tellak, the bathhouse masseur (or his female equivalent), the natır. Be warned: They are serious about getting you cleaned up. Essentially, the top layer of your skin will be removed, together with any dead skin cells.

All who have been through the process report the same thing: At the beginning, they resisted the treatment and perceived it as rough, but past a certain point, they began to understand its popularity: You end up feeling reborn, with velvety-soft skin that is as clean as never before – and, in a strange way, it feels as if your mind and your soul have also been purified.

Hammam Pur Life Maroc
Hammam Pur Life Maroc

Photo: © Heure Bleue Palais Essaouira

To conclude the treatment, your body will be soaped and massaged one more time. And then? Don’t rush off to your next leisure activity – give your body time to recover and let your mind wander at will for the treatment to unfold its full healing power.

Of course, you may also visit the hammam in your hotel or a dedicated hammam for tourists, but if you would like to experience a little bit of Morocco’s soul, make sure to head for a traditional hammam.

Please note: The humidity in a hammam is very high and the temperature is sauna-like (approx. 60 °C) – bear that in mind to avoid feeling faint. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after a visit to the hammam.

Insider tip:

Treat yourself to a private hammam ritual at the Heure Bleue Palais in Essaouira, celebrated here in its most traditional form. Walls and floors are made of black Tadelakt plaster, giving the room a particularly intimate atmosphere. Soothing steam and hot water regenerate the skin and relax body and spirit. After a thorough peeling on a hot marble stone, your body will be massaged with soap. The intense treatments in the traditional steam bath are an unadulterated pleasure and revive the senses. Let yourself be pampered as in a story out of 1001 nights!
Tips in Morocco

Hotel tips in Morocco

Hotel tips in Morocco

  • An elegant courtyard, sand-coloured stone – tranquillity that invites you to linger. And outside: a golf course the size of 170 soccer fields. The Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tikida Golf Palace is your hole-in-one.

  • Experience the enchantment of an superbly restored, 18th century Moroccan riad. Located in the heart of the medina, but close to all the activities on offer at Essaouira’s beach on the Atlantic.

  • Charming courtyards, winding alleys bedecked with local craftwork – the fascinating blue city of Chefchaouen is famous for its food. Discover the real Morocco from the luxury Riad Hicham hotel.

  • Karawan Riad offers an enchanting retreat for discerning travellers seeking an authentic experience in the heart of one of the world's most captivating cities.

  • Luxury by the Atlantic. The lush green of the gardens, the deep blue of the sky and a brilliant dream in white, with cascade stairways, terraces and pool: the sophisticated Hotel Le Mirage in Tangier.

  • Follow in the footsteps of the stars and discover the legend of Es Saadi – an oasis of understated elegance.

  • Discover your new favourite seaside destination: The modern 5-star Hyatt Regency Taghazout in Morocco, its beautiful beach and fishing village appeal remain an insider tip for discerning travellers.

  • Charming city hotel with the finest local cuisine in the heart of Chefchaouen’s blue medina. Ideal for nature lovers and a great starting point for mountain and trekking tours through the Rif Mountains.

  • La Sultana Oualidia is a hidden gem by the sea where hospitality, luxury and ecology combine to provide you with ultimate renewal.

  • Composed of four traditional, elegant, and superbly located riads tucked into the ramparts of Essaouira's historical medina. Overlooking the ocean and the port.

  • Enjoy the vibrancy of Marrakesh’s colourful medina, sumptuously exotic Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum, before relaxing in the Al Fassia Aguedal outdoor pool.

  • Discreet luxury at a boutique hotel with outstanding modern design in the elegant embassy district, includes an Andalusian designer pool and garden. Classy: Royal Golf Dar Essalam.

  • 5-star luxury hotel & desert residence in Ouarzazate: unique & individually nestled in the palm grove of Skoura. Simple, village-traditional lifestyle combined with luxury and glamour.

  • Nestled within the vibrant capital city of Morocco, Fairmont La Marina offers a captivating blend of modern elegance and traditional hospitality.

  • Stand on the roof terrace and cast your gaze over the bay’s blue and white – and enjoy the warmth of the day. Welcome to the heart of the world, and of Tangier – Dar Chams Tanja, an insider tip for individualists.

  • Step into a realm of opulence and tranquillity at Palais Du Desert Hotel & Spa, on the outskirts of Erfoud, Morocco

  • Stylish country guest house, in the heart of the thuja forest, that has retained the local architectural style while providing modern and sustainable accommodation, including eleven stylish eco domes. Nestled in the Swiri countryside, it’s an oasis of peace.

  • Experience alpine charm and cedar forests at the Palais des Cerisiers in Azrou, Morocco. A fabulous holiday spot.

  • With its elegant architecture, authentic design, and hospitality, Les Jardins de la Medina invites you to experience the beauty of Marrakesh

  • The curtain rises and the magical spectacle begins as the sun bathes the medina in golden light and the view opens on the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy Morocco with all your senses at the luxury Riad Fès hotel.

  • A place where international film stars meet - the Le Berbere Palace Ouarzazate. Oriental luxury & desert in a geographically unique location. Inspired by local architecture, in the style of a Kasbah.

