ESCAPE
HAMMAM HISTORY
RELAXING ACROSS THE GLOBE
By Jen Smith
When standard massages just won’ t cut it, it may be time to try a more timeless approach. Prepare for the indulgence of a spa experience that transcends continents by exploring the world of hammam rituals.
HAMMAM HISTORY AND RELAXATION STEPS
Hammams, commonly known as Turkish baths, call on a form of relaxation that dates back centuries. Beyond Turkey, these steam room specialties can also boast Moroccan influence, with cozy interiors and special products that treat skin to nourishing ingredients. A combination of traditional massage treatments and a prominent social element create the ideal environment for escaping into a favorite eastern European and northern African pastime.
Most hammams follow a sequence of steps. Starting with a steam session to prepare the skin for exfoliation, the full-body scrub remains the signature treat, where special gloves are used to remove dead skin cells. This can prime a cooling bubble treatment, a sauna session and even a massage, followed by recovery in a relaxing recreation zone. Promoting cleanliness and vitality, hammams boast thoughtful architecture and ornate details to create an unmatched ambiance.
There are hundreds of hammam sites across the globe, but the United States is only home to a select few that capture the essence of a bathhouse experience. The following getaways remain exclusive to Las Vegas and southern California, as the perfect juxtapositions to massages and facials galore.