At this time of year, most of us are feeling ready to pack up and move
abroad like migrating swallows to warmer climates. Whether it’s
weather-beaten complexions, frizzy hair, waking up freezing at 3am or
having to wear 12 layers before you even venture outside, the cold
weather doesn’t agree with most of us.
But if you don’t have the budget to jet off to the Bahamas,
a hammam treatment can be the next best thing. If you’re not familiar, a
hammam is a steam room where you undergo a cleansing ritual with water
buckets and scrubs and is an integral part of Arabic culture. As well as
giving your skin a good scrub and polish, the hot steam helps the body
to sweat out toxins, clear the sinuses, boost circulation, alleviate
muscular pain and tension as well as being one of the most relaxing
rituals on the planet. If you’re someone who only grabs a hurried shower
in the morning, or falls exhausted in the bath come the evening until
the water turns tepid, this was just what the doctor ordered.
Once you get over the initial awkwardness, the
feeling of lying on a stone floor in the intense heat and having water
poured over you by the attendant (the “Kessala”), will make you wonder
why more people don’t do this more often. Every inch of your skin is
loofah’ed, scrubbed and polished to within an inch of its life,
circulation is boosted, while the mind is relaxed and your tense muscles
slowly yield to the heat. In short, the perfect way to end a stressful
week.
For those London-based, The Old Hammam and Spa in Edmunton is a popular choice – plus LastMinute.com are offering their Old Hammam Package (normally £85) for just £48. Click here for more details. Otherwise check out websites like treatwell.co.uk for more great hammam deals across the UK.
