The Dar Les Cigognes hammam experience
Last updated on February 3rd, 2026.
I fell head over heels for the Dar Les Cigognes hammam experience.
From all the spa and wellness experiences I’ve had over the years, the hammam at Dar Les Cigognes is unlike any other.
It was something I’d come across before but had never tried.
During a visit to the Miraj Hammam Spa at Shangri-La Toronto, I considered trying its hammam but settled instead on its sumptuous facial.
A brief background to hammam in Morocco
The hammam is the Islamic variant of the Roman bath and sauna. The concept of the Turkish baths first became popular in the Victorian era as a method of cleansing and relaxation.
There are differences according to country, but the standard’s a steam room with full body wash, followed by a massage.
In Morocco, a visit to the hammam is a weekly occurrence. It’s a time not only to relax, but also to socialize. Men and women bathe separately, and it’s an important part of Moroccan culture.
Solo female travelers visiting Morocco may also prefer booking a private hammam experience.
This private royal hammam packacge includes a full body scrub, honey body mask and Argan oil massage. After the treatment, the package also includes a poolside lunch followed by mint tea and Moroccan pastries.
The Dar Les Cigognes hammam experience
And so, it was at Dar Les Cigognes that I finally broke my hammam virginity.
A discreet treatment at Dar Les Cigognes hammam
Given the overt nudity that occurs in hammams, don’t expect any big glittering neon signs outside. On the contrary, you’ll find discreet entrances and windowless exteriors.
Though the country was never under Ottoman rule, hammam translates as ‘public bath place’ in Arabic.
A first-time wellness experience
Truthfully speaking, I wasn’t brave enough to try a public hammam — especially for my first try. After some sound advice from another traveler, I decided to keep it boutique and go private.
It turned out to be the right decision. They have 2 hammam rooms at Dar Les Cigognes, both elegant in style and design. It also uses its own range of massage and bath products based on Moroccan argan oil.
Don't forget
Don’t forget to bring swimwear if you want to try it out the Dar Les Cigognes hammam experience. Women have to remove their bikini tops, but that’s all that’s required. Once inside the room, it feels similar in design to a Scandinavian sauna, with wooden benches and towels that you sit on.
The therapist then gets to work, first, by running water from the tap into a wooden bucket.
The hammam experience begins
Once the water’s warm enough, she begins to bathe you. I’ll be honest, I did feel slightly awkward sitting there half nude, but you soon learn to relax.
Upon lying down, she applies a body scrub. For anyone who enjoys having silky smooth skin after a scrub, you’ll love this. I wish I could tell you the product, but the lady only spoke Arabic so it was impossible to ask.
What wasn’t as pleasant, was seeing how much dirt came off on the towel. I was shocked, and hung my head in hammam shame.
The ritual of bathing and cleansing continues, by which point you completely let go of your inhibitions. However, the main highlight of the cleansing for me was the ‘facial’. I use quotation marks because it’s not the type of facial I’m used to having.
Instead, she takes a black soap/product and gently cleans your skin while massaging it. My skin was so clean, it was literally squeaking clean after.
A few more rounds of cleansing, and I felt reborn. Wrapped up like a pig in blanket, my therapist led me to the second part of the ritual: the massage.
Then came the massage
My skin tingled against the fabric of the robe as I walked to the next room. After a good session of steaming and cleansing, I was ready for the massage.
If I wasn’t so relaxed at the time, I would’ve taken photos of the room’s ceiling. It was mesmerizing to say the least, with a sliver of light shining through the top.
There’s not much I can say about the massage other than it was excellent. When writing about wellness tourism, it’s easy to forget that not every experience is necessarily a good one.
Firm yet soft strokes, my masseuse knew exactly what she was doing, and she did it well. One last tip: don't say no to the head massage. Yes, you'll walk out looking like you have the hair of a troll doll, but your head will thank you for it after.
What do you think of my Dar Les Cigognes hammam experience in Marrakech? Does it look like a treatment you'd like to try? Let me know in the comments below.
Dar Les Cigognes, 108 Rue de Berrima, Marrakech 40000
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by Dar Les Cigognes, all views are my own and based on my own experience. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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I’m a Hammam virgin and you’ve convinced me to try it. Your suggestion to go with a tour group is a good one since I would feel a bit intimidated in a public place. It’s also good that you’ve described what happens so that it doesn’t seem as strange to have someone washing you. Sounds like a wonderfully relaxing and cleansing experience!
Oh my goodness Annick, I loved my private hammam experience. I don't think I could ever try a public one, I'd feel too exposed!
