Les Bains Kenaria

Overview

A wood fire still heats this hammam in the medina of Marrakech, the old way the house calls Fornatgi. The bath is centuries old. It stands in the Kennaria area of Riad Zitoun el Kdim, where its owners brought the ancestral bathing practice back in rooms that join traditional building techniques with modern design and natural materials. The hammam itself is a single open space, used by men and women at the same time, and guests are asked to bring a swimsuit. Besides the hot room, there are baths with three pools, and the time spent there is unlimited: every package includes them, and they can also be booked on their own. The ritual pairs steam with black soap and a gommage, with natural products such as ghassoul clay, in the hands of a team trained in the traditional techniques. The Discovery Pack keeps to that, while the Kenaria Experience and Beauty Ritual packs add a back or a full-body massage. Afterwards the house restaurant serves Moroccan dishes made with fresh ingredients, and a cafeteria has its own menu. Residents of Marrakech come as well as visitors from abroad; booking ahead is recommended, and a deposit confirms the slot.