Since ancient times, the cleansing ritual at the hammam was a must for any individual’s physical and emotional health. With summer in full swing, when the skin is exposed to all elements and the soul is burdened by heightened stress, escaping to an oasis of stillness and wellbeing is a must.
Think of a stress-free space where you can escape from the fast-paced, loud, tedious outside world, if only for a few hours. Imagine the space comes in the form of a large area made out of marble, within which you find basins, a large dome and, in the middle, a huge, warm stone to lie on. This place does exist, and it goes by the name of hammam.
The hammam is an ancient, traditional Turkish spa, known for its soothing and cleansing nature whose health benefits have been recognised and practised since the days of ancient Rome. The hammam acts as a sacred space which houses a cleansing ritual, where warm water is used as the main component of the procedure for the physical and emotional detox.
When you enter the hammam, you can immediately notice the continuous flow of warm air oozing out from all over the room, while being soothed by the soft, melodic ambience. You then lie on the stone, while wearing a cotton towel, to experience the warmth emitted from the marble surface. With the heat, your body relaxes and you begin to sweat. Toxins such as salt, alcohol, nicotine, cholesterol and other invasive organisms are expelled along with the sweat. You can then use the basins to gather water to pour over your head and body.
Those who enter the hammam can be further cleansed with a face mask and by having their hair shampooed with nourishing and fortifying argan products. In the hammam, one can also experience the traditional Turkish peeling and foam massage. As a form of exfoliation, a soft, silk glove is used to peel the dead skin cells, a rejuvenating must during the summer months, when skin is exposed to all kinds of elements which may have a harmful effect. Following the bath, you can relax with some detox tea or delicious Turkish coffee.
This Turkish bath treatment offers a multitude of advantages, including skin rejuvenation, better sleep, deep skin cleansing, removal of dead cells, helps you get an even tan and improvements blood circulation. Turkish baths can also help people who are suffering from localised aches and pains and also helps to shift lingering cold symptoms.
The ritual is known to not only have a cleansing effect on the body, but also a parallel effect on the mind and soul. Carisma Spa & Wellness is home to an authentic Turkish hammam on the island at the Intercontinental Hotel and Seashells Suncrest, offering this hammam experience at a price of €59. The price includes the full hammam experience (peeling, foam massage, face mask and shampooing, plus the use of sauna, steam bath, indoor pool and relaxation area, free parking facilities and unlimited tea and Turkish coffee).
One can make use of the hammam either as part of a group – which could be also a hen’s or a bachelor’s party - or individually. Private rooms are also available.
Intercontinental Malta, St Julian’s: Tel. 2376 5524, e-mail info@carismaspa.com.
Qawra Palace Hotel, Qawra: Tel. 2157 0525, e-mail qawrapalace@carismaspa.com
Seashells Resort At Suncrest, Qawra: Tel. 2157 0715 e-mail seashell@carismaspa.com