Sounds like you had an incredible experience Lisa - I love a hammam too! I tried my first one when in Jordan (like you, a private one), and have since had 2 more while in Turkey (again, private ones - though the first of the two was with a couple of my girlfriends). Maybe one day I'll pluck up the courage to go to a public one 😉 x
I did! I don't know if I could do the public one; it's such a intimate experience! I'd love to go to Jordan one day!
I have been to a few spas but I have never visited a Hammam. While the interior of the Hammam with those brass vessels and rose petals looks inviting, I am equally liking the outdoor seating with all that cacti. The central courtyard also looks beautiful. Looks like a calm place for some good relaxation. I would definitely like to give it a try when I get the chance.
I hope you do! It's a wonderful riad, and a beautiful hammam to match.
Wow, that looks spectacular! The atmosphere is just perfect for relaxation. The rustic interiors and the perfect contrast to that beautiful outdoor view. I can't imagine a better hammam experience.
It was so relaxing, and an excellent experience for my first time in a hammam. Highly recommended 😀
I have been many times in a hammam and every time I go to an Arab country, I try one. The experience is just so thrilling that I can't help not paying for those moments. Dar les Cigognes hammam also looks fantastic and it has wonderful decorations. The only things I regret when I go to a hammam is that if I have sun-ten, after the scrub it will be gone.
The private hammam here is incredible! I loved every minute, and the massage after was the icing on the cake. A definite must in Marrakech 😀
I admit trying the hammam experience in Morocco was one thing we missed out on doing. We'll have to make it up next trip. I'm sure experiencing it for the first time in a private place was much less nerve-wracking than in the public ones. But the rejuvenating must have been amazing and relaxing for both the body and the soul.
Oh no, you must return! I promise that if you enjoy a bit of wellness during your travels, you'll love this place 😀
I am so happy you discovered the hammam. This is something that I enjoy to the moon and back. I had it in Istanbul and, although it was not a private hammam, it was a high-end one, so everything is clean and very respectable. I absolutely love how refreshed you get to feel after this experience and so relaxed... My first feeling was that I wanted to do it again, I felt so bad that it ended 🙂 I have bookmarked this, as I want to travel to Morocco soon and I want to try it for sure 🙂
You will seriously love the hammam! It was one of the best wellness experiences I've had in my life, and I don't regret it for a minute!
What an amazing experience, thanks for the tips! I think i'll definitely take the "first-timer's" advice and try the private room first, but this is definitely something that could turn into the highlight of any trip
Ah you must! And yes, I'd recommend going private unless you're brave to try the public one!
I've always wondered what the inside of a hammam looks like, thanks for taking pics and sharing even though you were there to relax 🙂 Now I really want to try this experience! Good to know you don't have to go all the way to Morocco to experience this. I just googled and found a hammam spa in Vancouver
You will absolutely love it! I had the best time, and can't wait to do it again! You must try the one in Vancouver and let me know how you get on 🙂
Oh, that hammam looks so incredibly beautiful. What an awesome place to get to relax! One of my biggest regrets from visiting Morocco was not taking the time to visit a hammam--good to know I don't need to go all the way to Morocco to find one.
Ah that's a shame! It's a real must try especially if you like to relax a little when travelling!
Thanks for sharing. I LOVE hamam, but I only tried them in Turkey.
Beautiful architecture and also very different from them in Istanbul. Must try it in Morocco some day! 🙂
Aw yes you must, and I need to try it in Istanbul!
I too would be very uncomfortable at first with someone "cleaning" me. Then if I see what they wipe off me would make me feel really awkward. Like "do they ever clean themselves"? I think in the end like you I would be able to finally relax but it would take a while. This sounds like a pretty neat experience.
Ha, I know what you mean, but honestly, it was such an amazing experience, and your skin will surely thank you for it after!
Looks like a beautiful place! And, ironically sounds much more pleasant than some of the hammams I've been to in regions where they are actually historically linked (like Andalucia)-ha the massage certainly sounds more pleasant than the ones you get in Granada at the hammam!
Oh I haven't tried the one in hammam, but I'm intrigued now! The private experience here was second to none!
I second your thoughts of wellness experience in travel . It's a complete experience of renewing once mind soul and body. I experienced hammam first time in Istanbul and I was too little skeptical in the beginning just like you but thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved your narration of experience through six senses that makes the whole process compete. It's the best thing to do. Thanks for sharing
You're very welcome, and it's great to meet a fellow spa lover here! I'd like to experience the Turkish one now too 😀
I have always been curious about the Hamman or the whole concept of this royal bath. There are many monuments in India where we can see the hammam or the bathing areas of kings and queens that used to rule there. Hammam in Morocco must have been a great experience too. Indeed, it is a great way of relaxation and the massage that follows is great.
