Hammam Lalla Mira

Description:

• This is the oldest traditional public bath in Essaouira, traditionally used by Gnaoua slaves who gave it the name of their yellow spirit, "Lalla Mira." Since its renovation during the building of the hotel now located above it, it has become the country's first hammam to be heated with solar thermal equipment, in keeping with owner Felicitas de Christ's strong environmental ethics. It's also a very beautiful, yet small, hammam, resplendent in natural tadelakt walls and green polished-clay tiling. The hammam's main clients are women -- locals and travelers -- who come for a traditional wash with black soap, a body scrubbing, or grommage, which uses a scrubbing mitten, a finely ground pumice stone, and argan oil all for 180dh ($23/£11). Separate grommage or massages cost 75dh ($9.40/£4.70) each.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010