Spiced, oiled and creamed in the The Darling Spa: Moroccan Hammam

Image courtesy of The Star, Sydney

If I only had 24 hours in Sydney, organising a hens pampering day out or a bride wanting some indulgence, where would I go? The Darling Spa and I would book myself into their signature treatment, the Moroccan Hammam. It is the perfect sanctuary to remove yourself away from it all, a place that feels like time has stopped for a brief while and a place to quieten your busy mind. At The Darling Spa I was spiced, oil, creamed and rubbed for 2 and a half hours in a Hamman ritual. It was true bliss, bliss I can only remember that I last experienced in Thailand or Dubai. The Darling Spa is probably the best spa treatment I’ve experienced in Sydney and to a standard that’s similar to what I have experienced at an international level. The Darling Spa is located in the The Darling Hotel which has been named Sydney’s first and only luxury hotel to receive the prestigious Forbes five-star rating – the most coveted award in global luxury travel. Hammam is the Moroccan name for Turkish baths and versions of this ritual date back centuries.

The first step is to head to the beautiful and peaceful change rooms where you can put your valuables into a locker that’s easy to use and easy to find. I remember I went to a hamman spa in Dubai and there were so many lockers, I’m talking hundreds and so many that I forgot where my locker was and spent what felt like hours searching for my belongings. No problem like that here in The Darling Spa as it’s a small but comfortable change room and I was the only one in there. There is a bathrobe, disposal underwear and slippers you can get changed into. You should bring your swimmers though as the first thing you should head to before your spa treatment is the saltwater jacuzzi and you will want some time dipped in that, to close off from the rest of the world and just let the bubbles, froth and foam tickle your skin.

Image courtesy of The Star, Sydney

As it’s very easy to lose track time in the saltwater jacuzzi, foamed and frothed with jets, and the therapist came in to remind me that the hammam treatment was next. I didn’t know what to expect at this next stage of my experience. I walked into a generous chamber, a humid room, and was asked to rinse off and lay myself on the heated marble stone bed where my body was scrubbed down and treated for the next hour to a mixture of hot steam and hydrotherapy. Moroccan black soap was then applied all over the body and then warm water is sluiced all over it continuously. Next, comes the body exfoliation and more soothing water … seriously this treatment was pure bliss. My skin felt baby soft and smooth afterwards. Once the treatment is complete, I was taken to the Tea and Zen Room to relax again after my hammam treatment where I sipped hot herbal tea and munched on some brownies.

Image courtesy of The Star, Sydney

Next came the hour long massage to loosen up any muscles that haven’t been loosened from the Jacuzzi and the hammam experience.

Tips before you go:

Turn up early at least half hour early and experience the Jacuzzi – it’s heaven!
Bring your swimming costume.
Best day to go is during a weekday when it’s not as busy as the weekends. So take a day off and treat yourself.
Clear your diary for the whole day as you may want to go back into the Jacuzzi afterwards.

The Darling Moroccon Hammam Spa Experience is the perfect escape from the glow of your iPhone screens and the perfect soothing environment, whether you are here in Sydney for only 24 hours, a couple wanting some couple time together, or a group of friends celebrating a Hen or Bridal indulgence pampering.

If you are thinking of a Hen’s pampering there is package available for $340 per guest for a minimum of 5 guests and you get:

Valet Parking

Glass of Moët on arrival

Macarons and Chocolate covered strawberries platter to share

30min self-assisted Body Scrub in

Moroccan Hammam Chamber (all ladies together)

90min Treatment: Darling Essential

Facial by La Prairie + Express

Manicure OR Aromatherapy

Massage + Express Manicure

60min use of Facilities (Jacuzzi, Steam Room, The Darling Pool)

Total package time 3hs for $340 per guest (valued at $450pp)

If you are a bride and you can book yourself into the Ultimate Bridal Indulgence for $650 and this includes:

Limousine pick up and drop off (single location – within 35km of The Star)

Personal hostess for the day

Glass of Moët on arrival

30min Body Scrub in Moroccan Hammam Chamber (all ladies together)

90min Treatment: Darling Essential

Facial by La Prairie + Express

Manicure OR Aromatherapy Massage + Express Manicure

60min use of Facilities (Jacuzzi, Steam Room, The Darling Pool)

High tea and bottle of Veuve Cliquot for the group

La Prairie Gift for the Bride

Total package time 4hs (plus limousine travel time) Add on: Oysters and champagne by The Darling Pool (summer season
only) (valued at
$780pp).

The Darling Hotel Spa is located on Level 2 of The Darling Hotel.

For bookings:

+61 2 9657 8088
thedarlingspa@thedarling.com.au
www.thedarling.com.au

See.Taste.Do experienced the The Darling Spa as a guest of The Star, Sydney