Drawing inspiration from their ancestors, men are notching things up in the self-care and wellness department. More men are going in for lunch hour therapies, checking into weekend spas and asking for exotic treatments. And it is not just the ‘metrosexual man’. A well-turned out and groomed man is both attractive and appealing to women. That’s where spa treatments come into the picture. So, monthly visits to spas and salons for specific sessions targeted at beauty and skin care coupled with steam and sauna are more a norm than an exception for most men. Keeping that in mind, here’s our pick of the spas across India and their tailor made offerings for men.
1. All-in-one relaxation
At Rewa Escape Spa in Mumbai, our pick is Vir Mardana Indian Deep Tissue therapy. Experience enhanced mobility of joints and let a deep sense of relief engulf you after the treatment. To begin with, a customised technique of muscle massage performed by especially trained hands works on your deep-seated stress and a warm water compress is applied to the back and legs. The plus point is that the treatment has been tailor-made to alleviate pressure in the joints and is targeted at replenishing energy in the tissues, which makes it a favourite among men.
Duration: 75-105 minutes Price: Rs.2,800 to Rs.3,800
2. Spirit of Ayurveda
Inspired by the Ayurvedic principles of health and well being, the Spirit of Ayurveda session at Zaara Spa in Goa combines a series of traditional Indian treatments starting with a stimulating Ayurvedic massage that helps to invigorate and energise the nervous system. This is followed by Navara Kizhi, an essence of rice treatment in which rice and warm medicated milk is used to exfoliate the skin before refining the skin with rice and herbal mixture. An Indian head massage inducing deeper relaxation followed by a calming bath completes the session, a signature therapy at Zaara.
Duration: 180 minutes Price: Rs.12,000+taxes
3. Skin SOS soak
A healing hydrobath soak with the goodness of Ficus, Neem and Turmeric at Niraamaya Spa relieves skin sensitivity, control itching, heal sun damaged skin, cleanse and deodorise the body. This therapy, called the Nalapamarasnana, consists of a bath preceded by a relaxing head and feet massage to prepare you to have an indulgent bath along with a steam bath. Nalapamaram is an Ayurvedic medicine prepared by mixing the bark of four trees of ficus genus. Especially recommended for sensitive skin, this therapy alleviates itching and provides relief from dermal issues.
Duration: 60 minutes Price: On request.
4. Soothe those muscles
At The Pink Room Spa at Planet Hollywood in Goa, the Muscle Relief Therapy is blissful for those stretched and strained muscles . In this therapy, a special aroma blend of ginger, lavender, aniseed, basil and clary sage is used. Deep tissue massage technique is used to apply the oils and herbs to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct pressure or friction. This massage therapy refreshes and relaxes the body muscles, increasing the blood flow and therefore the oxygen flow in the body. This also gets rid of toxins in very sore and strained muscles , thus helping them to strengthen and heal.
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes Price: Rs.3,500 to Rs.4,500+taxes
5. Hot stone therapies
Sanjana Bhandari, Manager, Vyoma Spa at Radisson Blu says, “A Hot Stone Therapy is one of the best therapies for men. This therapy involves a unique Hot Stone massage with micronised mineral oils of malachite and zincite. It delivers an unsurpassed mineral therapy while the heat from the stones radiate through one’s aching muscles and joints.Ergonomically designed warm stones help push relaxation deeper down into the muscles. It’s usually a 90 minute session that begins with a foot ritual. This is then followed by a deep massage with stones, which are especially helpful in breaking down the adhesions and knots to relieve pains and restore normal movement. It’s done simultaneously by two therapists.”
Duration: 60 minutes Price: Rs.4,500.
6. Trail of turmeric
The Yoghurt and Turmeric Skin Smoother at NeoVeda Spa, The Metropolitan Hotel in Delhi is a treat for all your tactile senses. An exfoliating scrub of Rice Powder, Yoghurt, Turmeric, Sandalwood,Aromatherapy Oil mixed together and applied to the whole body. Slow long strokes used to apply the mixture sloughs off dead skin and smoothes the skin. This specialised treatment is used to reach a state of cleanliness and purity through the use of various herbs and oils and is completed with a warm shower.
Duration: 30 minutes Price: Rs.2000+taxes
7. Best face forward
If a man must have a facial, it has to be the Man Facial at Alila Diwa in Goa. This multi-faceted therapy is designed to restore skin’s natural pH balance, leaving you with a softer, smoother and radiantly healthy appearance. Treatment includes exfoliation with local rice bran and sandalwood, a detoxifying mask of volcanic clay and lemon then finished with an ultra moisturising blend of aloevera juice, wildflower honey and wheat amino acids.
Duration: 75 minutes Price: On request
8. Toxin flush out
The Ayurvedic process of treating the genital – urinary disorder of male through enema of specific medicated ghrita (or ghee) is called as Uttara Basti. Prior to this treatment, a body massage with Mahamashadi Thailam, followed by a steam bath is done. An enema later, special medicated ghrita is inculcated in the bladder. Not only does it treat hormonal imbalances in men, but Uttara Basti is also beneficial for erectile dysfunction and infections in urinary bladder. Uttara Basti is one of the important Panchakarma therapies and it should be always given under the supervision of Ayurvedic doctors who are very well-versed with the therapy.
Duration: 75 minutes Price: On request
9. For that warm and fuzzy feeling
The Body Massage Candle Treatment at the Shamana Spa at Grand Hyatt in Goa is the best option if you are looking to hydrate and nourish the skin, remove tan, promote skin elasticity and boost immunity. The ‘spa body candles’ set the mood while candle light lulls your senses and its aromas awakens the spirit. As the candle burns, it liquefies to form a pool of luscious massage oil. This oil, which is close to the body temperature works as a daily moisturiser, a massage potion or pure aroma.The body massage candle is enriched with 100 pure and certified dead sea minerals, pure jojoba, sweet almond oil and other essentials; a good therapy for dry skin during the winter season. Its sweet aromatic tone uplifts the mood and relaxes the body while Moroccan Argan and Evening Primrose Oil hydrate the skin giving it a softer, smother and well-nourished feel.
Duration: 60 minutes Price: Rs.5,000+taxes