Sauna or hammam: Which spa treatment should you choose ?

Among the world’s most renowned wellness rituals, two spa essentials are consistently popular: the sauna and the hammam. These methods of profound relaxation, despite being derived from different traditions, have survived the centuries and evolved to meet contemporary needs.

The sauna, which originated in Scandinavia, was originally designed to purify both body and mind using dry heat. The practice has evolved over time, incorporating modern technology such as infrared light, while retaining its original benefits such as improving blood circulation and boosting the immune system.

Meanwhile, the hammam, which has deep roots in Middle Eastern cultures, offers a gentler, more humid approach. Designed to be a place of simultaneous socialization and cleansing, the hammam combines moist heat and steam to open the pores, facilitating skin cleansing and hydration. This steam immersion is often associated with beauty rituals such as black soap scrubs and Turkish baths.

Despite their differences, the sauna and the hammam can be exceptional allies in any wellness routine! Find out more about these two activities, their similarities and their differences, with Nadia Seri, spa management expert since 2007 and renowned collaborator with establishments such as the Domaine Reine Margot Paris – Issy MGallery Collection***** .

Back to basics: What is a sauna and a hammam ?

Saunas and hammams are spaces dedicated to well-being and relaxation that have been used for centuries by cultures around the world. Although these two practices are similar in their aim of promoting well-being through heat, they also have many differences, both in terms of how they work and their effects on the body. Here’s a closer look at the similarities and differences between the two.

The sauna

Saunas have been used for centuries in Nordic cultures to promote well-being. This relaxation technique comes in several forms, each with its own specific features and benefits.

● The Finnish sauna: The most traditional of all saunas, using dry heat generated by volcanic stones heated to high temperatures, often by a wood-burning stove. This promotes intense muscle relaxation and stimulates perspiration, helping to detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system.

● Infrared sauna: Less traditional, but increasingly popular, these saunas use infrared lamps to heat the body directly without excessively warming the surrounding air. The infrared heat penetrates deep into the dermis, offering targeted relief from joint pain and contributing to improved mental health, particularly by reducing stress.

● Steam saunas: Also known as “wet saunas,” this type of sauna creates a warm, moist environment, optimal for skin hydration and soothing the senses.

The hammam

The hammam, an ancestral part of Maghreb heritage, is designed to promote cleansing and relaxation. The traditional structure of the hammam included several rooms with different temperatures, but modern installations tend to be organized around a single room due to a lack of space.

In this single room, 100% steam saturation creates a warm environment, generally between 45°C and 55°C (113°F-131°F). This microclimate opens the pores, facilitating the elimination of dead cells and improving tissue oxygenation. The typical ritual includes a black soap scrub, intensifying the hammam’s purifying and aesthetic effects.

Functional and temperature differences

“The sauna, with its dry warmth generated by heated stones, can reach between 70°C and 90°C. This method encourages perspiration and detoxification. By comparison, the hammam operates via steam saturation, creating a humid atmosphere that gently envelops the user,” says Nadia Seri.

This characteristic makes the hammam particularly effective for moisturizing the skin and decongesting the respiratory tract , while the sauna has more therapeutic virtues, acting on the muscles and nervous system.

As a result, the two practices operate in opposite ways – one with moist heat, the other with dry heat. These key differences are important, as your body may be better at withstanding moist heat than dry, or vice versa!

Each activity’s benefits for the body and the skin

Saunas and hammams offer a range of benefits for physical and mental well-being. Each method, with its specific atmosphere and temperature, influences the body and helps it to regenerate at a deep level. But which method should you choose, based on the benefits you are looking for?

The benefits of dry air in a sauna

The sauna, which uses hot, dry air, promotes deep muscle relaxation. The dry heat helps release tension in the muscles, providing an immediate relaxing effect.

The same heat also stimulates perspiration, a natural process that helps the body eliminate toxins and purify the entire organism, playing a crucial role in detoxification.

Regular exposure to sauna heat can also boost the immune system. Studies have shown that the increased frequency of sweating can stimulate the production of white blood cells, helping to fight infection and disease.

The benefits of steam baths in a hammam

The hammam, with its hot, steam-saturated environment, offers rather more aesthetic benefits, helping to hydrate the skin and open up the respiratory tract.

