Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit many spas, and when you’ve been to as many spas as I have, you start to develop opinions. Ayurvedic spas? Love the philosophy, but they don’t quite cover everything I’m looking for. Nordic spas? Fun in theory, but with a hot tub at home and a total aversion to cold plunges (no shade to those who can do it, but I lack the crazy gene required), they’re not always worth packing a swimsuit for. Medical spas? Great results, but not exactly what I’d call relaxing. That’s why my recent visit to So Morocco Ottawa surprised me, because it offered something completely new.
Photo courtesy of So Morocco
Enter the Hammam spa. Until that day, I had never even heard of this type of spa. Now? Well let me tell you, now I’m seriously considering a research trip to Morocco. Purely professional, of course. The write-off people would be fine with that, wouldn’t they?
So What’s a Hammam Spa Anyway?
A Hammam spa is a modern version of an ancient bathing ritual from Turkey and Morocco. Think steam, exfoliation, and massage, all designed to purify the body, hydrate the skin, and melt stress right out of your bones. At So Morocco, you can dip into this tradition with treatments that range from full-body scrubs to their signature Head Spa.
What I Tried: The Head Spa Signature
I booked the Head Spa Signature ($120 per person, 60 minutes). My daughter and I went together (you can also go with a friend, sister, or mom, just note this is a ladies only experience) and we both walked out absolutely glowing.
Here’s what it includes:
- Personalized scalp treatment based on your hair and skin type
- Steam therapy to prep your scalp and pores
- Neck + shoulder massage (this is the part where you start questioning all your life choices that led to stress)
- Scalp detox with Ghassoul clay + scrub
- Custom shampoo + nourishing mask so your hair feels amazing
- Tools like gua sha + scalp scrubber to release tension
- Halo water rinse (basically a mini rain shower for your head)
- Full-body soaping ritual to finish
It’s basically like taking the best part of getting your hair done at the salon and mashing it together with a traditional massage and spa ritual. Bliss.
Location + Vibe
You’ll find So Morocco right in the heart of Ottawa, but the second you step inside, it feels like you’ve been whisked off to another world. Between the scents, the steam, and the Moroccan-inspired design, the city outside disappears.
Pro tip: plan time to chill. I made the rookie mistake of booking this before a meeting, and left wishing I had a book, a cup of tea, and nowhere else to be. Next time, I’m going full spa mode. No watch, no phone, no rush.
What to Bring
- Swimsuit
- Brush + small toiletry bag
- Comfortable clothes
- Skip the makeup and hair fuss—you’ll undo it all anyway
Other Temptations
While I only tried the Head Spa (for now), here’s what’s on my wish list:
- So Reborn ($180, 120 minutes): A private suite experience with a steam, full-body Kessa scrub, 60-minute massage, plus Moroccan tea + treats. If I don’t get this for my birthday, I might throw a fit. Kidding obviously, because I’m gifting it to myself this year! Over 50, you stop waiting on others to get you something.
- Extra Fusion Ritual ($120, 120 minutes, limited spots): A full reset with hot + cold therapy, Hammam scrub, and restorative yoga.
There is much more to choose from, so definitely peek at their menu before you book.
Good to Know
Literally everyone. You can go solo for some quiet time, bring your sibling or mom for a unique outing, or make it a girls’ day out with friends. It’s a versatile experience that works well for any occasion.
Located at 20 Pretoria Ave in Ottawa, So Morocco is easy to access by car or public transit. There’s street parking nearby, and it’s right off the highway, which makes it convenient no matter where you’re coming from.
You can book online through their website or call them at (343) 292-1902 For larger or specialty packages, it’s best to reserve in advance because spots can fill up quickly.
This step is as important as the treatment. Book nothing, do nothing, plan to take it easy. After your treatment, you’ll want to relax and enjoy the calm, so avoid scheduling anything hectic right after your spa time.
Quick Spa Guide (for the curious)
Nordic Spa: Think alternating between hot tubs, saunas, and icy cold plunges to stimulate circulation and release tension. It’s all about thermal cycling and lingering outside in your robe like a very relaxed snowperson. People swear by the health benefits, but personally, my cold plunge tolerance begins and ends with sticking a foot in the Rideau in May.
