Spa Etiquette

By Tanya M. Williams, L.M.B.T.

Dear Tanya,

I'd like to treat my husband (a spa novice) to a couple of treatments for his birthday. What treatments would you recommend for men?

A: Most spa treatments are appropriate for either sex, but in my experience men opt for massage, facials, and pedicures most frequently. If your guy is active or athletic, a deep tissue or hot stone massage is a good fit. For those who simply need to de-stress, a classic Swedish is best. For skincare, many spas offer a gentleman's facial geared for the special needs of a man's skin, sans the frou-frou, flowery scents of many women's varieties. And finally, though he may be sheepish at first, a pedicure is almost always a hit. After all, what man doesn't enjoy having his feet rubbed, soaked, and softened?

If you're still unsure, seek out one of the many day spas for men that have emerged from coast to coast and check out their options, or simply get a gift certificate for a certain dollar amount and let him choose. Who knows, he may just want the seaweed body wrap after all!

Here are a few men's skin care lines to try:

Issimo International Guy Gear, www.greathairandskin.com

Jack Black, www.getjackblack.com

Mana'ia by Pure Fiji, www.purefiji.com

Questions about spa etiquette? Email Tanya at: editorial@healinglifestyles.com.