The high humidity opens the pores, enabling deep elimination of impurities and dead cells, which is essential for maintaining healthy, clearer skin. The humidity also helps to hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and revitalized after each session.

The hammam also has decongestant effects, particularly for the sinuses and respiratory tract, making it an excellent choice for those seeking natural relief for issues such as nasal congestion or coughs.

The effects of each activity on mental health

The benefits of sauna and hammam extend far beyond physical health, and can influence mental well-being, too. These age-old practices are renowned for their ability to reduce stress, improve sleep, and offer deep relaxation, each in their own way.

Nadia Seri highlights the effectiveness of saunas in reducing stress: “The warm, enveloping atmosphere of the sauna helps soothe the mind, releasing tensions accumulated during the day.”

This feeling of relaxation is enhanced by the dry heat, which promotes the release of endorphins (the “feel-good” hormones that contribute to a general sense of happiness and relaxation). Regular sauna use can also help regulate sleep cycles.

“Frequent sauna users often report an improvement in the quality of their sleep, which is largely due to the relaxing effect of the heat on the body and mind,” says Nadia.

The hammam, with its steam and gentle heat, is also a powerful tool to combat stress. This practice is equally renowned for its aesthetic effects, which enhance the feeling of well-being.

“Feeling good about yourself is an important part of mental well-being, and the hammam, along with its associated beauty treatments like black soap scrubs, contribute to this feeling,” says Nadia.

The humid, warm nature of the hammam is also ideal for those looking to relax before bedtime, as it helps to prepare the body and mind for sleep.

How long does a sauna or hammam session last ?

The optimal duration of a session in a sauna or a hammam depends on the individual experience and your personal tolerance to heat.

The sauna

●     Beginners: For those new to the sauna, Nadia recommends starting slowly. “If you are not used to it, start with a 3-5 minute session. This allows your body to get used to the intense heat without it overwhelming you. It is important to be mindful about any reactions from your body, and to step out if you start to feel uncomfortable.”

●     Experienced: More experienced users can extend the length of their sessions. “People who are used to saunas can stay in for up to 10-15 minutes per session,” says Nadia. She also emphasizes the importance of repeating the cycle: “After a break, an invigorating cold shower, and adequate hydration, you can return to the sauna for another session, repeating the cycle 2-3 times.”

The hammam

●     Beginners: Nadia advises a similar approach for hammam novices. “Start with short sequences of 5-10 minutes to familiarize yourself with the hot, humid environment of the hammam.” She adds that gradual adaptation is essential to avoid any discomfort or health risks.

●     Experienced: For those with more experience using hammams, Nadia recommends gradually increasing the duration of sessions. “Regular users can try sessions of 15-20 minutes, always taking care to hydrate well before and after to maintain the body’s water balance.”

How to maximize the benefits of a sauna or a hammam

To make the most of sauna and hammam sessions, it is best to integrate these practices into a wellness routine. Our hotels offer complete relaxation programs so that you can make the most of all the benefits offered by these unique techniques.

“It is crucial to listen to your body and adjust the frequency of your sessions according to your individual response.” Nadia Seri recommends incorporating the sauna or hammam into a weekly routine, aiming for up to three sessions per week to optimize the benefits without overloading the body. “The ideal approach is to combine physical activity with a sauna session, which will aid muscle recovery and relaxation,” she says. As for the hammam, she suggests using it as a moment of deep relaxation after a busy week, to purify the body, and calm the mind.

Hydration is also essential for maximizing both the benefits and your safety when using the sauna or hammam. “It is imperative to hydrate well before and after each session. Both the sauna and the hammam can quickly dehydrate the body, so increasing your water intake is essential.” She advises drinking at least one glass of water before you start, and several glasses after the session to replenish lost fluids.

Lastly, you can also use rituals such as essential oils to enhance the relaxing and therapeutic effects of both practices. “Pouring a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, or peppermint essential oil into water and pouring it over the hot sauna stone accelerates the sauna’s effects on the respiratory tract.” For the hammam, she recommends diffusing eucalyptus essential oil to enhance the experience of decongestion and relaxation. You can then conclude your visit to one of these experiences with an exfoliating scrub or an invigorating cold shower.