Thank you for telling me about hammam in your country, I never knew! The Moroccan hammam was so relaxing and I felt so clean after!
Quite an experience it must have been. Have experienced massages in Maldives and Cambodia, but the concept of hammer intrigues me, specially how the whole massage takes place.
It's a must experience, really unique too!
I am quite fascinated by the idea of hammam when I first heard and saw in many Travel Shows. I knew about Turkish public bath and I would love to experience it whenever I visit Turkey. I am pleasantly surprised to know about hammam in Morocco as well. The loved the whole experience of private space and the way they perform the whole session. I have also experienced Sauna in Finland. I definitely want to experience hammam now after reading your post.
That's so encouraging for me to read, thank you! This is my first hammam, but I can't wait to try it in other countries like Turkey now. The sauna in Finland sounds pretty great too 😀
It looks so traditional, really love such places! Even thought we have been living in the Middle East, never went to a Hammam experience yet. This really makes us feel like we are missing out big time!
Then you must try it! It's so traditional there, and you're skin will thank you for it after!
I have to be honest I have never heard of the hammams but it looks like a place I would like to visit in 2018. I think that it would be interesting to try the public bath but don't know if I would be too embarrassed or not haha. Great post.
Trust me, private is the way to go! I had the best time, and would do it every week if possible!
I've always wanted to try this! It sounds so amazing and I bet you feel incredibly clean afterwards. I guess I would feel a little awkward too at the beginning. Morocco is high on my list hope I get to experience a hammam soon!
Aw, you'll really enjoy it! I hope you get to visit Morocco soon!
I didn't know what a hammam was before reading this! I think if I did it I would prefer to go private like you did. I would imagine a lot of dirt would come off onto my towel! I would definitely try a hammam once.
It's such a great experience, both for men and women. Yes, the dirt that comes off you is shocking, but you feel so clean after!
Ahhhh how I do love Hammams! While the scrubbing can be a bit intense at first, I love the cleansing feel I get after a good scrubbing. And then a nice massage after the scrubbing does the trick. The Dar Les Cigognes sounds absolutely delightful and I would love to experience this in Morocco one day!
Nice to meet a fellow hammam convert! I know what you mean about the scrubbing, but I felt so clean after it was incredible!
I'd never heard of hammam before it looks like an experience I would love to have. The design of the place looks incredible and I always enjoy a good pampering. I'll have to get to Morocco someday!
You must, it's really a great experience, especially if you enjoy a bit of pampering while travelling!
I have never been to Islamic hammam or the Roman bath. The hammams of Morocco are already famous. Though, I would be embarrassed to go to a public bath too, at least for the first time. It is interesting that such traditions are still alive.
It's really great, and most Moroccans (men and women) visit weekly! It's an excellent experience.
Yes - head massages are the best! I hadn't heard of hammam, but it sure sounds amazing. I'm sure I'd get over the public nature of it all, as that would be my only hesitation.
I totally understand Jamie, but trust me, once you're there, you get over it and can relax!
I didn't know what a hammam was until today but sounds like such a relaxing experience! Kinda reminds me a bit of a Japanese public bath house experience I had where I had to bathe in front of others so I totally get how it can be a bit awkward at first hahaa.
It was my first hammam, and after this experience it won't be my last! I guarantee you do get over any awkwardness!
This place looks so much inviting, I love the calm and relaxing atmosphere, just already visible from your nice photos! When I travel, I actually do not really take so much time to do some wellness and spa, which is a shame. Especially when I see how beautiful and regenerating it can be - as you share it in this post here. I think after such treatment I would feel minimum 5 years younger.
Ah you really do feel so relaxed, and I wish there was something more visual to let readers know how great a private hammam can be. Maybe you'll consider trying it in the future 🙂
This Moroccan bath with authentic atmosphere must be so revitalizing. I love authentic spas/hammams instead of newly ones. Islamic style of architecture with Scandavian sauna must be a perfect for our body and soul. I have heard lots of good things about black soap bath for good and cleansed skin. I have to also broke my hammam virginity now as have never tried it before.
Haha, so you must try this and take your first step into the world of hammams; you'll love it I promise!
Oh wow, that surely sounds very enticing and hugely relaxing! Although I love my spa time, I have never been to a hammam spa. Reading your post just made me realise what a fabulous experience I’m missing on. Definitely going to try when I get the opportunity next.
