Why it works: Discover the hammam at Le Kalon Spa at The Bentley London Hotel

The Bentley in South Kensington is one of London’s most luxurious hotels, and within it Le Kalon Spa is an opulent retreat inspired by the best of international spa tradition. With expert therapists, including the esteemed Melissa, overseeing treatments, each experience is designed to soothe mind, body and soul, but one of the spa’s standout attractions is its hammam. Here, she explains what you can expect and why it’s such a special experience.

What is a hammam?

A hammam is a traditional cleansing treatment with roots in both Turkey and Morocco, although each country has its own variation on the ritual. Historically, it was a public steam bath experience, centred around heat and cleansing. Today, a hammam combines steam, traditional soaps and exfoliating scrubs to deeply cleanse the body and revitalise the skin. The treatment is designed not only to improve the skin’s texture and appearance, but also to promote relaxation and wellbeing through heat and steam.

What's so special about the hammam at Le Kalon Spa?

The hammam at Le Kalon Spa is one of the most authentic in London, with all of the marble imported directly from Turkey. While it is more intimate than the vast public hammams you might find abroad, that smaller scale creates a sense of exclusivity and privacy.

Unlike many hammams where facilities are shared, guests booking a treatment at Le Kalon Spa enjoy private access during their session. For therapist-led treatments, experiences are typically designed for two people at a time, although larger groups can sometimes be accommodated by alternating treatments. There is also a self-use hammam option for groups of up to around 10 or 12 guests.

What happens during the Le Kalon Spa hammam treatment?

Guests begin by arriving at the spa for a consultation to ensure the treatment is suitable for them. Because hammam experiences involve intense heat, therapists will discuss any medical conditions or concerns beforehand, including high blood pressure or pregnancy. Temperatures can also be adjusted depending on personal preference.

Guests are provided with robes and are asked to bring swimwear. Outside the hammam is a relaxation area with seating, towels, water and magazines to help guests unwind before and after the experience.

The treatment itself begins with time in the steam-filled hammam, allowing the body to warm gradually. After around 15 minutes, the therapist begins the cleansing ritual using a traditional black soap made with olive and eucalyptus oil. This is one of the elements that gives the experience a more Moroccan influence compared with Turkish hammams.

The black soap is applied as a paste and worked into the skin manually by the therapist, rather than creating the thick foam associated with some Turkish foam massages. After the soap has rested on the skin for a few minutes, it is rinsed away with warm water before exfoliation begins.

Using a traditional exfoliating mitt, the therapist removes dead skin cells across the body. The intensity of exfoliation is adjusted depending on the client’s skin type and condition. After another warm rinse, cool water is used at the end of the treatment to help close the pores, leaving skin feeling exceptionally smooth and refreshed.

There is also an extended 90-minute hammam ritual available, which includes a second exfoliation using a spice scrub, followed by a nourishing rasul mask containing honey and shea butter. The mask is left on for around 15 minutes before being washed away, leaving the skin soft, smooth and deeply nourished.

What are the benefits of the hammam treatment?

Hammam treatments are beneficial all year round. While many people associate them with winter wellness, they can be just as valuable during summer, especially when skin is exposed to sun creams, oils and tanning products that can build up on the surface of the skin.

A hammam can be particularly helpful before going on holiday or before tanning, as it removes dead skin cells and creates a smoother base for an even tan. However, it is best to avoid the treatment immediately after sun exposure or sunburn and wait until the skin has calmed down.

Beyond skincare benefits, the heat and steam can also help guests relax, de-stress and feel revitalised. Many people see it as a regular wellness ritual that leaves both body and mind feeling revived.

Is there anyone who shouldn't have a hammam experience?

As with many heat-based spa experiences, there are some contraindications. Hammam treatments are not recommended during pregnancy or for those with very high blood pressure.

People who strongly dislike saunas or heat may also find the experience uncomfortable, even though temperatures can be adjusted, because the marble itself is heated.

Guests who have recently undergone surgery, have fresh scars, or are recovering from serious medical conditions such as cancer are advised to speak with their doctor or the spa therapists before booking.

Is there anything you recommend people do before or after the treatment to get the most out of it?

Hydration is one of the most important recommendations. Guests are encouraged to drink plenty of water before and after the treatment to support hydration and help the body recover from the heat and steam. Avoiding alcohol afterwards is also advised.

For those wanting the ultimate spa experience, Melissa recommends following the hammam with a massage. The heat helps relax the muscles beforehand, allowing the body to respond more effectively to massage therapy while also helping nourishing products absorb into the skin.