CYCLINGHAMMAMHAMMAMHAMMAMHAMMAMHAMMAMCycleActive
( 44 1768 840 400; www.cycleactive.co.uk) UK-based company offering weeklong Atlas
mountain-biking trips from £945, not including airfare.
Public Hammams
For authentic Moroccan spa experiences at bargain prices, head to your local neighbourhood
hammam, where entry costs about Dh10, gommage (scrub) Dh15 to Dh30 and massage Dh50
to Dh100. Bring your community hammam kit: towel, flip-flops, plastic mat and a change of
knickers (you’ll be expected to wear yours). Public hammams are a greener option than private
ones, since less water and fuel is required per person to get squeaky clean.
Hammam Dar el-Bacha
Offline map Google map ( 20 Rue Fatima Zohra; admission Dh10; men 7am-1pm, women 1-
9pm) The city’s largest traditional hammam, with star-shaped vents in the vast domed ceiling.
Clean, with cheerful bath attendants and a chatty atmosphere during women’s hours. It’s the
public hammam of choice for women, who get prime afternoon/evening hours here.
Hammam Bab Doukkala
Offline map Google map ( Rue Bab Doukkala; admission Dh10; women noon-7pm, men from8pm) A historic hammam in the southeast corner of Bab Doukkala Mosque, dating from the
17th century. It has heated tadelakt (polished plaster) floors in good repair and a mellow
atmosphere during men’s hours.
Private Hammams
Many riads and hotels have their own hammams in-house, as do Marrakesh spas; some
accommodate couples. Book private hammams in advance, as they can take a couple of hours
to heat.
Le Bain Bleu
Offline map Google map ( 0524 42 69 99; www.lebainbleu.com; 32 Derb Chorfa Lakbir;
by appointment 10am-9pm) This new riad spa-hammam delivers top-notch style and value in
a top-secret location. Follow signs for Dar Cherifa off Rue el-Mouassine onto Derb Chorfa,
where this double riad features secluded patios, sleek subterranean steam rooms and
professional services (massages Dh350 per hour, hammam/ gommage Dh150, couples
hammam/massage Dh600 per person, manicure or pedicure Dh280).
Sultana Spa
Offline map Google map ( 0524 38 80 08; www.lasultanamarrakech.com; Rue de la Kasbah;
) An opulent, all-marble spa near the Saadian Tombs offering services from hammam
(Dh200, cinnamon gommage Dh350) to three-hour-plus ‘absolute pleasure’ treatments for
couples: hammam/ gommage , mineral-enriched tub soak, mani/pedi, sauna and Jacuzzi
(Dh3500).