Friday, April 1, 2011

Spa for Men

We certainly have come a long way from the time when the words ‘spa’ and ‘men’ would not be used in the same sentence.  Not all that long ago the ‘spa’ was a place where a man went to buy a gift certificate for his girlfriend or wife.  The world has certainly changed.  Did you know that about 35% of all ‘spa’ clients are men and this segment of spa goers grows every year? I guess I should not have been surprised. I have noticed how many men I see at spa and the nail salon too.  ‘Mani’ anyone?
Today’s spas have become gender-neutral places.  The surroundings are designed to be places where both men and women feel comfortable.   Gone are the frills, pink floral, and waterfalls; replaced with soft neutral colors, sleek, and modern designs.  Most spas now have robes and slippers just for men and tables long enough to prevent their legs from hanging off the table while getting a massage, as well as scent appropriate products that don’t leave him smelling of vanilla with a hint of jasmine.  If your spa does not have these man friendly things, find a new one that does.
You already know the value of a good spa treatment and you have a man in your life that deserves and could you use a spa gift.  The question is how to make him appreciate your gesture.  The answer depends on what kind of man you are sending to the spa.  Here are some typical types:

The Pleasure Seeker - Does he love that you are willing to indulge his every need?  Does he look for fun and delight in every experience and avoid pain at all costs?  If so, I think you have a pleasure seeker in your life.  Here is a perfect opportunity to give him something he loves… more pleasure.  You might consider a spa experience that incorporates his senses with an aromatherapy massage and a herbal facial.  He is the type that might find a way to prolong the experience for the entire day.  Just remember to leave you cell phone number so they will know where to call to have him picked up.
The Competitor – He will let you make all the decisions, as long you don’t stand in front of the TV screen.  To get some relief from the constant roar of the TV, consider the speed option play that involves a drive right to the spa door remembering to guard against any retreat by quickly peeling rubber as you make your retreat.  You might include something to deal with those chewed up nails. Once they get him in a robe and on the table the ‘game’ will be over.
The Metro sexual - Does your man have more clothes in his closet than you do?  This is a man that pioneered the spa experience for men.  He will be willing to spend both time and money at the spa.  No need to rope this guy in.   Treat him to the most innovative and exotic treatment your spa has to offer.  I’m thinking a Chocolate Sugar Scrub or Seaweed Wrap.
The Woodsman – He will boast of going four days without a shower while on a backpacking trip.  He is all about nature and practicality.  This guy will enjoy a practical spa treatment…like “my feet are so dry and cracked I could use a pedicure so they don’t stick to the carpet” He also likes all things technical.  Give him some info on the very tech- like experience of the Shiatsu massage.
The Stop the Clock – He turned 40 and can’t stop talking about it.  Is he constantly complaining about the failings of various body parts?  Some men just go over the edge once they turn 40 and spend a lot of time focusing on father time.   Have you heard about anti-aging facials?  Play right into his vanity and send him post haste to the spa.  I guarantee he will become a regular seeking out any and all treatments designed to ward off the effects on the clock.
The Superhero – He just needs to relax.  He spends most of his time carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.  You need to give him the opportunity to relax… if only so he can get more things done.  It will be a big challenge to get him to spa land.  Ask him to trust you… just this once. Then find a men’s spa where he can get just a shave for starters and add a facial on the sly.  Once he knows he can control the experience he will be scheduling his spa treatments along with his oil changes.

Since we all know how amazing a spa experience is I have a feeling you can manage to get your boyfriend or husband there.  I would suggest that you book his first visit as a gift to celebrate a special occasion, that way he will look at it as something special. Once you get him there the first time, I am pretty sure he will want to come back for more.  In no time at all I bet he is looking for space in the shower to put his loofah and back strap!
Good Luck.  I would really love to hear about your spa experiences… both yours and your man’s.   Leave me a message!

Talk soon,
Bizzie
-xoxo-

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