I'm visiting Fez next week and I really want to go to a hammam but I'm a bit nervous about going on my own! Does anyone have any tips about how it works and if there is anyone who can take me?

Thanks!

We were with OAT last year and several of us visited the Hammam. 3 women went and 4 men went. My husband said the men had a good time as one is escorted through with a man who gave them one "heck of an invigorating massage" !! And my hubby said he had never seen so much "dead skin" leaving his body!! LOL. We, the women, had a very good time. It is an extremely unique experience. Our OAT group arranged ours, but I bet a lot of the hotels could arrange it if you are going it alone. I think we tipped the girl about $5 and Im sure OAT also paid some amt too. I would not call it luxurious, but a "why not, one chance in a lifetime experience"

Try the hammam at Ain Azlitan on the Talaa Kbira. I got here every week -time permitting.

I pay 40 dhs for gommage (scrubbing) & massage. In brief, you enter the changing area, strip down to your underwear (no bras or bikini tops), and then follow the attendant through to the hammam. She'll seat you on the floor and surround you with black plastic buckets full of hot and cold water.

You will then be scrubbed, have your hair washed, and be gently massaged. If you going during a busty period, the scrubbing and massage can be tricky as space is at a premium, so you may be a bit squished. Go during the lunch hour for a bit more space.

You'll need a "kees" (scrubbing mitt) and 1 dhs worth of olive oil soap (sabon bildy) - both of which you can buy from the cashier. You pay for everything upon entering.

Enjoy the experience - its one most tourists dont get!

just realised that I made an assumption regarding your gender. If you're male, swimming trunks or briefs are appropriate - most of the rest is the same except that the massage will be more vigorous and the opening times for men are early A.M. until noon and from 8pm til midnight.

I wrote a passage on our experience in a hammam in Morocco a few months ago and have posted it in my travel blog here: http://favellestravels.blogspot.com/...marrakech.html

Just scroll down until you find the "hammam" heading.

Jenmaroc: It took me a minute to figure out exactly when the 'busty period' occurs. LOL!