Who says spas are just for women? In the age of gender equality, it’s only right that men should be able to enjoy the odd bit of pampering at a spa that understands the difference between male and female skin – and knows how to make the most macho men feel comfortable.
We’ve found five of the UK’s best spas for all sorts of men, without a glass of pink champagne or a sparkly manicure in sight… unless, of course, that’s what you’re after.
– Location: London
This is a massive spa – it’s set over four floors – so it’s only right that it features a soothing, men only area; made entirely out of black marble.
Treatments range from the functional (the Flight Focus treatment will help you beat jet lag in just under an hour) to the downright luxurious (the 2-hour Shiatsu Experience combines an all-over salt scrub with an oil massage and therapeutic muscle stretching and joint rotations).
The Corinthia’s spa is famous for its amazing deep muscle massages, and innovative toning treatments like the Active Abdominal Detox.
+ Best for: off duty James Bonds.
+ Don’t miss: the sleep pods – not technically a spa treatment, but they are unmissable for their futuristic vibe and nap-inducing ambience.
– Location: Scotland
Gleneagles is famous for its golf course, which is one of the best in the world. So the on-site spa is well used to catering for a discerning male clientele.
The ‘Golfer’s Tonic’ has been specifically devised to help loosen up key muscles in the neck, shoulders and back in order to help you achieve your best swing.
If you prefer to spend your days rambling around the hotel grounds, you may prefer one of the classic ESPA deep tissue massages or foot treatments, which will keep you limber and help you relax before settling in for an evening of whisky and war stories in front of the fire.
+ Best for: Tiger Woods wannabes.
+ Don’t miss: the personalised facials, which last just under an hour and are tailored to your specific skincare needs.
– Location: London
Formerly known as the Nickel Spa, this used to be a males-only haven until recently, when it rebranded and added a few women’s treatments to the menu.
Station Spa takes its inspiration from the London Underground: treatments are even listed on a ‘departures’ board. It offers everything from an express facial or a chair massage, to high-end technical treatment such as Azzelure injections (similar to Botox) and Teoysal dermal fillers.
Centrally located near Holborn, it is perfect for a cheeky lunchtime treatment, or a post-work massage while avoiding the rush hour.
+ Best for: Transport fanatics
+ Don’t miss: Crystal Clear Back Microdermabrasion – one of the few treatments of its kind, it focuses on the hard-to-reach areas on your back and helps to clear up any break-outs.
– Location: Hampshire
Situated in the heart of the New Forest National Park, SenSpa at Careys Manor Hotel is a little oasis of natural goodness. The spa is Thai-themed, with an excellent Thai restaurant (Zen Garden) on the grounds, so you can treat yourself to a curry after a tough day in the pool.
Treatments focus on organic, natural products in keeping with the local environment, and there is an emphasis on proper, deep muscle massages – the ones that hurt. Build up to your massage by exploring some of the tougher forest trails before your treatment – you will enjoy it so much more!
+ Best for: Outdoorsy types
+ Don’t miss: the spa’s signature Sen Harmony Face and Body Treatment, which includes a heated deep tissue massage and a detoxifying facial scrub.
– Location: Cumbria
*Image: Wikimedia
This spa ticks a lot of boxes: gorgeous location – tick (it’s set in the Lake District); high tech gym – tick; hot tub – tick; tranquillity room that looks over the fells – tick.
Don’t be fooled by the spa menu, which only lists two male-specific treatments – almost every treatment at Armathwaite Hall is unisex, and in fact most of them can be offered to couples (there is a private couples’ treatment room on site).
The spa’s massage therapists are experts at dealing with sporting injuries and exhausted muscle groups, so make sure you get a sports massage at some point, particularly if you are planning on doing a lot of hiking while you’re there. Personal trainers and hiking guides are on standby just in case you need a little extra motivation.
+ Best for: Gym buffs and athletes
+ Don’t miss: the Man Space Ultimate Shave Performance – a traditional hot towel massage with the very modern addition of a facial scrub, mask and scalp massage.
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