  • For the ultimate immersive Sahara Desert experience, stay at Luxury Camp Chebbi.

  • A flamboyant boutique hotel just minutes from the centre of Essaouira and the beach.

  • Nobu Hotel invites you to experience a fusion of contemporary elegance and timeless Moroccan charm.

  • Welcome to Riad Mimouna, an oasis of traditional elegance in the heart of Essaouira!

  • Situated in the heart of Tangier, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea, discover the Barcelo Tangier.

  • Stay at the Riad Chebbi in in the Desert of Merzouga in Morocco, for a luxurious taste of desert life.

  • Experience slow living and a chilled vibe at Le Jardin des Douars – a hidden gem around 20 minutes from Essaouira.

  • Welcome to family-friendly comfort in the desert of Erfoud and Merzouga!

  • One of the most elegant luxury riads in the coastal city of Essaouira. Its enchanting roof terrace is the highest point of the medina, giving visitors incomparable views.

  • Perched at an altitude of 1,650m, Michlifen Resort & Golf offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • Visit Palais Faraj in Fez, Morocco, and experience extraordinary opulence and Moroccan authenticity.

  • Escape to paradise at Tulum Beach Resort in Dakhla. Nestled along the pristine shores of Dakhla Bay, our resort offers a tranquil and luxurious retreat.

  • La Sultana Marrakesh invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and indulgence, where every moment is a celebration of the rich history, culture, and beauty of Morocco.

  • Moorish and moreish!! The luxury Riad Myra in the heart of Fez old town offers the perfect base from which to explore the city’s architecture and art on foot, and soak up the Moroccan way of life.

  • Nestled on the remnants of an ancient house belonging to the esteemed Bennani family, Dar Lys pays homage to its millennia-old roots.

  • The Villa des Orangers luxury riad is a peaceful little palace of beauty in the vibrant centre of Marrakesh with green courtyards, orange trees and a gourmet restaurant.

  • From the moment you arrive, you are enveloped in a world of luxury and hospitality, where every need is anticipated and every desire fulfilled.

  • The Sofitel Thalassa Sea & Spa hotel in the seaside city of Agadir epitomises luxury: a fine private beach with 330 days of sunshine a year, a stunning mountain backdrop and 100% nature in Paradise Valley.

  • Relax and unwind in the unique eco-lodges on the stunning beach of Hotel Baberrih near the picturesque historical town of Essaouira.

  • Bavaro Beach is a captivating retreat nestled in the coastal haven of Dakhla, Morocco.

  • This enchanting boutique hotel seamlessly blends traditional Moroccan architecture with contemporary design, offering a luxurious retreat for the discerning traveller.

  • Unique boutique and design gem in the heart of the medina, between Skala de la Kasbah and Place Moulay Hassan, with just six individually designed and themed suites. You must try: the chef’s table.

  • Roll out the red carpet – the sun’s rays light up the world’s tallest minaret as Casablanca lies at your feet. Enjoy the breathtaking panorama from the roof terrace of the luxury Hotel & Spa Le Doge.

  • A fountain splashes to the heartbeat of this Relais & Châteaux palace hotel. Luxury has a name: Heure Bleue Palais. Extraordinary and charming – traditionally Moroccan. Cultural influences harmoniously combined.

  • Dar Jasmine perfects an authentic Moroccan experience, blending traditional elegance with modern comfort.

  • Within the ancient walls of Essaouira, Madada Mogador invites you to experience the enchanting blend of Moroccan hospitality and laid-back chic.

  • Indulge in the magic of Essaouira at Villa Beldi in Morocco. A timelessly elegant hotel with modern luxuries!

  • Marrakesh, a vibrant and colourful city. Prepare to be dazzled and enchanted by this friendly destination. Pure luxury in the shade of palm trees is yours at the 5-star Palais Ronsard hotel: an oasis of tranquillity.

Restaurant tips in Morocco

Restaurant tips in Morocco

  • A vibrant café in the heart of Essaouira’s medina, where works of art and fabulous flavours create a sensational experience. Think traditional Moroccan dishes with vegetarian and vegan options.

  • Eclectic interiors, delicious dishes and delectable cocktails: Le Love by Caravane in the heart of Essaouira’s historic medina is itself a work of art with a wonderful atmosphere.

  • Excellent cuisine and Mediterranean aromas paired with breathtaking fifth-floor views of Morocco’s largest city. A work of art with a chic 1930s Art Deco style.

  • Where Europe and Africa come together. A restaurant in the style of the famous American jazz club that puts a new spin on classic Moroccan cuisine in Morocco’s oldest coastal city.

  • Moroccan-style fine dining in beautiful Aguedal, near the medina in Marrakesh. One restaurant, two locations, excellent cuisine – the Al Fassia is exclusively run by women.

  • A charming restaurant serving excellent Moroccan specialities with a unique view over the rooftops of Ouarzazate. Treat your taste buds as you cast your gaze over the ochre pearl.

  • Renowned Moroccan speciality restaurant in the heart of the blue city of Chefchaouen. The city’s traditional cuisine features in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage Lists. Modern comfort with historical ambience.

