Long before modern spas became associated with luxury and indulgence, communal bathing was already an important part of life across the Middle East and North Africa. In Doha, traditional hammams keep some of these customs alive through steam bathing, fragrant black soap and time-honoured exfoliation rituals.
The Hammam: A Tradition of Steam and Scrubbing
A hammam is not simply a hot bath. The session often starts in a warm, steamy room, where the heat prepares the skin for exfoliation. Black soap is then applied before a therapist uses a rough mitt called a kessa to remove dead skin. A foam wash or body mask may follow, depending on the treatment.
Moroccan Baths and Their Rituals
Moroccan hammams have their own recognisable routine, particularly the use of black soap and rhassoul clay. The clay is mixed with water to form a mask and is traditionally used to cleanse the skin. When comparing Doha hotel deals, check the details carefully, as spa access and treatments are not necessarily included in accommodation offers.
Modern Spa Experiences Around the City
Doha’s wellness scene extends beyond traditional bathing. The central districts around Souq Waqif, where Al Najada Doha Hotel Apartments By Oaks is situated, are part of the city’s older urban landscape. Across Doha, modern spas offer full-body massages, facials, sauna sessions and steam rooms. Aromatherapy and body wraps are also common additions to treatment menus, with sessions varying in length and approach.
Planning a Spa Visit
Hammam treatments can vary quite a bit from one spa to another. Some sessions include a full-body scrub and foam wash, while others add clay masks or massages. Check what is covered in the price before booking, and ask whether towels, robes and slippers are supplied.