All three appear on spa menus across the UAE, and the names are often used loosely. Here is what actually happens in each, and which one to choose.
At a glance
| Compared on | Steam room | Body scrub | Moroccan bath |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat and steam | Yes | No | Yes |
| Soap | No | No | Traditional black soap |
| Exfoliation | No | Yes, granular product | Yes, kessa glove, full body |
| Done by a therapist | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rinse | Your own shower | Your own shower | Warm water poured over you |
| Typical time | 10–20 minutes | 30–45 minutes | 45–60 minutes |
| Skin afterwards | Warm, relaxed | Smooth | Very smooth, deeply cleansed |
The steam room
A steam room is a warm, humid room you sit in on your own. It warms the body, opens the pores and feels relaxing, but on its own it does not exfoliate. It is often a step within other treatments rather than a treatment in itself.
The body scrub
A body scrub uses a granular product, such as salt, sugar or ground seeds, rubbed over the skin by a therapist, then rinsed off in the shower. It leaves skin smooth and is gentler than a Moroccan bath. It does not usually include steam.
The Moroccan bath
The Moroccan bath is a ritual that has been part of daily life in Morocco for centuries:
- Steam warms the body and softens the skin.
- Black soap (savon noir), made with olive oil, is spread over the body.
- A kessa glove, a coarse mitt, is used to scrub the whole body firmly.
- Warm water is poured over you to rinse everything away.
Most people are surprised by how much dead skin comes away, even if they exfoliate at home. The result is skin that feels noticeably softer, and a warm, heavy kind of relaxation. Many guests follow it with an oil massage, which freshly exfoliated skin absorbs beautifully.
Which should you choose?
- Just want to warm up and relax? A steam room.
- Want smoother skin with a gentle touch? A body scrub.
- Want the deepest cleanse and a ritual to remember? A Moroccan bath.
A few skin tips
- Avoid waxing or shaving for 24 to 48 hours before a Moroccan bath.
- Wait if you are sunburnt, peeling or have irritated skin.
- Moisturise for a few days afterwards and avoid strong sun for 24 hours.
- If you are pregnant or feel unwell in heat, tell us before booking.
At Olive Spa, the Moroccan bath takes place in a private hammam room on the 1st Floor of V Hotel Fujairah. Ask about combining it with a massage, or book online.
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