Are you going to Morocco for your next holiday? The choice of accommodation is crucial if you are to enjoy an unforgettable stay. One of the criteria for choosing a hotel is the type of relaxation area available. What better way to relax between two activities than in a sauna or hammam? To make the right choice between the two, discover the main differences between a sauna and a hammam. hammam.
What are the origins of the hammam and sauna?
Find out more about the origins of these two wellness and relaxation centres, which you can try out between two visits. tourist activities in Morocco.
The origins of the traditional hammam
Le hammamalso known as Moorish bath or Turkish bathIt originated in Roman and Greek thermal baths. Later, the Ottoman Empire introduced this steam bath to the rest of the world, particularly to Eastern countries. With the spread of Islam, the hammam was also introduced in the Maghreb countries and North Africa. For Muslim society, the hammam represents much more than a place to take a steam bath. Visit traditional hammam is a place for purification, social gatherings and rituals. It comprises 3 rooms, from the relaxation room to the sweat room and the warm room.
The origins of the traditional sauna
Le sauna or Finnish bath is a more recent creation than the Hammam, some 2 centuries old. This heat cabin originated in Scandinavia, more specifically in Finland. Hence the name sauna, which means "sweat" in Finnish. Before being a place to relax and get fit, the sauna was used as a shelter against the cold climate. The traditional sauna is made of wood, a material that is abundant in northern countries. Saunas use a variety of heat sources to promote perspiration and eliminate toxins from the body, including infrared saunas. But in general, this heat bath is powered by a wood-burning stove (gas or electric).
How do steam rooms and saunas work?
Find out how the hammam and sauna work, so you can tell the difference between the two.
The Turkish bath to relax with moist heat
Thanks to the steam, a hammam diffuses a humid heat that can go from up to 50°C. Humidity levels reach 100 %, with fine drops of water trickling down all the walls. This is why the hammam rooms are covered in mosaic and earthenware. The water vapour forms a light mist that is conducive to physical and spiritual relaxation. For optimum relaxation, scent diffusers spread a pleasant aroma of essential oils (Eucalyptus). In general, a hammam session involves a black soap scrub ritual (face and body) and other treatments (massage and mask).
Don't wait any longer to take advantage of benefits of the hammam with a trip to Morocco.
The sauna to tone up with dry heat
Unlike the hammam, which has a large room, the sauna is small and intimate. The wooden construction, from ceiling to floor, means that the sauna retains heat optimally. To maintain the steam, water is poured over volcanic stones. In a sauna cabin, the temperature can be exceed 50°C with humidity levels below 30 %. This dry heat is ideal for relaxing muscles and recovering strength after physical exertion. Among the peoples of the North, the sauna session is followed by a cold shower. This ritual helps toimprove blood circulation.
Ksar Ighnda, the luxury hotel with a wellness and relaxation area
Looking for a charming hotel to stay in Morocco? Opt for the Riad Ksar Ighndaa 4-star retreat in Ouarzazate, at the gateway to the Saharan desert.
Our luxury hotel offers you a real haven of peace, away from the crowds and close to the tourist attractions. Among the tourist activities available are excursions to the Dunes of Merzouga and camel rides or camel. After your desert getaway, come and enjoy our wellness and relaxation centre. A traditional hammam awaits you, with services including massagesand black soap scrubs and other beauty treatments.
Book now at Ksar Ighnda and spend some quality time in our relaxation area with hammam Spa.
