Hammam Basar +Salon Zürich

The Hammam Basar is situated in the northern part of Patumbah Park in Zurich’s Seefeld district. The building, designed by Miller & Maranta, is modelled on the traditional hammams of the Maghreb: a cube with a dome, open to the outside only through ornamental moucharabiehs, with walls finished in a tadelakt-style and floors made of Jura limestone. Owner Lis Mijnssen first came up with the idea back in the 1980s following a trip to Tunisia; the building was constructed in accordance with ecological and sustainable building principles.

Instead of Finnish saunas, guests can expect a classic hammam experience: lathering up with Savon Noir in the warm-up room, exfoliating with a gommage glove in the warm room beneath the dome and resting on the warm navel stone, with a brief visit to the hot room in between, complete with a cooling foot bath in a wooden tub, and finally applying rhassoul clay. Foutah, towels, soap, the glove and Rhassoul are included in the admission price; the skincare products follow a bespoke fragrance concept by perfumer Vero Kern.

After the experience, the relaxation room and roof terrace, with views over the park, invite you to cool down. Those wishing to stay longer can enjoy Mediterranean-Maghrebi, vegetarian and vegan cuisine in the salon or book a massage to go with it — as part of the ‘La grande détente’ package, combined with the tour and mezze. Admission is by prior booking only, preferably by email or telephone.