Three years ago, “Hammam Baths” opened their doors in Athens, on Asomaton Street in the Thisio area of Athens – near Monastiraki square. Situated in a neighborhood of unique historic significance near the archaeological site of Kerameikos, the ancient agora and the Synagogue of Athens this hidden gem is one not to be missed by locals and visitors in Athens.
When entering this beautiful neoclassical building one comes across a space with a modern twist, but that wholly honors and respects its original roots. Anyone passing through those doors, will travel back in time. The building’s marble wash basins, marble beds and its imposing domed ceilings are the work of Turkish architect Ayøegül Özer, while the modernday pestemal towels, the takunya clogs, the loofa sponges, the kessa gloves and the soaps come directly from Turkey, Jordan, and Syria.
Last Saturday I visited this beautiful space for its signature treatment called “Ali-Mama Hammam”.
The ritual started with a 30 minute hammam session on a heated marble stone slab that included a rejuvenating steam bath and a deep exfoliating scrub. A full-body massage with natural olive-oil soap followed and ended with a kafa, a hair wash and energizing head massage. The duration of the treatment was 90 minutes. There are a lot of additional services that can be included according to your individual needs and wants; for example the special anti-cellulite therapy (Selülite Karsi) and traditional thread hair removal. At the end, of the 90 minute treatment, you are invited into the Hammam relaxation room where you are greeted with an assortment of teas and traditional “loukoumi” Turkish delight. What a perfect end to a perfect experience.
I recommend that you treat yourself to this little slice of heaven after a long days work or on a day off. The Hammam operates daily until 10pm.
TIPS:
- Try and visit the Hammam in the late hours so as to make sure that you will enjoy the serenity of the space without distractions!
- Avoid special holidays, such as Valentine’s Day – that was a big mistake on my part last Saturday!
- Take your own Havajanas as the wooden clogs that you will be given at the Hammam may be difficult for some to walk in – they were definitely impossible for me!
Most important tip for life; Start treating yourself like the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. Pamper yourself,
I am sure you deserve it!
