The Moors founded Madrid at the end of the ninth century on the banks of the Manzanares River. The etymology of the name is disputed, but one plausible version is that it stems from the Arabic maǧrà (“water” or “stream”) or majrit (“spring” or “fountain”). Majrit was Romanized as Magerit in the first documented name of the place. Moorish culture, in particular its fascination with water, left a deep and enduring imprint on the city. Today, Madrileños still love the rituals of a North African hammam.

These are offered with great expertise at the Madrid branch of Hammam al Ándalus, located a five-minute walk from the Plaza Mayor on Calle de Atocha. (The company also has luxury spas in Granada, Córdoba, Málaga and Palma de Mallorca.) This immaculate and professional spa offers traditional Moorish hammam treatments in an atmospheric space of great beauty and serenity. The menu evolves with the seasons, but we particularly enjoyed the Midra treatment, which includes a full-body exfoliation, a steam room session and a massage with aromatic oils.

Hammam al Ándalus
Calle de Atocha 14, Madrid. Tel. (34) 91-429-9020