You must, it's really one of the best wellness experiences I've ever had, and I've had many 😀
Lisa, this totally reminds me of the recent hammam spa experience I had in Grananda, Spain. It was something I fail to describe in words. You are lucky you could take pictures, I apparently do not have a single picture. They had different pools of different temperatures, plus massage and the hot rock, omg, I can totally feel you. Happy that you experienced it too.
Thank you Shreya, that's incredible to read! I had an incredible time, and I understand about the photos; it's one of those experiences you just need to enjoy!
I hear you - I am in love with the Hammam experience myself! It's the whole feel - of being in this quiet calm place, with only relaxation on your mind, the lovely fragrances, the soft music and what not. I've been to a few hammams in Turkey as well as Dubai, this one you've features in Morocco looks equally amazing. Would love to try it out!
I'm officially a hammam addict, so cannot wait to try it in other countries too! Excited about Turkey and Dubai!
Wow, loved this blog, the photos are awesome, the information is so useful. I loved how you have written about the history of the place. I would definitely try to the spa and bath when I am there next.
Thank you, that's so kind! I had a wonderful experience, and would love to go back!
I am all about spas, love them! I might just have to make a trip to Morocco to have this experience too!
It's amazing here, and such a luxury experience too!
Wow, this place looks so amazing! I definitely want to visit one of their locations one day! Thanks for the share.
Well, there's only one location, it's one of a kind!
Why I am aware of hammam's I did not know that they have spread all over the world like this. A great example of soft powers of a culture. It looks terrifyingly indulgent. I think if I end up there, I will burn my month's earning splurging in the hammam. he he...
Haha, it's actually not as expensive as you may think! But for a one-off experience, it's worth every penny!
I experienced this for the first time on a recent visit to Bodrum and I am also in love. I was a little uncomfortable at the thought initially but that all melted away along with any stress, dirt and dean skin.
Yes Sarah, you totally understand! It sounds gross at first with all the dirt, but the feeling after is just heavenly!
That is such a lovely description of your experience. I have never seen a Hamman let along be inside it and experience the luxury of that Moroccan massage. The place itself looks gorgeous and from your description I know I would feel like a princess at the end of it. Thanks for sharing this. And cheers to this lovely post.
Thank you so much; that's so nice of you to write 😀 It was my first time too, but I wish I could return every week - it's that good!
This looks like a beautiful and relaxing place. I have never had the guts to try anything like this when traveling. Or close to home for that matter. I visited Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas and what you did sounds much like what people did in Hot Springs back in the day (and tourists can do, now). They say this process is healing.
It's beautiful and very relaxing! I really encourage you to try it, the hot springs sound wonderful, and you're lucky to be so close to home!
I believe there is a certain rawness to hammams that makes them so appealing. Besides the obvious relaxation that is received when there, there is a certain cultural aspect of the whole setup that literally takes you to another era.
Yes, it's very different, and relaxing too. Culturally, it's so nice they keep the tradition alive.
That is an experience I definitely would love to try! It sounds very soothing. The way you described the deep cleanse and massage is the perfect pampering treatment I need!
Thank you! It's an amazing experience, and one I wish I could have weekly 😀
I go quite often to the South of Spain, where a lot of hammams are as well, but I have never went to one. Reading your experience made me really want to go to one next time I'm there, if I don't get to Morocco first. I would probably feel awkward as well at the beginning, naked, but I would probably relax if the person pampering me would be a woman as well.
Yes, in the private hammams at least, you'll definitely get a woman! It's an incredible experience, and you won't be disappointed!
I'd never heard of a hammam. Though I'm familiar with Roman and Turkish bath houses, I haven't experienced one. Your first-hand account is a great prep and it sounds like a wonderful place!
It's really wonderful, and it was my first time trying it too!
Lovely architecture of the place. Would love to try a Hammam someday. Nothing is better than getting a massage and relax after a tiring day of sightseeing. I hope you did get to try the Moroccan tea.
Oh yes, I had plenty of Moroccan tea here. The hammam is really an experience I urge wellness tourism fans to try, it's that good!
Actually the place looks so much like India! The architecture and interiors look like the traditional Indian houses!!! Trying of the authentic Argan oil in Morocco itself would be awesome. I really would love to be pampered like this now!!! Haha!
Aw that's cool to hear! I've never been to India, so maybe from this, I can kind of say I have?! The hammam's an amazing experience, and you really will feel pampered and relaxed after visiting.