A Man’s Manual to Spa

There’s no hard and fast rule about spa-ing, which is one of the reasons we love this industry. Spa-ing may be stereotyped as more for the female crowd, but that’s just not the case. Men are paying attention to looking good and feeling good – in fact, earlier this year, the NPD Group-conducted Men’s Grooming Consumer Report found over 9 in 10 men (ages 18+) are using some sort of grooming product today*, which can include facial and body skincare, shaving, hair care and fragrance. Also, the men’s facial skincare market has grown 11 percent in dollar sales in 2011, compared to 2010, the report states. *Source: U.S. Census Bureau population estimates

Where the Boys Are Male spa-ing is so pertinent to us here at SpaFinder that our annual Readers’ Choice Awards even has a category devoted to it.

These spas made the Top 10 list for Best for Men in the 2011 awards: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa; Atlantis Casino Resort Spa; Canyon Ranch in Tucson; Elysian Spa and Health Club; Hilton Head Health; Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club; Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa; Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas; Red Mountain Resort; and La Quinta Resort & Club.

\Golf & Spa Go Hand in Hand If a little hesitant to schedule a strictly-spa visit, try these resorts, where you can hit the links before hitting the spa. Voted the Top 10 Best for Golf in the 2011 SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Awards, these spas are on par with some of the best worldwide, and will fit your man to a tee: Four Seasons Resort Provence at Terre Blanche; Kohler Waters Spa at The American Club; La Costa Resort and Spa; La Quinta Resort & Club; Ojai Valley Inn & Spa; The Centre for Well-Being at the Phoenician; The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island; Silverado Resort & Spa; Skaná Spa at Turning Stone Resort; and Spa Gaucin at St. Regis Monarch Beach.

Mr. Manners: Spa Etiquette Made Simple Calling all gentlemen spa-goers! Whether it’s your first trip to the spa or your thirty-seventh, spa etiquette remains the same. Here are a few quick tips to make your next spa visit a seamless one; click to the next slide for more.

• Arrive early to take advantage of the spa amenities that might be available
• Avoid lotion before waxing
• Tip your technician (a 15-20% tip is appropriate for your esthetician or massage therapist)

Mr. Manners: Part 2

• Shower before your massage
• Turn your cell phone off
• Underwear is optional – and if you don’t feel comfortable removing your underwear before a treatment, don’t! The most important part of your spa experience is your absolute comfort.
• Shave before your facial to get the full benefits (issues like razor burn irritation, etc. can be treated during your facial)