The hammam has long played a role in Turkish history and dates back to the Ottoman Empire.
These days, the experience is still universally loved across the Middle East and indeed has seen something of a surge in popularity in luxury hotels.
Undoubtedly, one of the most visually stunning and authentic hammams can be had at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel on the Palm Jumeirah.
Winner of accolades such as The World Travel Awards UAE’s Leading Spa Resort in 2014, the hotel’s facility feels like a step back in time.
As you enter the maze-like Talise Spa, you feel at ease and ready to shed the cares of city life. I opted for a 60-minute Royal Ottoman Hammam treatment.
At the heart of this spa, built from marble and exquisitely decorated with dark woods, mosaics and murals, lies the spectacular hammam area itself. A large serene blue plunge pool is the centrepiece, while softly draped relaxation areas line each side, hiding blissed-out guests.
Once disrobed, the first stop is the steam room, and it is recommended to stay in as long as possible to really open up the pores. When ready, you are guided to the cleansing room to lay on a marble slab and begin your experience.
The treatment itself consists of a vigorous head-to-toe exfoliation to remove dead skin, followed by a soaping that feels like being submerged in fragrant marshmallows. You are then treated to a deep all-over massage, completed with a honey-and-lavender body mask. The highly skilled therapist also washed my hair in a shampoo so minty I felt tingles going down my spine.
After this truly regal cleanse, you are finally led to one of the draped lounge areas to nibble on some plump dates, sip some juice, and dream about life as a Sultana. Superb.
Talise, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray; Jumeirah.com
