Unearthing Morocco's Ancient Beauty Secrets

- Gracies Stewart

1. Cultural cleansing

The hammam is a traditional bathing and cleansing ritual that is said to increase circulation, release toxins, and purify the skin. For most Moroccans, the hammam is more than a day at the spa; it’s a vital part of their lifestyle. Though the exact experience may vary from place to place, the hammam is usually divided into three steps. First, you’ll sweat it out in an extra hot steam room to open your pores, then the attendant will lather you in an olive oil– based black soap and scrub you from head to-toe with a traditional kessa glove. Finally, you will be immersed in cold water for a refreshing finish. To experience a traditional Moroccan hammam here in Dubai, we recommend visiting the Oriental Hammam at the One&Only Royal Mirage. Their Royal Hammam treatment consists of a deep clean with the traditional Moroccan black soap and a full body exfoliation, followed by a nourishing ghassoul wrap and honey face mask. Your therapist will then apply an amber and musk body gel and hair shampoo to finish the cleansing ceremony.

2. Liquid gold