Treat yourself to a hammam

Turkish spas are an ancient secret to rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

SOUTH African spas are using the ancient secrets of the Turkish bath, also known as a hammam, to pamper their guests into a state of complete tranquillity.

Traditionally, a hammam is a place of public bathing associated with the culture of the Ottoman Empire and the Islamic world. However, the ritual actually stems from Ancient Roman and Arabian cultures that combined to bring the modern world heated baths and showers.

More than 2 000 years ago during the Roman Empire, Greeks placed an emphasis on bathing and citizens would regularly visit local bathhouses to wash.

The Roman large imperial bath complexes, inspired many modern bathing traditions and was quickly adopted into Arabic culture, predominantly centred on the ablution before prayer.

Bathing grew to become an integral part of cultural customs

thermae, This treatment is steeped in ancient Middle Eastern tradition of a cleansing full-body ritual that is among the most effective treatments in the world. It utilises the undeniable health benefits of steam and warmth. A hammam foam soap cleanse is ideal for hydrating and firming the skin, giving it a youthful glow. Hammam Savoir Noir Cleanse has a deep-cleansing, detoxifying power that is perfect for targeting cellulite. It is ideal for severely dry skin or rosacea. around the world and often the rituals took place in beautiful old bathhouses with walls and floors adorned with mosaic tiles.

In those times, bathing was less of an intimate experience and more of an occasion to gather, talk and clean yourself.

As one of the oldest surviving bathing traditions, the hammam has grown in popularity and with good reason. The health benefits are plentiful and the experience is truly one-of-a-kind.

The benefits of hammam

The practice improves the skin by opening and cleansing pores, ridding them of impurities and dead skin. This leaves skin smooth, glowing and healthy after increasing blood circulation.

Treatments are relaxing and the steam in the air is conducive to easing muscle pain and slowing breathing to help relieve stress.

The spa aids breathing as the steam helps open up the airways, reducing congestion. Regular use offers asthma and allergy sufferers relief.

R1 720 for 90 minutes

The ritual begins with a Turkish

Rize tea, which you sip on while a therapist stimulates your circulation with a stress-dissolving foot ritual. A 10-minute steam follows to start your body’s detoxification process before a full cleanse with either the foam soap or the black soap.

Next is a full body exfoliation with a specialised Keefa sponge to remove dead skin cells to renew and revitalise dull-looking skin. A rain shower washes away the soap and relieves stress. This is followed by a back of the body Argan oil massage to boost circulation and moisturise. The foam soap hydrates and firms the skin, giving it a youthful glow.

Absorb the humidity and soften your muscles prior to a 30 minute back massage. Heated lemons are used to penetrate to the core of sore and tired muscles. As the lemons soften, they burst and release fresh natural citric acids to exfoliate and condition. They cleanse using cane sugar and coconut oil to invigorate your skin, eliminating excess skin cells and leaving skin supple and full of nutrients.

The relaxing humidity of the hammam and cooling rain forest mist shower are a treatment in themselves.

BABYLONSTOREN SPA CAPE TOWN

www.babylonstoren.com

This treatment is for the discerning client who is looking for a unique spa experience. The spa is one of very few in South Africa offering a hammam treatment room for individuals or couples. They perform a traditional Turkish cleansing treatment. All hammam treatments incorporate the traditional water ritual where lukewarm water is repeatedly poured over the body for the ultimate winding-down experience. In addition, the hammam’s heat and steam help tired ease muscle pain and relax.

The signature treatment includes a full-body exfoliation, dynamic flexing, body butter application as well as a head and scalp treatment. Relax in our chill room or bamboo garden, while indulging in one of two delicious lunch options and a freshly squeezed juice included in this treatment. This treatment is ideal for couples. The ancient cleansing ritual consists of a stimulating scrub and soap massage performed by one therapist (30 min treatment each).

Book for pre-massage relaxation or post gym de-stress.

Also available as a treatment for one R1050 | 30 min It begins with a relaxing steam treatment, then a combination of coarse and fine salt is used for an invigorating full-body scrub, leaving you energised and uplifted.

Although it is a stand-alone treatment, this scrub is ideal before any other facial or body treatment.

Hammam Signature Rituals