With its proximity to Turkey, it is not surprising that the Al Hammam in the centre of Athens is considered one of the best in the city.

Tucked in the alleyways of Athens (10 Ragava St. Plaka), it is a skip and hop away from the historic Bath of The Winds (now a museum).

Step into the cool interior and be greeted by a colourful and cosy reception.

But don’t let it fool you: the marble hammam space is heated up to 40 degrees celsius with hot steam.

My husband and I picked the signature treatment, Al Hammam (49 Euros for 60 mins).

Here’s what we got:

• 30 minutes in a private marbled hammam where we were steamed on a heated hexagaonal slab at up to 40 degrees celsius.

Just 3 minutes in, we were gasping like fish out of water.

Here’s the thing, if you are not used to or do not like saunas, the hammam experience will be trying.

Thankfully, we were given cool water to drink before the 30-minute hammam session. Also throughout, we were free to pour ice cold water over our heads and bodies to bring the temperature down when we almost felt like passing out.

• We were then guided to two heated marble slabs in the same hammam room and given a 15-minute kese glove exfoliation treatment, a 15-minute olive soap bubble massage, as well as a quick hair wash.

I’ve tried alot of massages in the last decade as a beauty journalist, and the one at Al Hammam is honestly so-so.

That said, the moment we stepped out of the shower facilities (clean and convenient), our skin was taut, firm, rosy and glowing. The hammam was the perfect detox we needed after hours of traipsing on the gritty Athens streets.

• The Al Hammam session came to a sweet ending. As we felt light-headed after the experience in the heated marble room; the hot ginger tea, super sweet loukoumi ) Greek delight), and a view of the Acropolis at the back verandah we were invited to, was welcomed.

My skin felt very smooth and supple afterwards. But that night, I had to spend more time moisturising my body as the heat of the hammam had also made the skin feel drier.

Prices at Al Hammam start at 25 Euros for 45 minutes in a communal hammam.

Call +30 211 0129099 or +30 213 0310279 at least a day before to get a slot.

©️The Beauty Gazette