Our Hammam Al Ándalus Spa Experience in Madrid
The Madrid sun had been rough, turning every sightseeing adventure into a sweaty mission. Desperate for some deep relaxation, we stumbled upon Hammam Al Ándalus— a name that promised a world away from the city's hustle just a few blocks from our Airbnb. We quickly and easily booked our visit through their website and were shocked at the affordability of such a luxurious experience.
Stepping into the hammam was like entering a secret world. The air hung heavy with the scent of eucalyptus, and the soft glow of candlelight set the tone for our visit. We were led into the changing rooms down an underground stairwell and exchanged our street clothes for bathing suits and robes, feeling a weight lifting off our shoulders with each layer removed. Phones or cameras are not allowed within the spa, so I encourage you to check out their website for photos of the facilities & experiences.
Arriving mid-week, we found ourselves among only a handful of other guests. The hushed reverence in the air added to the tranquil vibes. It was clear this was a place for quiet reflection – a gentle reminder from the staff encouraged us to speak softly, if at all, so as not to disturb the serenity others were seeking.
The "Water Journey" was the heart of the experience. We moved from room to room, each one a new temperature sensation. Sinking into the warm & tepid pools, our tired legs and minds began to relax under the filtered sunlight & soothing music. The cold pool took some nerve, but the coolness left us invigorated and ready to hop back into the warm pools for even deeper relaxation. Finally, the steam room enveloped us in a warm cloud, loosening every knot in our muscles and clearing our allergy-ridden sinuses.
After the water circuit, we were led to a surprisingly open but beautifully lit room for a 30-minute couples massage. For the massage, we remained in our bathing suits and were offered a number of scented oils to choose from. I chose amber oil and settled in.
I’m going to preface the rest of this paragraph by saying- nothing about the experience was inappropriate or made me feel unsafe in any way. But I must admit the massage was a bit on the sensual side. Perhaps it was the sultry whispers of the masseuse so close to my ear that, at one point, I was truly startled 😂😳 or the interlacing of fingers as he released the tension from my hands?? 🤷♀️ Either way, we rolled with it and let all the tension in our tired limbs melt away. We emerged from the massage (with a few running jokes), ready to continue our sightseeing and treks throughout the city and wishing we had time to squeeze in another visit before flying home.
This gem is a must-visit if you're looking for a unique way to unwind and reconnect— or have a beautiful Spanish masseuse whisper in your ear — in Madrid. Just be sure to book in advance – this little slice of paradise is deservedly popular!
Show up, shut up, and enjoy. Cheers!
