In Fez there are up to 300 neighbourhoods in which it was said that there was always a mosque, a fountain, an oven and a hammam; the last two were together to take advantage of the heat energy.
Now many of those small public hammams have closed but others have opened where you can take a bath strictly following the traditional Moroccan ritual, i.e. cleansing not only for your body but also healing your soul.
The top hammams
Hammam Mernissi&Spa
This public hammam was renovated a few years ago to provide a private section where men and women could hang out together. It is decorated in the traditional way, with tiles in different patterned borders, with marble and candle lamps that maintain a dim light depending on the room.
This Arab bath is very close to the famous Bab Bou Jeloud, on Talaa Sghira street, making it a perfect plan to rest after visiting the medina or some of its souks without leaving the old part of Fez.
The best thing in this case is to book the amenities or treatments you want to have before going and get ready to relax in a unique experience.
Barceló Fès Medina hammam
Many of the private hammams that are in operation in Fez are in riads or hotels, as in the case of the fantastic Arab bath provided by the Barceló Fès Medina.
Very close to the medina, this modern building has a traditional hammam with all its bathing phases and also a menu of treatments to complete your relaxation in a unique city.
The Barceló Fès Medina hammam also has a sauna, steam sauna, spa and outdoor pool to complete your experience.
Nausikaa Spa
This is one of the new hammams that have opened in Ville Nouvelle, in the most French-oriented neighbourhood of Fez. It is a modern space that preserves the essence of the Arab bath ritual, especially in the packages where you can also choose a treatment.
Your experience in this hammam will be much more similar to that in Spain but it is an option for those who want to experience something less traditional in the city of Fez itself.
Royal Medina Spa
The Royal Medina Spa is one of the hammams that opened not long ago but in the heart of the medina, so it reflects the tradition of the bath ritual with modern facilities and, therefore, it is more expensive than the public ones.
Many local guides recommend it, so there are usually more foreigners there. A good thing is that it allows both men and women and it is an excellent plan if you go with friends because you can go as a group.
Its location, very close to Bab Rcif, makes it a good plan to not leave the medina, especially when the sun goes down since it is open until ten at night.
You can choose many types of massages and treatments.
Palais Amani
This luxurious hammam is located very close to the Chouara Tannery, just a three-minute walk away. Completely renovated, this building combines modern facilities, such as a separate exfoliation room and relaxation areas, with the tradition that begins from the moment the guests walk through the door, with a relaxed and very friendly personal treatment.
Tourists usually go there but also the locals use it to meet their bathing ritual in more modern facilities.
Palais Amani is open until ten at night but remember that, if you travel during Ramadan, it will close sometimes to break the fast.
Remember to book in advance.
Le Jardin des Biehn Hammam
The hammam in this riad is a haven of peace right when you approach the door. It smells of relaxation and everything is focused on the body releasing tension from the beginning. As a private hammam, it provides a towel and even disposable underwear, but you can bring your own swimsuit if you feel more comfortable.
You can go as a couple but the massage room is only for one, so while one is in the hammam the other can receive the treatment and vice versa.
Throughout the ritual, lavender plays a leading role in deeply cleansing your skin and, with the aroma, also your mind.
This riad is located just a four minute walk from Bab el Hadid.
Rules and what to bring
The first thing to distinguish is whether you are going to a public or private hammam. It is true that in recent years many of the traditional baths have closed due to the new facilities that are much more prepared for tourism and it is difficult to go to a traditional hammam.
Remember that these facilities are only for men or only for women or, in some cases, there are specific hours for females and other hours for males. To enjoy bathing in these hammams, you must bring a towel, underwear or swimsuit and your own soap.
In the private hammams, just putting a swimsuit in your bag is enough and, in some, they even give you disposable underwear, so there is no problem if you don’t have any.
In any case, each facility has its own rules so it is a good idea to ask before entering the different bathing and relaxation rooms.
Moroccans usually go to hammams between two and three times a week but the day they do not miss it is Friday so, if you are going to choose a public bath, keep in mind that the capacity on the holy day for Muslims will be full.
Hotels in Fez
One of the best options for staying in Fez is the Barceló Fès Medina hotel, which also has a hammam where you can experience the Moroccan bath ritual.
It is located very close to the medina, making it a perfect place to take a break between the alleyways and souks. It also has good connections to the airport, which is just 20 minutes away, and the train station, just five minutes away.
Its 134 rooms, which have all the comforts that any type of guest may need, are decorated in a modern style and with designer furniture.
The Barceló Fès Medina has an international restaurant with a very complete menu of typical Moroccan dishes and a jazz bar where you can end the day with a wonderful cocktail or mixed drink.
For everyone’s refreshment, the hotel has an outdoor pool, in addition to the spa and gym.