  • Offering gastronomy and entertainment in the heart of Marrakesh, the Malak Emeraude is a blend of glam, rock and nostalgic charm. Beautifully presented dishes are served on the terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains by day and the city lights at night.

  • A top-secret tip in Casablanca: this charming little restaurant in the vibrant, modern metropolis combines the flair of a film set with outstanding Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes.

  • Within the ancient walls of Essaouira, Madada Mogador invites you to experience the enchanting blend of Moroccan hospitality and laid-back chic.

  • At Restaurant Gayza, traditional Moroccan recipes are refined and transformed into exquisite dishes. Gastronomic delights and home-made specialities made with fresh, regional ingredients.

  • A stunning restaurant complex near Agadir Airport that reflects the artistic diversity of Morocco’s heritage in all its facets. Highest culinary artistry and breathtaking shows.

  • An authentic Moroccan restaurant in the centre of Rabat’s medina that reflects local history. Authentic architecture, outstanding craftsmanship and traditional recipes.

Experiences in Morocco

Experiences in Morocco

  • Your Pur Life Maroc private concierge is your personal guide to Morocco, your contact, adviser and local expert – at your disposal from morning to night. For unforgettable holiday moments.

  • 4-night tour package
    From cultural highpoint to glamping serenity … all in one trip! Discover Fez, Erfoud and then a unique camping trip in the Merzouga desert!

  • A private chauffeur adds extra relaxation to your Moroccan journey, with safety, comfort and in-depth local knowledge!

  • 4-night tour package
    A five-day journey of contrasts – the Pur Life Maroc Marrakesh & Essauira tour takes you from the charms of Marrakesh to legendary Essaouira!

  • Every route, every angle is carefully planned and thought out. Mogador, your golf course in Morocco, offers players many facets: majestic dunes, proximity to the sea, lush greens and a breeze to motivate you.

  • Why has the UNESCO set aside 26,000 m² in the southwest of Morocco as a biosphere reserve? Because the region is home to a very special tree: the Argan tree, our of which Berber women make precious Argan oil.

  • Where nature remains untouched and where visitors may not just change their perspective, but also experience a sense of grounding, far from the crowds and yet close to Marrakesh: The Atlas Mountains in Morocco!

  • 4-night tour package
    A five-day tour that takes you from magnificent Marrakesh to the relaxed fishing port of Essaouira via the resort city of Agadir.

  • Where the world’s best musicians from genres such as Gnaoua, jazz, Flamenco and reggae, Cuba, Tuareg and Tamil get together! The free concerts, jamming sessions & parades take place at the most picturesque spots of the city.

  • The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in the new town of Marrakesh is situated in the immediate vicinity of the Jardin Majorelle. The museum reflects the many facets of the great couturier: his passion for shapes, colours & materials.

  • 3-night tour package
    A four-day tour with Pur Life Maroc guides, that takes you from the sumptuous city of Marrakesh to an incredible night of camping in the desert.

  • 4-night tour package
    A five-day tour that takes you from the resort city of Agadir to magnificent Marrakesh via the relaxed fishing port of Essaouira with the Pur Life Maroc guides.

  • 3-night tour package
    This four-day tour offers an ideal immersion into the magnificent Marrakesh and the wonders of the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas.

  • The Jardin Majorelle is one of Morocco’s most enchanting and mystical gardens. It is located in the new town of Marrakesh, north-east of the historic old town and in the immediate vicinity to the Yves-Saint-Laurent museum.

  • 3-night tour package
    A Pur Life Maroc guided tour that includes the magnificent city of Marrakesh and unforgettable camel trekking in the desert.

  • 4-night tour package
    A five-day cultural tour, taking in Casablanca, Marrakesh & Essaouira – this Pur Life Maroc itinerary is awash with Moroccan marvels.

  • 4-night tour package
    Make lasting memories as you discover the Imperial City of Fez and the magnificent Blue City of Chefchaouen with your private guide from Pur Life Maroc Travel.

  • 4-night tour package
    Discover the delights of north-western Morocco on the Tangier & Chefchaouen tour by Pur Life Maroc. 5 days of taking in the colours and magic!

  • Are you ready for a reckless pirate’s adventure? Set sail in the Atlantic with the “Jack Sparrow Boat Agadir” and look forward to fun, games and excitement on what is probably Agadir’s most unusual boat!

  • Lively bathhouse tradition, filled with gossip, laughter and discussions. For the locals, a trip to the hammam is a weekly fixture, and for Morocco fans, it is an absolute highlight.

  • You can’t imagine French vines growing in a place like Morocco? Come and see for yourself, for instance during a visit of the winery Val d’Argan near Essaouira. Treat yourself to one of the 300,000 bottles produced by top grower Charles Melia.

  • 4-night tour package
    A five-day tour to explore mountains and gorges, culminating in a night in the desert! Discover Marrakesh and the Merzouga desert with Pur Life Maroc!

© Unsplash, Freepik, Pixabay, iStock, Said Boumahdi, Mike Huber, Heure Bleue Palais Essaouira