Moroccan Bath in Abu Dhabi — Traditional Hammam at Doral Spa

Step 1: Steam preparation (10–15 min)

The body enters the steam room to open the pores and soften the skin’s surface layer. Heat penetrates deeply into the muscle tissue, relaxing the entire musculoskeletal system and preparing the skin for what follows.

Step 2: Black soap application (savon beldi)

Authentic Moroccan black soap — made from olive oil, water, and potassium hydroxide — is applied across the full body and left to absorb for several minutes. Black soap softens the dead skin layer at a cellular level, making the subsequent exfoliation dramatically more effective than dry scrubbing alone.

Step 3: Kessa exfoliation

A traditional kessa mitt (exfoliation glove) is used to remove the loosened dead skin in long, firm strokes. The result — visible rolls of dead skin being shed — is the most visible marker of how much the steam and black soap have prepared the skin. This step typically removes several layers of accumulated surface cells.

Step 4: Ghassoul clay mask

Ghassoul (also spelled rhassoul) is a rare volcanic clay mined from the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Rich in silica, magnesium, and potassium, it is applied over the body and face as a thick mask, drawing out impurities and delivering minerals directly to the skin. After resting for several minutes, the mask is rinsed with warm water.

Step 5: Final rinse and rest

A graduated rinse — moving from warm to cool — closes the pores and completes the ritual. Clients typically rest afterward in the relaxation area, as the body continues processing the treatment for 30–60 minutes.