Floating Session and Massage

Chefchaouen is a town of steps and hillside trails, so by the second or third day many visitors are ready for a rest. This relaxation pack pairs a floating session with a massage, each around three-quarters of an hour, in a calm indoor setting. Floating means lying in a shallow tank of warm, salt-rich water that holds you effortlessly at the surface, and many people find the experience deeply quiet, with muscles loosening and the mind slowing down. The massage follows, working through the shoulders, back and legs that have done the walking. It is a different kind of Moroccan wellness from the traditional bathhouse, more modern and more private, and it suits travellers who want calm rather than scrubbing. Together the two sessions take about an hour and a half, which fits neatly into an afternoon between a morning hike and an evening meal. Because slots are limited, it is sensible to book ahead for a particular day, especially in spring and autumn when the town is busiest.

Preparation is simple. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a towel only if the venue asks for it, and avoid a heavy meal just beforehand. Shower or rinse as directed, remove jewellery and contact lenses before floating, and tell the staff about any health conditions, injuries or allergies, since floating and massage are not suitable for everyone. If you are pregnant, have open wounds, or have a medical condition, check with a doctor and with the venue first.

Timing matters. The best moment is after exertion, for example the afternoon following the Akchour waterfalls or the Spanish Mosque climb, when your legs will appreciate it most. Another good moment is the evening before an early departure, when you want to sleep well. The session fits couples who book consecutive slots and solo travellers who want something restorative.

If you prefer a traditional experience, a local hammam is an alternative, and several of the town's hotels offer their own spa services, so compare the options. The hammam is communal, social and vigorous, while floating is private, silent and gentle.

Both have a place on a longer stay. Check the exact location when you book, because small wellness venues in the medina can be tucked down lanes that are hard to find, and ask whether staff can meet you at a landmark. Allow time to walk there, since the lanes are steep and cannot be driven. Tipping the therapist is customary, so keep a few small notes. Finally, drink water afterward and give yourself a quiet evening, because the relaxation is part of the effect.

If you travel as a couple or with friends, ask whether sessions can run in parallel or back to back, and whether tea is served afterwards. It is also worth asking about hygiene practices, how the water is treated and whether sessions are private, since good venues explain these points readily. Arrive a few minutes early, switch off your phone and let yourself slow down.

For many travellers this is the part of the trip they remember as the true holiday, a pause between the climbing and the sightseeing. If your schedule is tight, choose a slot in the late afternoon so that you can drift back to your hotel, rest and eat a light dinner.