Spas have a historic reputation for being the domain of women, but it has always been our belief at Spabreaks.com that spas are for everybody, because of the wide variety of invaluable opportunities they offer for our health and wellbeing. Now, it seems that changes in the industry, the way it’s marketed, and the way we collectively think about our health, are leading to a changed perception of spas. As a result, men’s spa days are more popular than ever.

How spas have adapted to create the spa days men want

When we first joined the spa industry, spas were seen as places for women with too much money and too much time on their hands. Over the last 15 years we have worked alongside incredible destinations, to show the wide variety of wellbeing opportunities that each of them have to offer every body and everybody. Many spas have eschewed the typically feminine decor of times gone by in favour of palettes and design that is gender neutral. Treatments are tailored to the specific needs of men and women, but also more to meet particular wellbeing concerns irrespective of gender.

A changing mindset around male spa days

For a long time, men typically visited spas in a manner that was incidental. For example, they might purchase gifts for their partner or have a massage whilst staying at a hotel on holiday. But they didn’t generally choose to visit a spa in their own right. However, the increased focus on wellbeing generally has lead to our acknowledgement that time out is good for the mind and body. As we seek out the healing powers of a good workout, time away from the mobile phone, a spa treatment and spa facilities, more men have embraced spas and the benefits they bring, with intent.

Facts and figures around men’s spa days

While we know this to be true in our own experience, it is also the subject of research by the International Spa Association (ISPA), which has revealed that more men’s spa days are being booked than ever before. Stats indicate that 49% of spa customers are now men, up 20% increase from the 29% reported in 2005. 

“Spas are really having to evolve to accommodate that male spa goer… Typically, your back-of-house for males would be smaller because historically it has been very heavy female. Now they’re having to shift that.” 

ISPA president Lynne McNees

“[Men] are more aware that it’s not just a thing I go to to get pampered. It’s an actual lifestyle choice with benefits to my body, to my wellness. It’s part of my routine now. It’s not just about going for relaxation.” 

Garrett Mersberger, board chairman of ISPA