Moonlight Hammam & Spa
My first hammam- but hopefully not my last!
September is a month of celebration in our home- it is Dave’s Birthday and our Wedding anniversary month. This year we are celebrating 41 years old and 18 years of marriage. This year we decided to spend some time in Portland trying out new rituals that bring us closer and centered around self care.
The most fun part of the Hammam- bubbles!
Moonlight Hammam and Spa offered us one of the most unique and deeply nourishing treatments I have experience in my life- a traditional Moroccan hammam!
A Moroccan hammam is a traditional steam bath that holds cultural and historical significance in Moroccan society. It serves as a space for personal hygiene, relaxation, and socialization. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its components and rituals:
First step was the sauna
Structure
Layout: Hammams typically consist of several interconnected rooms with varying temperatures:
Warm Room (Tepidarium): The entry area, where guests gradually acclimate to the heat.
Hot Room (Caldarium): The main steam room, where temperatures are high, promoting sweating and detoxification.
Cool Room (Frigidarium): A cooler area for relaxation after the heat treatment.
Rituals
Followed by steam room
Preparation:
Guests usually start by changing into a towel or a traditional garment, such as a "sarong."
Many hammams encourage patrons to hydrate before entering.
Steam Treatment:
Upon entering the hot room, the steam envelops the body, causing pores to open and promoting sweating, which helps to cleanse the skin of impurities.
Cleansing Process:
Exfoliation: Using a "kessa" glove (a rough mitt), guests scrub their skin vigorously. This process removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and rejuvenated.
Soaps: Traditional Moroccan soaps, often made from olive oil and infused with essential oils, are applied to cleanse the skin further and provide nourishment.
Massage:
After exfoliation, many hammams offer relaxing massages using oils or creams, enhancing the therapeutic benefits of the experience.
Hydration and Cooling:
After the treatments, guests may take time in the cool room to lower their body temperature and enjoy refreshments, often including herbal teas or water.
Benefits
Clasy masks and massage
Detoxification: The steam and scrubbing help eliminate toxins from the body.
Skin Health: Regular visits can improve skin texture and appearance.
Relaxation: The experience is both physically soothing and mentally calming, reducing stress.
Social Connection: Hammams are communal spaces, often frequented by families and friends, promoting social interaction.
Decadent skin care and exfoliation
Cultural Significance
Hammams are deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, often seen as a rite of passage and a place for community bonding. They are not only about physical cleansing but also serve as venues for celebrating life events, such as weddings or family gatherings.
Overall, a Moroccan hammam is a holistic experience that combines physical care, relaxation, and social interaction in a unique and culturally rich setting.
Relaxing tea afterwards
Not only was this a blast- we laughed the whole time- but it was so relaxing. I feel like I am ready for a new season not only in this year but in life and with my partner, Dave. I am so glad we decided to do this treatment together- it starts our 18th year off on a new (freshly exfoliated) foot!
The CalmPod massaging meditation
After our treatment we both tried a session in The Pod Calm
PODCALM is a type of relaxation and wellness pod designed to help users de-stress and improve their mental well-being. These pods typically provide a unique environment that incorporates features like:
Sound Therapy: Relaxing sounds or music to promote calmness and reduce anxiety.
Light Therapy: Soft, adjustable lighting that can enhance relaxation or improve mood.
Comfortable Seating: Ergonomic design to support the body while lying down or reclining.
Meditation and Mindfulness Features: Guided meditations or breathing exercises to help users achieve a state of calm.
I chose a 20 minute beach session- I felt such a huge release after my treatment….a weight lifted and a calm arrived.
