Spa Packages for Men
Spas offer the perfect environment in which men and women alike can get away from daily pressures and destress for a while. In this guide, we look at what men need to know about choosing and enjoying a relaxing spa experience. We also highlight some of our more popular spa packages for men and some great men’s spa gifts. We finish by recommending some top spa treatments for men.
Why book a men’s spa package?
Some men are resistant to the idea of going to a spa, but there’s really nothing to fear! Spas welcome men and most offer treatments that are specific to men’s needs, including products designed for male skin, which differs from women’s skin (more on this below).
Male spa treatments can offer real benefits, such as soothing dry skin or loosening up tight muscles. The leisure facilities available at spas also provide a great way to relax. Facilities vary between spas but often include a swimming pool, steam room or sauna, and hydrotherapy pool. There may even be a gym or sports facilities, such as golf.
Popular spa treatments for men
Among all the spa treatments available, these tend to be the most popular among male clientele:
Facial spa treatments
There are lots of different types of facial specifically tailored to men’s skin. During the treatment, the therapist will use products and techniques to cleanse, exfoliate and rehydrate the skin.
How does men’s skin differ from women’s?
Generally, men’s skin is thicker and has a higher collagen density. Men also tend to have skin that is more textured, which means they are often prone to longer-lasting acne. Then, of course, there’s facial hair. Daily shaving can take its toll on skin, resulting in shaving rash, in-grown hairs, or nicks and cuts. A professional skin treatment can work wonders to rejuvenate and soothe.
Back, neck and shoulders massage
For maximum relaxation, this light to medium-touch massage will leave you feeling calm, destressed and loose. Designed to ease tension, this is a perfect treatment for men who spend a lot of time desk-bound or behind a wheel. They are also a great way to unwind after a workout. For more on men’s massage, see our dedicated guide.
Deep-tissue massage or sports massage
Forget the light touch, these massages really mean business! In a deep tissue massage, the therapist will work deeply into the muscle layers and connective tissue. This is a form of sports massage, which was developed to treat injury and improve muscle performance. Be prepared to feel a bit sore afterwards but your muscles will thank you in the end!
Saunas and steam rooms
Saunas and steam rooms work to open the pores, relax the muscles and increase the heart rate. They provide a mini cardio workout while detoxing the body through deep sweating. If you’re new to saunas, it’s best not to stay in there longer than five to 10 minutes and always stay well hydrated.
Hydrotherapy
Water has long been known for its healing properties and hydrotherapy harnesses its power to relax and heal the body. Many spas offer hydrotherapy pools with jets that create a massage effect to soothe those tense muscles and help with movement. You could also enjoy an invigorating swim or some ‘me’ time relaxing in the Jacuzzi.
What should men wear to the spa?
Most spas will provide robes, towels, and slippers or flip flops, but you may prefer to take your own. You might also want to bring swimwear for the pool and exercise gear if you’re taking a fitness or yoga class. Spare swimwear is a good idea, so you have a dry pair to change into.
When it comes to massages and other body treatments, you don’t have to get naked! You can wear your own underwear or paper spa pants. If you have any concerns, contact the spa ahead of time to check what’s appropriate.
If you’re staying overnight at an upmarket spa/hotel, be aware there might be a dress code for the restaurant, so smart-casual will be the order of the day. Those baggy threadbare board-shorts might not be too well received in a luxury spa either, so be sure to pack your best swimming shorts or trunks!
For more general information, take a look at our dedicated spa guides, including our guide for spa first-timers.
Sample spa packages for men
Lots of spas offer dedicated men’s spa packages. These will include tailored treatments and access to the relaxing leisure facilities. Many packages come with some extras, such as lunch, a welcome drink or complimentary use of a robe and slippers (inclusions vary). A one or two-night spa break will include accommodation, breakfast and dinner (again, inclusions vary). Guests can also enjoy the amenities available at the hotel.
To give you an idea of what’s available, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite men’s spa packages:
Hotel du Vin Exeter offers a Treatment for Him package with three inclusive treatments, including a relaxing back massage, and use of the leisure facilities, which include a swimming pool and gym.
Shrigley Hall Hotel in Cheshire offers a One Night Golf Break that features full use of the leisure facilities, overnight accommodation, dinner and breakfast. The break also includes two rounds of golf per guest. The hotel is close to Manchester and the Peak District National Park, offering the perfect mini-break.
Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel in Greater London offers a Time for Him Spa Day that features a relaxing massage and facial, along with full use of the leisure facilities that include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
East Sussex National Hotel in Uckfield offers a men/"s MOT Day with a full body and scalp massage, light lunch and use of the extensive facilities, which include a swimming pool, Technogym, Jacuzzi and sauna. There are also two golf courses nearby.
Spa gifts for men
Whether for Father’s Day, a birthday, Christmas or other special occasion, the man in your life will welcome the gift of relaxation! Book one of our men’s spa days or breaks, or for more flexibility, opt for a spa voucher.
Choose a voucher for a Men’s Pamper Day, available at 25 of our spas, which features three treatments, use of his chosen spa’s facilities plus lunch. If the gift is for your partner, consider a Lovers’ Pamper Day experience, available at 27 spas nationwide. Or, for the ultimate freedom of choice, opt for a flexible monetary gift voucher.
What our customers have to say
“I booked the Lover’s Pamper Day at Macdonald Manchester Hotel and Spa for me and my boyfriend and when we got there the spa was clean and very inviting, the facilities were spot on and the staff were 100% dedicated to their job! Our treatments were fantastic (especially the massage). We had a great time and we slept like babies when we got home.” Laura Ferguson from Cheshire
Seven men’s spa treatments we recommend
1. Elemis High-Performance Skin Energiser for Men, 50 minutes
This hard-working facial is particularly effective on congested, ageing or dehydrated skin. It works to maximise cell regeneration and unclog pores. Your therapist will use dynamic facial massage techniques to sculpt and boost circulation, as well as using steam and extraction to give a deep clean feeling. Any irritation from shaving will be calmed with soothing, nutrient-rich products, while the eye area is also treated, leaving it smooth and awake. You will also be treated to a relaxing foot and scalp massage.
Book it: Champneys Henlow Grange Health Spa, Luton
2. Gents Grand Facial, 55 minutes
A men's version of The Grand Hotel's signature Classic Facial, this personalised treatment provides powerful exfoliation for tough male skin types with a mineral-rich moor mud, which removes dull surface skin cells. Next up is a luxurious hand and facial massage, deep-cleanse and nourishing botanical finishing products to leave the skin soft and supple.
Book it: The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne, East Sussex
3. Clarins Men's Skin Blitz Facial, 60 minutes
The ideal facial for fellas with the most common male skin concerns, this signature Clarins treatment balances and smooths the complexion, softening shaving bumps and clearing congestion. Any stress, tiredness or greyness is instantly lifted, with bespoke techniques tailored to each client's lifestyle and skin type. Finally, a calming chest, neck, face and scalp massage will leave you feeling soothed and refreshed.
Book it: Ragdale Hall Spa, Leicestershire
4. ESPA Age Rebel Facial, 60 minutes
Using concentrated techniques, this is a thorough facial that tackles male skin texture, ensuring any rough skin is left smooth, soft and re-energised. The treatment begins with SkinVision™ analysis to ensure products and techniques are tailored to the client, followed by a deep brush cleanse to prep the skin. A pumpkin enzyme peel will ensure all dead skin cells are swiftly removed, while a facial massage using cooling rose quartz crystals tones and sculpts the skin. A real treat with incredible before-and-after results.
Book it: Bedford Lodge Hotel and Spa, Suffolk
5. De-stress Facial Treatment, 50 minutes
This facial was designed for men who don't usually take time out to decompress. This treatment includes massage techniques to remove tension from the shoulders, neck and jaw area, as well as thorough cleansing and rejuvenation of the skin. Ideal for men of all ages, this bespoke facial is unique to Elite Hotels' Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club.
Book it: Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, East Sussex
6. Elemis High Performance Facial for Men, 50 minutes
This is a hard-working facial that focuses on improving ageing and dehydrated skin and tired eyes. The advanced techniques maximise cell regeneration, using steam, extraction and multi-dynamic facial massage sequences to boost circulation. You will also enjoy a relaxing foot and scalp massage for the ultimate in luxury, leaving you looking and feeling re-energised.
Book it: Whittlebury Hall Hotel Spa, Northamptonshire
7. Decléor Express Energising Facial, 30 minutes
For men who want maximum results in a minimum amount of time, this treatment from Decléor is specifically put together to target shaving bumps and other everyday irritations that are common in men. This treatment includes exfoliation and a revitalising massage to leave skin feeling clear and fresh. The use of active clove oil means the treatment promotes reduced beard growth, too.
Book it: Marriott Breadsall Priory, Derbyshire
Ready to book your next men’s spa experience? Contact the SpaSeekers’ team today.
