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What to Expect

Your first trip to a spa can be a little confusing or intimidating, but don't worry—the attendants see newbies all the time, and they should be happy to answer any questions you have. Remember to talk with your doctor before going, and also let the spa know about any medical conditions you have.

To give you an idea of what to expect at a typical Western spa (the experience can vary widely based on where in the world you are), we talked to a number of spa professionals to get the scoop. Here's what they said:

Arrive early—this isn't a time to be rushed. “It's best to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so you can fill out any necessary paperwork, change into your robe and slippers, have a glass of water or a cup of tea, and basically get yourself ready to relax,” says Debra Townes, owner of The HomeSpa in Brooklyn, N.Y. “There’s often a lounge area for you to relax in until your appointment time, when your therapist will most likely greet you and take you to your treatment room.”
Jeremy McCarthy, director of Global Spa Development & Operations for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, agrees. “Nothing is worse than feeling rushed because you are running late for what is supposed to be a stress-relieving experience,” he says. “Also inquire if there are any coed facilities that would require a swimsuit.”
Unplug from the grid. Yep, that means turn your cell phone off. “The spa environment is intended to be relaxing and calm, and because of that, many spas prohibit the use of cell phones and any other electronic devices,” says Linda Orhun of Destiny Beauty & Wellness Day Spa in New York, N.Y. “If you do have a cell phone or any other electronic device when visiting a spa, it is best to turn it off before entering the facility.”
Wary about the whole naked thing? Just remember, they've seen it all before. “We recommend clients get fully undressed for spa treatments,” says Ryan DeJong, general manager of Pineapple Day Spa in Pine Bush, N.Y. “Clients who have reservations about taking off their clothes should understand that the therapists are trained professionals, will ensure your privacy is respected, and want you to enjoy the full benefits of the treatment, which is sometimes inhibited by clothing.”
Feel a snooze coming on? Feel free. “Sometimes you fall asleep during your services, which is totally fine. You're there to relax,” Townes says. “Sometimes you feel like talking, but you'd probably want to resist engaging in loud or constant chatter, especially since some men’s voices often seem to travel more.”
Tipping is customary at a spa, so plan for that ahead of time. “Tips are sometimes included in the price of your treatment, and if you are not told when booking the treatment, you can feel comfortable asking,” says Catherine Swinscoe of Swinscoe Spa Consultants in Scottsdale, Ariz. “If not included, tips are anywhere from 15 to 20 percent of the service. You can add it to the bill or give it to the reception people, who will put it into an envelope for the therapist. Do not leave money in the room, as it may not be your therapist that cleans up the room. Do not feel obligated to tip if you had poor service.”

Relax and Say Spa-aah

Rejuvenate your body and mind by heading to a guy-friendly spa

If you've never been to a spa, you're not alone—most people haven’t, according to statistics from the International Spa Association, but more and more are trying it every day. It’s worth a shot at least once, but be sure to consult with your doctor before planning a trip—the severity of your bleeding disorder will dictate what kind of treatment is safe for you, and anything that pierces the skin or puts too much pressure on the body should be avoided.

Whether you're a seasoned spa-goer who knows your Shiatsu from your Swedish or you're the kind of guy who’s never become personally acquainted with a nail buffer (don’t be afraid!), here are five of the world’s top spas:

Shalimar Spice Garden Resort
Kerala, India
shalimarkerala.net

In a mountain location 800 meters above sea level at the edge of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, the air is cool, the vegetation lush, and the atmosphere ideal for rest and relaxation. Here sits Shalimar Spice Garden Resort, which specializes in Ayurveda, a traditional Hindu system of medicine based on homeopathy and naturopathy that focuses on balancing the soul, mind, senses, and body. While the resort offers intensive services for up to two weeks, you can also get a one-time treatment.

King Spa & Sauna
Dallas, Texas
dallaskingsauna.com

For a traditional Korean sauna experience in the U.S., head to this Dallas outpost, one of the few spas of its kind in the country. After a shower and a dip in a few of the variously heated pools (from a chilly 65 degrees to a hot-hot-hot 115 degrees), you'll put on the standard-issue gray uniform and then be free to explore nine distinctive sauna rooms that each carry their own brand of healing. Try the Air Room, made entirely of wood that releases “phytoncides” said to kill viruses and mold; the Pyramid Room, coated with gold and claiming to improve mental power and concentration; or the Salt Room, where you can cozy up to 350-million-year-old rocks in the hopes of rejuvenating the skin and aiding your digestion.

Wonderfool
Rome, Italy
wonderfool.it

Designed especially for men, Wonderfool offers everything from a treatment that makes you look less tired if you were out late the night before to a Turkish bath to sessions with a personal trainer. You can also take your time browsing the collection of high-end cosmetic products—everyone here is a guy, so no one's judging you for your grooming habits (and hey, it's a good thing that you care—it isn’t just ladies who need to take care of themselves).

Daintree EcoLodge & Spa
Daintree, Queensland, Australia
daintree-ecolodge.com.au

A bucketful of awards isn't all this eco-friendly lodge and spa has going for it—it's also got a location in the oldest living tropical rain forest on earth, innovative architecture, and a world-class spa. Everything here is focused on your total well-being, and the philosophy of treatments is rooted in aboriginal customs. Try Ngujakura Dreamtime—a sensory experience from head to toe, involving Jina foot treatment, Kambarr rain therapy, Julma full-body massage, and Walu BalBal facial—or just take a dip in the healing waters of the rain forest while sipping on fresh fruit juice.

Knockouts Haircuts for Men
United States
knockouts.net

As the Knockouts website says, “there's a reason it's called a MANicure.” Okay, so we’re pretty sure the name has a lot more to do with the Latin word for hand (“manus”) than with the word man, but that definitely doesn’t mean it’s not a fit for a guy. If you like your fingernails just fine, consider a massage, a mini facial, or just a nice haircut. The whole atmosphere is sporty and fun at this chain with locations across the U.S., and you can expect large leather chairs, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary beverages—all at a reasonable price.

What to Expect

Relax and Say Spa-aah

Rejuvenate your body and mind by heading to a guy-friendly spa

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