Morocco: A Premier Wellness and Spa Destination, Where Chaos Meets Tranquility.

Where It All Begins: The Art of Bathing in Morocco

Spa Experience Morocco.

Coming to Morocco and missing out on a wellness and spa experience is like going to a wine tasting and only drinking a Grand Cru Eau (H₂O). Since I first set foot here 17 years ago, I have become a dedicated aficionado of everything related to spa and wellness. I can assure you that I have had the privilege of experiencing many of them.

Morocco has a deeply rooted bathing culture, and just as you expect to find a bakery in every neighborhood, you will also find a hammam. It is a common sight to see people carrying their tubs and shampoos as they head to these traditional bathhouses.

Hammams are strictly divided into separate sections for men and women. In general, they consist of three rooms, progressing from cool to extremely hot. And when I say hot, I mean hot. In public hammams, professional exfoliation experts—gommageurs for men and gommeuses for women—are available for a small fee to scrub you down as if you were a car that just completed the Paris-Dakar Rally, finishing its last 15 kilometers through the mud. The treatments typically include a purifying steam bath, a full-body scrub using black soap, and a nourishing ghassoul clay mask—practices that have been cherished for centuries.

The next category of hammams consists of private ones, typically found in riads or apartments, where you can book a private session. Before booking, it’s important to check the details to ensure that the services offered align with your expectations.

Moving up the ladder, you’ll find hotel hammams.

Most hotels in Morocco boast complete spa facilities with impeccable hygiene standards and professionally trained staff.

These wellness centers offer treatments that go beyond the traditional hammam experience, incorporating Moroccan black soap, purifying ghassoul clay masks, and soothing argan oil massages—practices that have been cherished for centuries.

But today, we will focus on the luxurious spa retreats that make Morocco one of the world’s leading wellness destinations.

Luxurious Spa Retreats

Morocco has firmly established itself as one of the world's recognized wellness and spa destinations, with Marrakech leading the way. Marrakech’s luxury retreats offer the perfect fusion of traditional Moroccan approaches with cutting-edge luxury and world-renowned brands. The city provides a wellness escape for those seeking relaxation, beauty, and well-being.

The prestigious World Spa Awards and The World Luxury Awards have recognized Morocco’s excellence in wellness and spa experiences:

• In 2024, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech was crowned World's Best Resort Spa (World Spa Awards).

• In 2023, Amanjena was named Africa's Best Wellness Retreat (World Spa Awards).

  
  

Additionally, the 14th annual World Luxury Spa Awards recognized several of Morocco’s top spa destinations in 2024, including:

• Fairmont Spa Taghazout – Luxury Beach Resort Spa (Continent)

• Mazagan Spa – Luxury Golf Resort Spa (Regional)

• Spa Royal Mansour Marrakech – Luxury Hotel Spa (Continent)

• The Palace Spa at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort – Best Spa Therapist (Continent)

  
  

Award-Winning Spas Across Morocco

While Marrakech may be considered the spa capital by reputation, the luxury spa experience extends far beyond the city, as Morocco boasts numerous award-winning wellness centers, including:

• The Royal Mansour Spa, Marrakech

• The Oberoi Marrakech Spa

• The Mamounia Spa – Best Spa in Morocco (World Luxury Spa Awards 2022)

• Le Spa at Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

• The Palace Spa at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort

• The Spa at Amanjena

• Fairmont Spa at Fairmont Taghazout Bay

• Mazagan Spa at Mazagan Beach Resort

• Banyan Tree Spa at Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay

• The St. Regis Spa at The St. Regis La Bahia Blanca Resort, Tamuda Bay

The above list is just a glimpse into the country’s luxurious wellness offerings—an introduction, rather than a conclusion. In reality, Morocco is a wellness paradise, offering an endless selection of experiences tailored to every wish and desire. No matter your preference, one thing is certain: when you leave, you’ll take a piece of Morocco’s serenity with you.

A Parting Reflection

Amidst the vibrant energy of Morocco, this is not just a place for a simple change of scenery. It’s an invitation to slow down, engage all your senses, and immerse yourself in the moment. One of the best ways to embrace this is through wellness—whether in a neighborhood hammam, where you may need to cast aside some inhibitions, or in one of the grandest palace spas, where time seems to stand still.

Whether you’re looking for a traditional scrub that leaves you feeling reborn, a rejuvenating massage with fragrant Moroccan oils, or a spa retreat where time seems to melt away, Morocco has it all.

Are you ready to explore Morocco’s unparalleled wellness experiences? Let Morocco be your next escape, with Ghsignature as your trusted guide

Peter

Time for a cup of tea.