My usual reference when I hear “oasis” is the Garth Brooks bar song. But, not this time.

Thanks to Audley Travel for recommending the beautiful Ksar El Kabbaba.

You can see the ruins of the original fortification looming over the newer buildings. The property has been in the same family for more than 230 years, seven generations.

The gardens were beautiful with many intimate nooks and pathways.

The facilities were spacious with smaller lounge areas outside clusters of rooms. The dinner service was wonderful. I’d love to know how they made onion soup so delicious.

Now, I’ll try to explain our hammam experience.

It is traditional for Moroccans to do a hammam every week and there are public facilities throughout. We are going the private spa route.

Let’s say it was a very revealing experience. First we were placed in a steam room. I don’t know how hot it was, but I can report it was the hottest experience I have ever had. It felt like I was literally melting.

Then, after laying on marble slabs for a black soap cleanse, we were doused with water – it seemed like a lot of water (waterboarding came to mind). At least by now, we were cooled down. It was followed by a wonderful one-hour massage with locally pressed olive oil (no worries, you do not smell like cooking oil). Be prepared to shower after and wash your hair several times to get the oil out.

Even though the intense steam heat was tough, it was a great experience that I think every female visitor to Morocco should try.