Ayurvedic Spa: Rooted in ancient Indian wellness traditions, Ayurvedic treatments focus on balancing mind, body, and spirit through oils, massage, and rituals tailored to your dosha (your personal constitution). It’s slower, grounding, and often includes warm oil poured over your forehead, which sounds strange until you’ve tried it. Blissfully calming, but not typically a one-stop shop for everything.
Medical Spa: A med spa blends clinical treatments with a spa setting. You’ll find facials, lasers, injectables, and peels designed to tackle skin concerns and help you look refreshed. It’s less about drifting into a zen state and more about leaving with glowing skin and a slightly tighter forehead. Fantastic for results, but not exactly where you go to nap in a robe for three hours.
Hammam Spa: Inspired by traditional Turkish and Moroccan bathhouses, Hammam experiences follow a specific sequence: steam to open pores, a vigorous full-body exfoliation with black soap and a kessa mitt, a luxurious foam massage, and a rinse that leaves your skin squeaky clean and soft. It’s equal parts ritual, detox, and relaxation, and at So Morocco Ottawa, it’s done with modern touches that make it incredibly accessible.
So Morocco offers a unique spa experience in Ottawa. If you’re looking for something unique, deeply relaxing, and good for both your skin and your sanity, book it. And if you see me there, I’ll be the one with messy hair, no makeup, and a very smug look of relaxation.
Looking for an extended spa getaway?
If a few hours at So Morocco Ottawa isn’t quite enough spa time for you, consider planning a retreat to Ste. Anne’s Spa. Set in the rolling hills of Northumberland County, Ste. Anne’s is a full destination spa experience, offering everything from outdoor hydrotherapy pools and incredible farm-to-table meals to cozy accommodations and restorative treatments. It’s the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and make a proper getaway of it.
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MIM
OMG, Candace, Ive been *dreaming* of the Halo water rinse! My head practically explodes with tension. That full-body soaping ritual sounds like heaven, though maybe a little much right after rolling out of bed. The idea of showing up after a meeting, watch and phone in hand, sounds like peak rookie mistakes – definitely taking your advice on planning pure chill time next. And honestly, the So Reborn treatment looks like pure indulgence I might just force myself to book for birthday *next* year… probably. Thanks for the reminder, Ottawa has some serious spa game!MIM
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OMG Candace, the Halo water rinse sounds dangerously tempting! My brain already explodes with tension, I can only imagine what a mini rain shower for my head would do. The full-body soaping ritual sounds like overkill – maybe Ill just settle for the Kessa mitt in the shower at home. The So Reborn treatment? Forget my birthday, Im booking this immediately for post-holiday recovery. Seriously though, brilliant review! Its the kind of place where you can leave your watches, worries, and even your sense of self at the door. Perfect for escaping Ottawas rush or planning a very necessary solo chill sesh. Thanks for reminding us of this oasis of relaxation – I might just haunt So Morocco Ottawa until they offer a nap package.laser marking machine
MIM
OMG Candace, Ive been *dreaming* of the Halo water rinse! My head practically explodes with tension. The full-body soaping ritual sounds like heaven, though maybe a little much right after rolling out of bed. The idea of showing up after a meeting, watch and phone in hand, sounds like peak rookie mistakes – definitely taking your advice on planning pure chill time next. And honestly, the So Reborn treatment looks like pure indulgence I might just force myself to book for birthday *next* year probably. Thanks for the reminder, Ottawa has some serious spa game!MIM
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OMG Candace, you made me *so* tense just reading about the stress-relieving treatments! Your description of showing up post-meeting watch-and-phone-in-hand sounds like a comedy of errors I could write a whole blog post about (maybe titled Ottawas Most Epic Spa Fails).
The Halo water rinse and full-body Kessa ritual sound like something out of a dream… or a very intense nightmare about chores. Totally getting that for my birthday, just to see if it helps me forget my to-do list! Seriously though, brilliant review, and you nailed the vibe – pure chaos outside, blissful oblivion inside. Thanks for the reminder, Ottawa needs more places to ditch reality, preferably with Moroccan steam involved!deltarune prophecy panel generator