Who says the spa is only for women? Increasingly, men are taking solo or group vacations focused on pampering, wellness and reinvigoration. In fact, a 2017 survey from the International Spa Association found that 49 percent of customers were men, up from 29 percent in 2005. Sometimes, it is nice to leave the man cave.
Once travel resumes, a 2021 retreat may be on the top of your list. For those looking for some quality “man time,” we’ve compiled a list of the best destinations for relaxation and fun.
BOULDERS RESORT & SPA
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
This resort is located on 1,300 acres of the lush Sonoran Desert foothills and gets its name from the surrounding ancient granite boulder formations. The 33,000-squarefoot spot offers an array of amenities sure to please. The Men’s Niwa treatment includes a wet steam, dry sauna, O’Furo (Japanese bath) and an outdoor adult swimming pool and jacuzzi. The “Just for Him” package offers a 50-minute massage, a gentleman’s facial and a choice of men’s grooming services. You can top it off with spa treatments like the boulders stone or arnica massage. Looking for more action? Get adventurous with rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, tennis, horseback riding, fly fishing, or Jeep, Hummer or TomCar excursions. When you’re ready to relax, consider an astrological soul reading, guided meditation, chakra balancing or reiki. theboulders.com
WHITEFACE LODGE
LAKE PLACID, NEW YORK
The High Peaks of Lake Placid speak to weekend warriors, city folk looking to unwind and athletic types. The all-suite resort screams “cool,” with fine cigars and cognacs to enjoy alongside a fire pit, a spa menu tailored for men and nearby outdoor experiences and Olympic-themed sports. Here, rugged is hot and ragged is not. The Spa at Whiteface Lodge’s “Adirondack Man” collection includes treatments like the Outdoorsman facial and Lumberjack Hand Soother, a customized and rich exfoliation with a light massage of healing arnica oil. A full-day package called “The Outdoorsman” combines these treatments with a sports massage and nutrient-packed spa lunch. For thrill-seekers, nearby Olympic facilities are open year round for bobsledding, wheeled luge and extreme tubing. Hiking, cycling, rock climbing, golf and horseback riding can be arranged. And in the winter, snowmobiling, tobogganing and dogsledding are options for fun as well. thewhitefacelodge.com/
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Shangri-La touts its “CHI for Men” offerings focused on results, be it getting rid of stress, deep cleansing or improving concentration. Treatments include tension-relieving massages, bespoke facials, and foot and hand treatments. When you’re ready for action, hit up Grose Mountain for skiing and hiking trails. Other nearby tourist stops include Vancouver’s Seawall, the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Granville Island. shangri-la.com/vancouver/shangrila/
FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA
SONOMA, CALIFORNIA
Location is everything. The Fairmont is atop an ancient thermal mineral spring, flowing from 1,100 feet below the surface. The tranquility and beauty of this environment permeates the 40,000-square-foot spa. Try the golfer’s massage. If you want to indulge, go for the executive meltdown package, a back-focused blend of exfoliation, warm stones and hot towels to relax your muscles, followed by a tension-melting back, neck and shoulder massage. Complete the package with facials and hand grooming treatments designed for men. Hiking, biking and the neighboring Sonoma Golf Club offer excellent non-spa activities. fairmont.com/sonoma/
NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT
FARMINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA
Nemacolin, snug in the countryside, is about decompressing. The Holistic Healing Center and Woodlands Spa are destinations in themselves. Their hydrafacials, hot-stone massages, energy-balancing crystals and male-centered spa therapies like tension massage, men’s scalp treatment and CBD massages will rejuvenate and relax you. But if you need more exhilaration, try ziplining, paintball or rock climbing. nemacolin.com/
KILKEA CASTLE
CASTLEDERMOT, IRELAND
It’s all about golf at Kilkea. The castle’s recently opened spa has an array of treatments for male golfers, from facials to massages. When you tire of golf, there’s tennis, falconry, skeet shooting, fishing, and a fitness center. Interested in social gatherings? Hit up one of the on-site Irish whiskey tastings or venture off-site to an authentic Irish pub dating back to the 9th century. The high-touch service at Kilkea will make you feel like a king. kilkeacastle.ie/
CUMBERLAND FALLS BED & BREAKFAST INN
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
What can you expect at Cumberland Falls? On day one, you can check in and then head out to Lake Lure for a 2.5 hour long kayak paddle ride that includes a boxed lunch. Return to the inn for a one-hour sports massage (either in room or at the spa). Spend your evening exploring downtown Asheville. If you’re an early riser, sign up for a weight circuit workout at 7 a.m. in Cumberland’s gardens for day two. Then, feast on the healthy farm-to-table breakfast, followed by a hike on the Mountains-to-Sea trail. A healthy picnic lunch is included. Decompress with a healing hands massage in your room or in the spa. Try early morning yoga or meditation at 7 a.m. if the spirit moves you on day three. Complete the day with breakfast and a trip to Beaver Lake for kayaking. cumberlandfalls.com/
ALISAL GUEST RANCH RESORT & SPA
SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA
Indulge your inner cowboy in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley. The western-style dude ranch is on 10,500 acres. Horseback ride, golf, fish, hike, or gear up for air rifle and archery, on-site. When you’re ready to chill, the spa has nearly 30 treatments, with favorites like the rancher’s respite massage and cowboy facial. alisal.com/
THE WESTIN RIVERFRONT RESORT & SPA
AVON, COLORADO
Vail Valley is therapeutic, but that’s just the beginning. The 27,000-square-foot Spa Anjali at The Westin Riverfront offers an extensive menu focused on three healing traditions—the Rockies, Alps and Himalayas. The Chakra Blessings are a collection of ancient rituals designed to help clear negativity, balance energy and create an optimal state of well-being. Some of the most popular treatments for men include the CBD massage, the mountain man manicure and pedicure, and ponderosa pine therapy, a deep tissue massage that uses ancient Native American remedies to treat inflammation and muscle pain. Get your exercise groove on with more than 60 weekly classes, special fitness programs and workshops. In winter, skiers and snowboarders have direct access to the slopes at Beaver Creek, and in other seasons, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater rafting and golf occupy time. marriott.com
