Next do some research on what spa you want to visit. Now a beautiful Victorian country inn may sound like your idea of spa heaven and romantic but definitely not a guy’s. Look at the programming.
Does it have activities like horseback riding, kayaking, golf, hiking or mountain biking? He’s more likely to go to a spa offering those activities than one offering just yoga, nutrition and meditation classes.
What’s the decor like? Oil paintings or wallpaper with women in petticoats and floral prints from a bygone era will send him running to the nearest sports bar. Find a spa that reflects more an Asian or wood inspired gender-neutral theme.
Avoid using the word spa often and substitute with Wellness Centre or similar. Don’t use the word pampering – that sounds, “girly.” All guys love to be pampered but we don’t dare say that word. It’s just not cool. Use terms like wellness, therapeutic, chillin’ and relaxing instead. Men are more interested in hearing about therapeutic benefits that will make them look healthier and fitter.
Mention that many athletes have regular massages and other foot and hand treatments to keep at their maximum fitness and skill levels. Athletes aren’t powder puffs. Find a spa that has both dry saunas and steam rooms. Men sweat and like to sweat.
Look for spas that offer true male treatments and not just insert the word “Men” before facial, pedicure, manicure and massage. Ask what kind of oils they use – is it more floral scents or do they offer wood, citrus, vanilla, cinnamon – hell even bacon scented oil? A guy doesn’t want to walk out smelling like a flower.
Beware of overly flowery treatment descriptions. A man doesn’t want to hear how a treatment will take him to the heavens in a state of bliss. He just wants to know in simple language that the treatment feels good and be good for his body and mind. Save the adjectives.
Reading material. At most spas there is no reading material for guys in the reception or relaxation lounges or changerooms. Plenty of Cosmopolitan, Flare, Chatelaine, Oprah, Glamour and other women’s magazines. What about guys? No guy is skimming the pages of those publications. We don’t need Playboy, Penthouse but a Score, Golf Digest, Macleans, Forbes, Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated or Time would be nice.
Give the option instead of a robe where a man has to be discreet or be labelled an exhibitionist the choice to wear a t-shirt and shorts. Some men just feel more comfortable and yes manly in this attire.
You want the focus of course to be on you. But first you must appeal to the male libido and the way his mind works. Mention there will be other women in robes and bathing suits in the water therapy and relaxation areas.
Add up everything and you have the recipe for a new male spa enthusiast and possibly a night of romance? Both parties are in a relaxed state of mind and add in a bottle of wine, cozy room and his romantic side won’t be far behind
Now don’t expect your guy after his first visit to go in for a brozilian. But maybe he will eat quiche with you for breakfast the next morning. Just be happy he might wax poetically about his first spa experience – more likely secretly to himself!