The majority of today’s spas are gender neutral and around 35% of all spa goers are men. We’re all aware of female targeted treatments such as pregnancy massages and mother-daughter spa packages, but what about treatments for men? Fortunately, an increasing number of spas offer more than just a ‘sports massage’ for their male guests and are thinking outside of the box to cater to their male-specific needs. Below I set out my recommendations of the best spas, salons and retreats for today’s modern gentleman to escape his hectic schedule and embrace a day of grooming.
No doubt that when you think of male grooming the first thing that springs to mind is the traditional wet shave. Pall Mall Barbers is one of the oldest barbers in London and offers the ultimate wet shave package. The package includes a traditional cut-throat razor shave, complete with hot towels, a post-shave facial, a deep scalp massage, haircut and finish.
Something like a manicure or pedicure may seem extremely feminine, but will in fact leave you looking clean and well-maintained. No one understands this better than Michael Elliot, founder of Hammer and Nails in Hollywood. In March 2012 Michael Elliot visited a nail salon and found himself looking at the female magazines, the pastel coloured walls and the television blasting The Real Housewives of Atlanta. It was then he realised there was a need for a business to provide hand and foot grooming exclusively to men to accommodate the shifting attitude regarding male hygiene and self-care. He created Hammer and Nails, a man cave, if you will, with oversized leather chairs, dark wood and low lighting with personal 32 inch flat-screen televisions positioned above each chair, for men to feel at home when they visit a salon.
For men wanting visit to a more medical orientated spa, The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz in Switzerland is one of Europe’s leading medical resorts with programs specific to men. The ‘Basic Urology Check Up’ program offers detailed clinical consultations to discuss your medical history, a urine flow test and a lower abdomen ultrasound. You will leave with your own personal health file, peace of mind and a better understanding of your male health.
Despite there no longer being a stigma attached, I appreciate a lot of men still feel more comfortable visiting a spa with their wife or girlfriend. The gender-divided, award-winning Gleneagles Spa in Scotland, located in a 350 hectare estate, is a perfect place for couples seeking a spa getaway. Work out together in the recently refurbished fitness suite or go for a run or cycle along the trails through the heart of the resort. The pre-treatment uni-sex relaxation lounges feature reclining beds with a reading lamp and a choice of six calming music channels. Men and women are separated for their treatment but are reunited post-treatment in the Courtyard garden around a fire.
Today’s idea of the modern gentleman is stylish, successful and well-groomed; it is pretty much expected for a man to take care of himself. With a shifting social attitude regarding men visiting spas and a growing number of treatments designed specifically for male needs, there’s little excuse for the modern man to neglect his presentation or, more importantly, his well-being.
Originally published at medium.com