There is a discrete hammam in Can Marti, an agritourism hotel with eco-friendly credentials. Can Marti was set up by the Brantschen family, who first set eyes on the property in 1994 and left their home in Switzerland to create a new life in Ibiza. It has been featured in The Independent, Marie Claire, The Observer, The Guardian and many other international well known newspapers.
The drive to Can Marti follows a winding road through beautiful forest. Before even arriving at Can Marti you can see what tempted the family to relocate here! When you do arrive you see the agritourism is situated in a tranquil wooded valley and surrounded by a working organic farm. The farmhouse itself is over 400 years old. The hamman is located among a group of buildings that make up this 17 hectare ecological farm.
This traditional Moroccan hammam is most definitely a hidden treat. A hammam is a traditional Arabic steam bath and is an exceptionally pleasurable way to unwind from a busy life. When you enter the hammam building there is space to change into your swimwear (the hammam is swimwear optional), shower and a sound system - it is Ibiza after all.
Decorated double doors lead into the hammam from the changing room. As you enter, the heat and the steam can initially be intense, although you can set the temperature at a level comfortable for you. There are traditional stone seats inside, where you can sit or lie down and look up at the star-shaped window in the ceiling.
After relaxing for about 10 minutes, it is the recommended time to rub in the black "Beldi" soap provided. This soap is activated by the steam and changes colour as it is rubbed into the skin. Can Marti´s tagline is “slow down” and they suggest guests take time to slowly exfoliate themselves with the gloves provided while rubbing in the soap. Leave the soap on for a while to work its magic.
"Kessa" gloves are used for exfoliating, to remove dead cells while massaging the skin. Black "Beldi" soap is a 100% plant-based paste made from olive oil, water and salt. This gorgeous traditional product is rich in vitamin E and deeply cleanses, nourishes, protects and softens all skin types.
Within the hamman there are two taps with access to ice cold water. Using the buckets provided, wash off the soap with the water. It is incredibly refreshing (if not a little shocking) to pour the water over your head and let it rinse off the soap and rejuvenate your whole body. If you can not face doing it yourself, we´re sure there will be someone in the hammam willing to volunteer!
You can stay in the hammam for as long as is comfortable for you. Then, step outside enjoy the seating area where sun loungers are provided, giving an opportunity to lie back, feel the fresh breeze and stare at the sky. We spent the afternoon moving between the hammam and outside, and several hours flew by.
Apart from getting smooth and glowing skin, Can Marti say that their traditional Moroccan Hammam offers guests the opportunity to experience the ancestral ritual of health and beauty, where a connection with the flowers, herbs and aromas awaken the senses and renew wellbeing.
When visiting the hammam you can also take advantage of Can Marti's range of well priced natural treatments. You can book massages and ayurvedic treatments including Abhyanga (body massage), Mukabhyanga (face massage), Champi (head massage) and Padabhyanga (foot massage), with special oils to lift or calm your mood.
There is a massage area near the hammam. A large comfortable massage table is set up in the fresh air, under a gazebo, offering spectacular views of the valley. If that doesn´t take your fancy, there is also a holistic centre where yoga, pilates and meditation classes are offered.
If you are feeling peckish after all this relaxing, before getting into the car and heading home, stop at Can Marti´s farm shop. The shop offers a wide variety of fresh organically grown products and homemade products, including its own grown and dried saffron. You don´t get more local and natural than this. If you do feel the need to slow down, take some time out to relax and pamper yourself at Can Marti´s hammam. You won´t regret it.
Getting there:
The Hammam is within the grounds of Can Marti. If travelling from the south, head towards San Joan. Go straight past the main Portinatx turn, then immediately after this turn, take a right turn. There is a small yellow arrow and a sign “Can Marti”. Follow this road until you reach the parking area.
To book:
For private bookings, book directly with Can Marti here
Goddessa-Ibiza brings together a group of women to experience and enjoy the hammam together. To find when her next women only group see here
WORDS + PHOTOS | Louise Ware
