After a hectic week, I decided to take a well-deserved break. I had heard of Polis Hammam, a steam room that opened in Athens in 2016. I thought it was time to try it. A very wise decision!
Who would have thought that at number 6 Avliton Street, just across the street from the Atlantikos restaurant, in a small street of the Psyri neighborhood, there was an oasis of serenity and tranquility? As soon as you walk through the door, time stops and everyday life disappears for a few hours. Then begins a very pleasant journey.
Polis Hammam has adopted a minimalist aesthetic, inspired by the work of architect Zaha Hadid, a figure of the deconstructivist movement. On all floors, wood, marble and glass dominate. A marble fountain welcomes you and a lighted dome emerges in the center of the reception area. It gives off a delicious oriental fragrance. Immediately, we let go.
The specialized therapists will gladly accompany you during this relaxation break. They will help you choose a personalized treatment program from the wide range of exclusive hammam rituals, massages, body treatments and customized facials.
At Polis Hammam, beauty and wellness are subtly incorporated into rituals that help purify the mind and body. The precious relationship that our bodies have with water is at the heart of the proposed treatments. All the rituals invite to a sensory and spiritual experience.
The Passa hammam ritual
For my first visit to this establishment, I was tempted by the Passa Hammam ritual which is one of the signature treatments of the place. And also one of the most popular. As soon as you enter the wet room, the hot water and steam prepare the skin for the treatment to follow. We relax, we unwind. Then the therapists begin a vigorous exfoliating scrub from head to toe. To do this, they skillfully use a traditional glove. The skin is thus rid of its impurities. An invigorating rinse follows.
Then, the body, mind and spirit relax and calm down with a soap-based massage. The expert hands free the body of all accumulated tensions and relax the muscles through pressure applied to specific points. We finish in softness with the washing of the hair. Feel free to specify the desired level of pressure: light, medium or heavy.
Excellent quality massages
After this pleasant experience, you can complete the hammam with one of the treatments offered à la carte. You will fall under the spell of the exquisite massages, facials and/or rejuvenating body treatments . The use of natural ingredients continues to nourish the body and mind.
I chose the Aritma massage. This massage is particularly recommended to relieve muscular pains and to relax the contracted zones (in particular the neck and the top of the back, the shoulders, the lumbars). A variation of techniques and intensity. This effective massage deeply relaxes the muscles and creates a sense of well-being. To end gently and prepare to return to the outside world, we enjoy a tea in the rest room.
In short, a particularly pleasant experience. To be renewed quickly.
The advantages of Polis Hammam
What makes Polis Hammam different from other hammams in Athens?
- First of all, it is the largest hammam in the city in terms of area
- Then, it’s also the prices are affordable. 35€for the “basic Greek bath” formula : 60 minutes of relaxation and everything is provided (soap, glove, shampoo, towels, etc).
- You can drop by unannounced and choose the “basic hammam” formula: no need for an appointment. If you have a swimsuit with you, so much the better. Otherwise, adapted underwear will be provided.
- The hammam has a courtyard with trees. Pine tree, orange tree in bloom… totally unlikely in this area! You will be able to enjoy fresh juices or traditional teas in a quiet place
- A little extra: at the reception, you will find all the hammam products to renew this experience at home or to offer gifts to your loved ones.
If you are modest, be careful. You will certainly be surprised because you will be asked to undress completely to receive your massage and/or before going to the relaxation room. If you wish to keep your underwear, please let us know.
Laure M. – Thank you to Polis Hammam for inviting us to test their services