Contraindications and precautions for each activity

Although both the sauna and the hammam provide a vast number of benefits for health and well-being, there are certain precautions that should be taken and several contraindications specific to each activity. Here is a non-exhaustive list of contraindications for using saunas and hammams:

Sauna:

● Cardiovascular issues

● Respiratory issues

● Poor heat tolerance

● Pregnancy

● The consumption of alcohol or certain medications

Hammam:

● Risks of cardiovascular diseases

● Severe dermatological conditions such as psoriasis or recent burns

● Pregnancy

To guarantee a smooth experience, Nadia Seri recommends always paying close attention to your body’s signals. “If you start to feel uncomfortable, dizzy, or nauseous, get out immediately to cool yourself down,” she says. She also stresses the importance of starting gradually, especially for beginners. “For first-time users, it is better to only spend a short time for the first session and see how the body reacts.”

Before taking part in a sauna or hammam session, you can consult experts such as the experienced therapists at Accor hotel spas. You can also talk to your doctor, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications that could influence your ability to withstand the heat.

How does a visit to a spa work ?

Coming to relax at a spa for a sauna or hammam experience is a special ritual which can be enjoyed alone, as a couple, or in a group. On arrival, customers are often invited to complete a health questionnaire or take part in a short interview with a practitioner. This process enables spa staff to identify the specific needs, preferences, and potential medical contraindications unique to each visitor.

Spa practitioners play a crucial role in tailoring the experience. They present detailed instructions on how to use the facilities, advise on the appropriate length of sessions and necessary breaks, and can suggest additional treatments such as massages or specific body treatments.

Nadia Seri explains: “Our practitioners are trained to guide customers through their spa journey, ensuring that each part of their visit is safe and beneficial.”

Practitioners also adjust the experience according to the customer’s reactions to different heat environments. If a customer finds the dry heat of the sauna too intense, for example, the practitioner may recommend the hammam, which offers milder, moist heat, or vice versa. “It is important that our customers feel listened to and cared for throughout their visit,” says Nadia.

Book your well-being session at the Domaine de la Reine Margot Paris - Issy MGallery Collection*****

The Domaine Reine Margot Paris – Issy MGallery Collection***** is the perfect example of a comprehensive treatment experience, offering elegant surroundings and all the facilities you could ever need to enjoy a wellness break – including a sauna and a hammam.

Whether you are looking to relieve stress, improve circulation, or simply indulge in a moment of relaxation, the Domaine Reine Margot Spa is the perfect place to recharge while (re)discovering the sauna and/or hammam experience.

The Spa is open to hotel guests, but can also be booked and privatized by non-guests, alone or with others. Why not enjoy a private yoga class followed by private access to the spa to celebrate an event? The spa offers a wide range of options, so you can book the right treatment to suit your specific needs and desires.

Can you go straight from the sauna to the hammam ?

Alternating between the sauna and the hammam can improve blood circulation and increase detoxification of the body thanks to the variation in heat and humidity.

According to Nadia Seri: “Switching from the dry heat of the sauna to the humidity of the hammam can help boost the immune system and improve skin clearness, as pores open up and are deeply cleansed.” This combined effect can also lead to more profound relaxation, as temperature changes help to loosen muscles.

Nadia recommends starting with the sauna, where dry heat helps open pores and initiate perspiration, followed by the hammam to deepen muscular relaxation and moisturize the skin.

“It is recommended to spend around 10-15 minutes in the sauna, followed by a break to cool down and hydrate, before moving on to the hammam for a similar length of time,” she says. This sequence allows the body to acclimatize to each environment without suffering the effects of thermal shock.

It is also important to remember that combining the sauna and the hammam is not for everyone, and may depend on individual fitness and pre-existing health conditions.

“People with heart problems or high heat intolerance should avoid successive sessions without seeking prior medical advice,” says Nadia.

It is also recommended to limit this type of combined session to once or twice a week to avoid overloading the body – particularly during the warmer months of the year.

Although saunas and hammams offer very different experiences in terms of heat and humidity, these two wellness practices can be incredibly complementary when combined carefully. Each one has its own unique benefits which, when brought together in a harmonious way, can significantly improve relaxation and overall health. The best thing to do is to try out both to discover your personal preferences, and find out how these practices can become a permanent part of your wellness routine!

So, would you like to see for yourself ? All our hotels are equipped with a sauna or a hammam. All you have to do is choose the establishment that best suits your needs!

Discover all our well-being stays .