One of my favorite hashtags on my Instagram at the moment is #touristeveryday, because EVERY single day here I’m usually running around this city, capturing photos, taking in sights or exploring new things at every corner. It’s an exhilarating pace of life, but throw in some travel plans throughout Europe and the hustle and bustle of trains, planes, hotels, crowds and sightseeing, and it can take its toll. After my most recent London trip that nearly wiped me out, I decided a relaxing spa day in Paris was very much needed.
I did some research online and decided pretty quickly that O’ Kari Hammam Spa was definitely the spot I needed to check out.
I had never experienced a traditional hammam, or a Turkish bath, before, but for reference, it’s similar to a Korean spa, like we have back home in LA. (Actually, I’ve never been to a Korean spa before either, so I was basically going in blindly and hoping for the best!)
I’m all about new experiences these days, so I was all in. The owner Karima was responsive and absolutely lovely over e-mail, so I felt welcomed and valued before I even stepped foot into the spa. The web site is really helpful and explains each package available.
I booked a 90-minute package and showed up for my appointment right on time and so ready to relax. The spa is a little tricky to find, but look for the big green double doors and a discreet sign to the right.
Once you arrive, you’ll be escorted to a simple changing area and instructed to take off all traces of makeup (hence why I covered my bare face in the below selfie) and to strip down to absolutely nothing, save for a flimsy paper thong. Ha, yes, that’s it.
Get ready to be in the buff for the next few hours, as you’ll be walking around in nothing else among other (all female) spa-goers, as well! A hammam is definitely not for the modest.
After you’re changed and ready to go, you’ll be whisked away to steam with eucalyptus and relax before your treatment. After the steam, you’ll then find yourself lying (again, nearly naked) on an open table while your aesthetician gets started on the treatment.
I had a full body scrub and shampoo and it was absolutely heavenly. Every inch of my skin was buffed smooth and then rinsed off, before I had the best 10-minute shampoo and scalp massage ever. I didn’t want it to ever end! It was like going back in time when you’re a baby and your parents are hovering over you to make sure you’re getting all sudsy and clean and all you have to do is lie back and relax, LOL. Such bliss!
They used a black African eucalyptus soap for the body and a sweet almond shampoo for the hair. Both products did absolute wonders for me, and I’m hooked on the shampoo now, as it was unlike any other product I’ve ever tried on my mane.
My locks were smooth and ultra shiny after I emerged from the spa, without any need of conditioner or a leave-in product before or after blowing it dry, and that NEVER HAPPENS. It goes without saying that I was most impressed with this singular aspect, because I know my hair, and I know how many styling agents/serums/oils/detangler sprays it usually requires on a daily basis.
O’Kari, you’re wonderful.
After another steam session, I relaxed in the bath and enjoyed as many minutes of solitude as I could before going back to the dressing room, drying off and returning to the real world. Next time, I would definitely try a massage or facial at O’Kari to soak up the full experience of the hammam experience; but all in all, is was exceptional all around.
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