For some reason, most guys don’t think about spas as realistic tools for their own self-care. Culturally, we see spas as luxury destinations that are meant for occasional pampering. We also see them as almost exclusively feminine: a closed-door refuge where women go to lounge around in towels and get covered in mud (or whatever else they do there). In the minds of many men, spas are scary and weird and uncomfortable.
In reality, spas are totally rad. They’re also useful, fun, and yes, relaxing. Everyone should go to a spa at least once in their life, willingly and openly, and it’s a guarantee that you’ll want to go back.
Spas are like theme parks for self-care. They have it all: facials, massages, steam rooms, even stuff you’ve never heard of, like floatation chambers and rooms built from Himalayan salt. But like theme parks, they can be the time of your life or completely overwhelming. It depends on what you want to get out of it, and if you do it right, you’ll be energized, excited, and aching to go back.
To continue with the analogy, your bathroom is like a high school carnival, but a spa is like Disney World. There is no comparison to the level of relaxation you’ll get when you’re completely immersed in a spa atmosphere. Some people go and they don’t even do anything. Most people, however, go to the spa for a specific experience like a massage or a facial. These are things you cannot do yourself. At their core, spas are places where you get services that are the next level up from your own self-care routine.
The easiest way to choose a spa is to not choose. If you’re staying at a hotel with a spa, set aside some time to check it out. These spas are usually straightforward and not very crowded, and if you’re a hotel guest, don’t cost anything to check out. Go chill in the steam room, or spend some time in the sauna to see if you like the experience.
Most cities and towns have at least one spa somewhere, so look for day spas in your area. Check their websites to see what services and amenities they offer (more on that later) and whether a treatment is required to go. Then check the price list (some spas can be expensive), and look for prices you are comfortable paying within your budget.
Check online reviews to see what other people say about the services. Look especially for comments about the cleanliness of the common areas, the friendliness and professionalism of the staff, and the general atmosphere (how crowded it is, how relaxing the vibe is, etc.). Spa employees should be friendly and make you feel comfortable; when you call to book your appointment, ask them any questions you have, and if it’s your first time going to a spa, tell them. They’ll be able to give you a tour and answer questions while you’re there. And always make sure the therapists and providers are licensed.
The beauty of most spas is that you can get whatever you want out of them. A typical day spa will offer a menu of options from facials to massages to body treatments and sometimes more. Some places will offer amenities like soaking pools, saunas, and steam rooms that you can use even if you’re not getting a treatment (this is typical for hotel spas), and some allow you to buy time to use their facilities and just chill. Others require booking a treatment for entry. You’ll book a treatment and then be allowed to use the facilities for a set amount of time before or after your treatment.
Most spas are co-ed (though you can find male-only spas if that’s more comfortable for you). You’ll be shown to a locker room where you’ll change into a robe and sandals (check with your spa before you go to see if you need to wear a swimsuit under your robe). Things like single-sex saunas, steam rooms, and showers are located in the locker room. Outside the locker room will usually be a waiting area where you’ll await your treatment. Depending on what sort of treatment you’re getting, your therapist will bring you back to the appropriate room.
There are also generally communal areas like soaking pools, hot tubs, and other types of saunas and steam rooms. This is usually the area that you are free to use even if you’re not getting a treatment. You’ll find most people here, lounging around, soaking in the baths, and getting their relaxation on.
Spa treatments can vary widely from location to location, but most spas offer some versions of these basic services. The menu will usually offer an exact description of each service specific to that spa.
The most iconic spa treatments, massages come in a wide variety like deep tissue, hot stone, Thai, shiatsu, the list goes on. If you’ve never gotten a massage before, start with a classic Swedish. Most spas will offer you the choice of a male or female therapist.
It used to be that spas were the only places you could get facials, and they’re still the cornerstone of many spa offerings. For more information on why you should get a facial, go to Part 4.
Body treatments, like wraps, are like facials for your whole body. Most wraps involve the application of moisturizing creams or lotions before you’re wrapped up in a sheet or blanket. This helps to facilitate the absorption of the creams deeper into your body, leaving you soft AF.
Like wraps, scrubs are body treatments. In this case, an exfoliant is applied to your body to remove dead skin cells from head to toe. They’re usually followed by a moisturizer.
Typically, a manicure or pedicure you’ll get at a spa focuses more on moisturizing and relaxation than the one you get at your neighborhood nail salon, but the steps are generally the same.
General spa amenities aren’t ones you have to book specially. They include steam rooms, saunas, soaking pools, Jacuzzi-style baths, and sometimes even special showers. Consider these extra credit.