Psychologist expands Spanish Arabic bath tradition across Europe

José María García Córdoba founded Hammam Al Ándalus to revive the historical tradition of Arabic baths in Spain.

Córdoba, a psychologist by training, conceived the idea in 1995 after visiting the Alhambra de Granada and traveling to Morocco and Turkey. He opened the first center in Granada in 1998, following a period where such baths had been prohibited in Spain since 1567 by Felipe II. The company currently operates locations in Granada, Málaga, Córdoba, Madrid, and Palma de Mallorca.

Córdoba plans to open new centers in Barcelona and Valencia next year, with long-term goals to expand the business into major European capitals. He started the venture with limited advertising funds, instead contacting media outlets individually to generate national coverage. Córdoba views the wellness industry as a tool for lasting personal change rather than a temporary escape. He uses his psychological background to manage his employees, prioritizing attitude over technical training.

While he has received lucrative offers from investment funds to sell the company, he intends to keep it in the family and has hired an external CEO to manage daily operations so he can focus on strategy.