Spa Treatments for Men
Therapeutic Pampering Sessions Aren't Just for Women
A look at the growing trend of establishments aimed at men and women in Singapore and those springing up internationally.
Chilling out at bars and being a couch potato can’t relieve a person’s stress – these activities are also unhealthy and harmful to your body. One of the best ways to unwind and recharge your body and mind is to get a massage at a spa.
If you have never dared to step into a spa – worrying it’s all girlie and un-masculine - don't worry. Spas are no longer pink, floral and all girlie-smelling. And they're not just structured around a woman’s needs anymore, but men’s as well.
Many spas are bringing in therapy beds long enough so that your legs don't dangle over the end. True Spa Singapore is one international example, but many spas in North America and Europe also offer pampering for men.
True Spa offers a variety of beds; there are the standard sized ones for women and petite men as well as bigger beds. Oils and aromatherapy are based on therapeutic properties and do not smell terribly "girlie". Separate bathrobes for men are also available.
According to Kenneth Kiong, General Manager at Laponie, a beauty company that supplies award-winning spa products, like Comfort Zone, to the local Singapore spas, there are at least 30 players in the market, small or big, focusing on providing spa services for men. Men’s grooming regimes are also picking up massive awareness as beauty giants like Clarins, Clinique and Molton Brown extend their skincare products to include extensive ones for men.
(Some) Men: Why We Like Spas
However while most men are still contemplating about spas, the receptive others are considering wellness an important factor in enjoying a full life, and happily indulging away at the spas.
“The stress at work and an increasing ability and willingness to spend money on my wellbeing are my reasons for indulging. There's also an increasing awareness and acceptance of how much better I feel after treatment, and becoming addicted to that state of mind. It is close to being a necessity, “ says David Gosling, a 32-year-old engineer.
Hans Olaf Hallan, General Manager at Carlsberg Singapore agrees, “More men are opening up to the iden. If men have any reservation about attending spas, it may be the duration the treatments take. Most men are notoriously fidgety, and so find it more difficult to lie still for the entire treatment.”
Face your Insecurities (including that)
To be honest, most men mull over spa visits because they feel that they might appear feminine, or worse – “what if I’m too nervous about my first massage session and my friend down there decides to stand up,” says 24-year-old Colin Lee, brand executive.
Kenneth Kiong believes that it’s all in the mentality. “It’s like going to the doctor for a genital check-up, we wouldn’t worry, even though it’s a female doctor, would we? If the mindset is expecting not a sexual encounter but a therapeutic one, men should not feel uncomfortable about it.”
Other common concerns include how to choose a suitable treatment from the myriad of treatments, the standards of service at the spas and prices of the treatments. Most are concerned about their image and the image of the spa. They would prefer to look around the spa premises to see if it appeals to them.
“The men who come for the first time are usually surprised at how much they enjoy their treatments. They’re usually so happy with the treatments that they end up joining as members, and even recommending the treatments to their other halves,” says Katarina Tan, Principal Consultant at True Spa Singapore, with a laugh.
Make the First Move
The first thing you want to do is to find out more about the different spas; no need to venture into the women’s section at the magazine aisles, just log on to the Internet. David Gosling suggests that word-of-mouth and friends' recommendations are very important as well.
Once you have a list of the potential spas, call up them up and make an appointment to visit the premises. “Before taking up any services, check whether you feel comfortable with the ambience, pricing, types of treatments and service standards that are being extended. Only carry on if you are comfortable and assured,” says Angie Soon, General Manager at The Aspara and The Asian Spa.
It’s perfectly all right to let the spa personnel know that it’s your first time, firmly state that you want to look at the premises before signing up for any treatments. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable, especially when it comes to pushy sales people, cross out that spa on your list and proceed to the next.
Buddy System
If you’re still unconvinced, we suggest you treat your girlfriend or wife to a spa treatment catered to couples. “There are attractive couple packages available where both parties can enjoy a spa treatment together and at the same time spend quality time,” said David Leow, Managing Director at Fusion Cosmetics Singapore.
So when the time comes and you feel that your sore muscles need a rubdown, take your girl with you, she’ll be more than happy to join you!
