Madrid – Plaza Mayor: bath, kessa, and relaxing massage

Discover the Unique Hammam Experience in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor

The Madrid bath, kessa, and relaxing massage tour offers a blend of traditional Andalusian Arab bath rituals with modern comfort, all set in the heart of Madrid’s historic Plaza Mayor. Priced at $88 per person and lasting 1.5 hours, this experience is perfect for travelers seeking relaxation and a touch of local history in a central location. The tour features a 90-minute session that includes multiple baths with varying temperatures, a kessa cleansing treatment, and an optional 15 or 30-minute massage.

Housed in a building over three centuries old, the Hammam Al Ándalus provides an authentic atmosphere combined with high-quality products from El Jardín de Hammam. Although the experience is highly praised, it requires guests to bring their own swimwear and wear it during the session, as nudity is not permitted. This tour suits those interested in wellness, culture, and relaxing in a historic setting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Andalusian Arab baths with thermal pools and steam rooms in Madrid’s historic Plaza Mayor
• Includes a 15- or 30-minute massage and 15-minute kessa cleansing treatment
• Unlimited herbal teas such as mint or rooibos with orange served throughout the session
• Duration of 1.5 hours, priced at $88 per person, with all necessary amenities provided
• Located just 5 minutes on foot from Puerta del Sol, in a building over 300 years old
• Well-reviewed for its relaxing atmosphere and knowledgeable staff

The Location: Historic Plaza Mayor and Central Madrid

The Hammam Al Ándalus is situated in a historic building right in the center of Madrid, making it easily accessible for visitors exploring the city. Its proximity to Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol means guests can combine this experience with sightseeing before or after. The location’s centrality ensures no long travel is needed to reach the baths, making it an attractive option for those with limited time.

The building’s age, over three centuries, adds to the authentic feel of the experience. The ambiance inside the hammam echoes traditional Arab bathhouses, with features designed to foster relaxation and tranquility.

The Full 90-Minute Hammam Ritual

This tour’s core is the 90-minute session that includes thermal baths at different temperatures—cold, warm, and hot—plus a steam room. Guests alternate between these baths, enjoying the soothing effects of heat and steam on the body. These features help promote circulation and overall well-being, making the traditional rituals both relaxing and revitalizing.

The steam room adds a layer of deep relaxation, allowing the body to sweat out impurities. The combination of different temperature pools and steam creates a calming environment that caters to both relaxation and purifying benefits.

The Black Soap and Kessa Cleansing Treatment

An essential part of the experience is the 15-minute kessa treatment. This involves using a cotton fiber glove and black soap to exfoliate the skin. Performed on a stone bed, the kessa removes dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and purified.

This cleansing process is a highlight for many, as it provides a true sense of cleanliness and renewal. The black soap used is a traditional product, known for its nourishing and cleansing qualities, enhancing the overall spa experience.

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The Optional Relaxing Massage

Guests can add a 15- or 30-minute massage to their session, which is included within the 90-minute total time. The massage aims to ease tension after the baths and cleansing, providing an even deeper sense of relaxation. Although specific details about the massage techniques aren’t provided, the inclusion of this treatment is highly valued in reviews for its calming effect.

Since the massage time is flexible, guests can choose based on how much relaxation they seek. The massage, along with the baths and cleansing, makes this experience a comprehensive wellness treat.

Refreshing Herbal Teas and Amenities

Throughout the session, unlimited herbal teas are available. Guests can enjoy mint tea or rooibos with orange, which complement the calming atmosphere perfectly. These drinks help hydrate and soothe, making the experience even more restorative.

The tour includes essentials like one towel per person, gel, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, along with a hairdryer and hair straightener. Lockers are available in the changing rooms to store personal items securely.

Practical Details: What to Bring and What Not to Expect

Participants are asked to bring their own swimwear, as swimming suits or bikinis are mandatory for the session. Alternatively, guests can purchase a swimsuit at reception for 30 euros. The experience is mixed, meaning both men and women share the baths, but the changing rooms are separated by gender.

Cameras, large luggage, shoes indoors, and phones are not allowed inside the hammam for privacy and safety reasons. The session begins promptly at the reserved time, so arriving a little early is advised. The experience is not suitable for children under 6 years, people with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or high blood pressure.

Accessibility and Group Size

The tour is conducted in Spanish and English, making it accessible for most visitors. The group size is not specified, but the environment suggests a calm, intimate setting rather than a crowded spa. The silent atmosphere inside the hammam enhances relaxation, so guests should be prepared for a peaceful, meditative experience.

What Sets This Hammam Apart

What distinguishes this tour is its central Madrid location, housed in a historic building, and the authenticity of its rituals. The combination of baths, skin cleansing, and massage provides a comprehensive wellness experience in a convenient setting. The unlimited herbal teas and high praise for the staff’s professionalism add to its appeal.

The review highlights the stunning facilities and the relaxing quality of the treatments, making it particularly attractive for visitors seeking a restorative escape amid sightseeing.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing Cultural Escape in Madrid

This Arab bath ritual in Madrid’s Plaza Mayor offers a peaceful retreat that combines tradition with modern comfort. The $88 price covers a full 1.5-hour experience that includes thermal baths, cleansing, and a massage—all in a historic setting just minutes from key attractions. The unlimited teas and comprehensive amenities enhance the sense of relaxation.

While the need to bring swimwear and wear it during the session might be a minor inconvenience, the authentic atmosphere and high-quality treatments make this a worthwhile experience. It’s especially suited for those interested in wellness, cultural traditions, or a stress-relieving break from sightseeing.

The Madrid bath, kessa, and relaxing massage tour delivers value and authenticity, earning a perfect 5-star review for its calming environment and attentive service. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a traditional Arab hammam right in the heart of Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the session suitable for all ages?
No, the experience is not suitable for children under 6 years old.

Do I need to bring my own swimwear?
Yes, participants should bring their own swimwear or purchase one at reception for 30 euros.

Are the baths mixed gender?
Yes, the baths are mixed, but the changing rooms are separated by gender.

What should I wear inside the hammam?
You must wear a swimsuit or bathing suit or bikini. Nudity is not permitted.

Can I record inside the hammam?
No, cameras and cellphones are not allowed inside.

What amenities are included?
Guests receive one towel per person, gel, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, a hair dryer, and hair straightener.

How long is the massage?
The massage can be 15 or 30 minutes, included within the total 90-minute session.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are spoken?
The tour is conducted in Spanish and English.

Can I combine this with sightseeing tours?
Yes, its central location makes it easy to enjoy before or after exploring Madrid’s attractions.

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