This ritual is worth knowing about if you want radiance-boosting and de-stressing benefits in 90 minutes...
Looking for ways to calm your nerves? Pandemic stress is real, so if you’re chasing more ZZZ’s and searching for relaxation tips, you’re not alone. I was itching for a soothing spa day and had the opportunity to try the Black Soap and Rhassoul Hammam Ritual at Remede Spa, adapted from an ancient Moroccan practice. Curious to know if it’s up your street? Read on for my experience.
Remede Spa review: Black Soap and Rhassoul Hammam Ritual
Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, repeat
Pro tip: arrive early for a dose of pre-treatment relaxation. Remede Spa’s facilities include Cedarwood Finnish saunas, eucalyptus scented steam chambers, a jacuzzi, an outdoor spa pool and more. I’d say to swing by a good half hour earlier for a little me-time. After all, is there anything more relaxing than a good jacuzzi dip? Soak with abandon and thank me later.
The ancient art of hammam
Hammam is a type of Middle Eastern steam bath that has been practiced for ages since the Roman times. This traditional ritual is the full package: exfoliate, wash, mask and massage. It has since been popularised in many countries, and Remede Spa takes cues from the Moroccan practice to create its signature Black Soap and Rhassoul Hammam Ritual. In serious need of a good spa sesh, I was stoked to give it a go.
Treat your skin to a detox
It all began with five minutes in the steam chamber before my therapist came in with an olive and eucalyptus black soap mixture, which she applied all over my skin. After that, it was another five minutes of steaming for the soap’s detoxifying benefits to take effect. All it takes is 10 minutes in this steam chamber to soften the skin and promote blood circulation!
Then, I was guided to the Vichy Suite for a spot of exfoliation as I lay on a marble bed. Here, a traditional “Kassa” glove is used for the scrub, specially imported from Syria. Worried about feeling cold? I was, too. Until I realised that this isn’t just a regular slab of marble. It features infrared heating so your skin isn’t stunned by the cold right after a warm steam sesh. There’s also a Vichy shower, with a horizontal row of shower heads that rain warm water for a soothing post-scrub rinse. Fun fact: the therapists at Remede Spa use a new exfoliation glove for each customer, and you get to take yours home.
Dull skin, meet the rhassoul mask
Rhassoul clay (also known as ghassoul or Moroccan red clay) is a mineral-rich clay that draws out impurities and eliminates excess sebum from the skin. After the scrub and shower, my therapist masked my skin up with this purifying clay, rinsing it off to silky soft results. Needless to say, I was totally sold on this natural clay treatment!
Who doesn’t love a good massage?
What’s better than a detoxifying spa treatment? One that comes with a massage to send you further into zen mode. While the clay body mask was at work, my therapist treated me to a relaxing face and scalp massage with perfumed argan oil – ahh, bliss.
The massage is followed by the option to apply the clay mask to your face and scalp as well. It did take a bit of washing to get it out of my hair, but it’s great if you have oily hair or product buildup to get rid of. The final step is an all-over rinse with delicately scented orange blossom water.
Post-spa, you can take a thorough shower at Remede Spa’s shower facility at your own time. I’d recommend setting aside extra time for this if you’re opting for the scalp mask. And if you have no other obligations for the day, you can even make your way back to the jacuzzi for another dip.
Overall, I was feeling pretty blissed out after my first Hammam experience. Excuse me if I fall asleep on my next visit!
Black Soap and Rhassoul Hammam Ritual, $325 for 90 minutes, Remède Spa, The St. Regis Singapore, 29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911
