The five best hammam experiences in Dubai

Photo: The Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai, UAE

The impulse to take time out for a day of relaxation to pamper oneself and stimulate the mind with conversation and witty exchanges is as old as civilization itself. But gone are the days of the communal bath where much of this used to take place. These days, the hammam is a more luxurious experience.

This is how it goes: You first change into a robe and sweat it out in the steam room for your pores to open up nicely. After a pat down, you lie on a heated marble slab, where a therapist will first exfoliate the skin with a scrub while pouring generous quantities of warm water over your body. What follows is a fun bubble bath of sorts where you are covered with suds, making you feel like you are floating on a cloud.

Another rub down and you are ready to be rinsed off. Then you can cool down with essential oils or re-hydrate and relax.

Never tried a hammam before? You are missing out. Here are five to try in Dubai.

1. ANJANA SPA, RIXOS THE PALM DUBAI

Adhering to traditional Turkish hammam rituals, the spa takes you back in time to when the hammam was a place of mysticism and luxury. Special oils, traditional rituals, and a modern elegance makes the experience quite unforgettable.

The 40-minute treatment starts and ends in the relaxation area, where Turkish tea and other beverages are on offer. Come out feeling fresh, clean, and pampered like nothing else.

Visit for: The authenticity metre, which is at the highest thanks in part to the Turkish heritage of the brand and the Turkish therapists who scrub like your mum would.

Call: +971 4 457 5415

2. THE ANANTARA SPA, ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT

A Far-Eastern spa is not the first place you would think of when it comes to an oriental hammam, but the Anantara has gone that extra mile to offer an authentic experience, making their hammam so popular that they have had to expand their space recently.

Starting with the steam room, you may select from four room options, allowing you to de-stress and unclog your pores in the manner most comfortable to you. Guests are then escorted up a level to the very opulent relaxation area, where you can choose your favourite fragrant oil to add to your 45-minute bath ritual.

The common hammam area accommodates four at a time, making it ideal for a bonding experience with friends. They even offer private couple’s hammam suites so you can enjoy the traditional experience with your spouse.

Visit for: The heavenly oils that are added to your final rinse, leaving you fragrant for hours.

Call: +971 4 567 8140

3. SARAY SPA, JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI

As the elevator doors open to the Saray Spa, the delicate aroma of essential oils hits you, and you know you are in good hands.

Here, the journey begins with a soothing concoction, the delicate daily drink. When you opt for the 60-minute Turkish hammam, you have the benefit of an exclusive steam room right next to the hammam area, so you don’t have to walk through the corridors.

The common area accommodates three at a time, and they also offer a private hammam room for one in case you value your privacy. The lighting is dim and soothing so you can rest easy on the warm marble slab.

You can then relax for as long as you want on the heated marble beds in the relaxation room, allowing you to come full circle with your treatment.

Visit for: The hammam for one, a truly personalised and private experience.

Call: +971 4 414 6754

4. TALISE OTTOMAN SPA, JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY

Taking the traditional Turkish hammam concept to a whole new level, the Talise Ottoman Spa houses a huge pool in the centre of the relaxation area, offering you the chance to soak in the goodness of warm water while you chat with friends or just detox your mind in solitude.

Arguably one of the largest spas in the region, it blends the traditional with the modern, balancing the community aspect of the past with the present desire for privacy. So while the bath area is large and quite busy at most times, the relaxation areas are all to the side, with sheer curtains to offer solitude to those who desire it.

Trained therapists softly whisper every step of the ritual, and they hold you as you walk on the slippery floor to avoid any accidents. Refresh yourself with a cold yoghurt drink and indulge in dates and dried figs, and you can head on out whenever you are ready to face the day.

Visit for: The massive pool in the relaxation area, which is great for socialising. You can hang around there all day. Really.

Call: +971 4 453 0556

5. ONE&ONLY SPA, ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

Talking of tradition, Dubai has one of its own with the One&Only Spa, one of the first luxury hammams in the city. The oriental experience comes complete with winding corridors, candle-lit lanterns and the fragrance of roses in the air.

The warm marble beds keep you comfortable as water is poured over your body, washing away the scrub and soap bubbles. The hammam operates at different timings for men and women, allowing complete privacy and comfort when you are there.

Visit for: The cosy relaxation pool and the various scrubs you can choose from depending on when you visit: rose, honey, and more.

Call: +971 4 315 2140

THE HAMMAM LINGO

These are the keywords to turn you into a pro:

• Camekan: An entrance hall with cubicles
• Peshtemal: A colourful checked cloth to cover your body
• Sogukluk: The relaxation room
• Hararet: The steam room
• Gobektashi: The central, raised platform in the hammam area

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