Going to a hammam for the first time can feel a little daunting: What do I wear? How long do I stay? How should I behave? The good news is that a hammam is designed to make you as comfortable as possible. With this guide you'll be ready for your first visit.

What to wear

A peshtemal (a thin cotton wrap) is usually worn in the hammam. At EPHRA a peshtemal, towels, slippers, a single-use bath sponge and single-use underwear are ready for you. You can bring your swimsuit if you prefer.

What to bring

  • A hair tie and your personal care products
  • Any special cream you use (our rose, mango, aloe vera, pomegranate and donkey milk moisturisers are also available)
  • We suggest leaving valuables at home

How the visit flows

  1. Arrival: come 15 minutes before your booking for a welcome and a short chat.
  2. Warm-up: rest for a few minutes in the warmth to prepare your body.
  3. Scrub: the attendant performs the cleansing ritual.
  4. Massage (optional): if your package includes a massage, this comes next.
  5. Rest: relax in the quiet area with water or herbal tea.

Hammam etiquette

  • The space is kept calm and quiet; phone use is limited.
  • If anything feels uncomfortable, say so straight away; heat, pressure and length are adjusted to you.
  • Try not to come on an empty stomach or right after a big meal.

Who should take care?

If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, a heart condition or an ongoing health condition, ask your doctor before going into the heat and let us know when you book.

When you're ready, plan your first hammam visit on the booking page.

Choose a treatment or a package

Compare hammam and scrub options with packages if you also want a massage. Check the included treatments, duration and number of guests rather than relying on the package name alone. A scrub added to a massage is a different booking option from a standalone scrub.

Allow time for arrival and rest as well as the treatment itself. See contact and directions for the address, map and opening hours. If you have questions about privacy or clothing preferences, contact the team before booking.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please ask your doctor about your own health.