Entry No. 47 — the Columbus file — filed under: hammam
Moroccan Steam Spa
An authentic Moroccan Hammam tucked away in a Columbus shopping plaza, offering traditional steam bath rituals, Rhassoul volcanic ash clay treatments, and kessa glove exfoliation. It is one of the few places in Ohio where you can experience a classic Moroccan foam massage or a 'V Steam' herbal ritual.
The story
You wouldn't expect a traditional North African bathhouse tucked inside a generic shopping plaza along Cleveland Avenue, sandwiched between suburban storefronts just south of I-270. But step through the front door at 6168 Cleveland Avenue and the hum of Columbus traffic vanishes, replaced by steam infused with eucalyptus and the earthy scent of traditional beldi black soap.
While standard day spas give you quiet cucumber water and gentle Swedish kneading, this spot brings the tactile reality of a classic hammam to central Ohio. That means being doused with buckets of warm water, scrubbed clean with coarse kessa gloves, slathered in mineral-rich Rhassoul volcanic ash clay, or buried under mountains of thick suds for a foam massage. They even offer traditional herbal V Steams—you didn't hear it from us, but it's one of the only places in the state doing it.
What it's like
Expect a practical, intimate setup rather than a sprawling luxury resort. The steam room accommodates small groups or couples at a time, where technicians use buckets of warm water between steam cycles to wash away dead skin and clay. Book well in advance—slots fill up, and they enforce a strict 48-hour cancellation rule on non-refundable deposits.
The move: Book the 'Sultan' or 'Elif' couples package to experience a classic warm-bucket hammam wash, a full-body Rhassoul clay application, and a relaxing foam massage side-by-side.
- 📍 Forest Park
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Indoor or outdoor
Where: 6168 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, OH 43231
Hours: Added 2026-07-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- The Sound Room at Polaris — Trade warm vapor and bucket rinses for a dry acoustic session lying on sound therapy beds inside a nearby medical building.
- Rays of Light Spiritualist Church — Follow up an intense physical cleansing with a visit to an independent spiritualist community guided by the teachings of 'White Lily'.
- P.O. Box Twenty One — Balance the humid solitude of a strip-mall hammam with a secret cocktail speakeasy hidden behind a 1990s post office door.
- Tranquility Salt Cave — Swap wet Moroccan steam and suds for a dry soak on 10,000 pounds of heated Himalayan salt boulders.
Good to know
What happens during a classic hammam session?
You spend time unwinding in a warm steam room, followed by warm water bucket rinses, deep skin exfoliation with a textured kessa glove, and optional treatments like volcanic ash clay or foam massages.
Can two people book a treatment together?
Yes. They feature private suites and couples packages like the Sultan or Elif, allowing two people to undergo steam washes, clay applications, and massages side-by-side.
What is their deposit and cancellation policy?
All appointments require an upfront deposit. To avoid losing your deposit, you must cancel or reschedule at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
What is the V Steam treatment?
It is an under-30-minute herbal vapor session utilizing a mix of natural herbs designed to help ease menstrual cramps and bloating.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Official site
last checked: 2026-07-21