Men are heading to the spa more than ever, according to the International Spa Association. That trend is taking off around Hawaii, where hotel wellness facilities are dreaming up products and techniques that address the needs of their male guests.
Following are some alluring Hawaii resort spa treatments that are keeping the gents as healthy and laid-back as the ladies.
Facials for the Fellas
Quite a few Hawaii spas now feature men’s facials. Often they start with warm towels, deep cleansing and invigorating exfoliation, followed by a soothing mask, moisturizer and a massage for the face, neck, shoulder and scalp.
On Maui, Royal Lahaina Resort’s skilled spa technician analyzes each client to determine the overall best approach to his skincare. Similarly, at Montage Kapalua Bay’s spa, the staff customizes treatments to the unique concerns of every guest. Sheraton Maui Resort’s facial calls on natural products that help with sensitivity to razor burn, irritations and redness.
Among Kauai hotels offering gentlemanly facials is Koloa Landing, which blends locally-grown ingredients to alleviate overexposed skin. The St. Regis Princeville Resort’s spa provides exclusively male treatments to detox and revitalize the face and combat aging.
Hawaii Island properties with dude-centric facials include Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii; Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa at Keauhou Bay; and Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows.
Macho Massages
The spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui helps men unwind with the Muscle Recovery, which releases deep tension and sports-related knots. Other Ritz options incorporate traditional massage styles, heated stones, aromatherapy and a full exfoliation with a back massage and oil application.
The Classic Club treatment at Oahu’s SpaHalekulani relaxes men’s tired muscles with a steam shower, a scrub and a Swedish massage. The Taurumi Tahitian features Monoi oil made from Tahitian gardenias. The Hoolele uses bold strokes applied by bare feet. Additionally, guys can request upper- or lower-body work using Arnica lotion, which eases aches and pains.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach presents two manly massages, one of which comes with hot stones and attention to the face and scalp. The other focuses on the back, lower legs and feet to release tight muscles, with an exfoliation for good measure.
Shave and a Haircut
Master barbers stand ready in the spa at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, which boasts a room dedicated to the process. There, they clean, exfoliate and hydrate skin during the Alii Shave, named for Hawaii’s royal chiefs. The Duke’s Shave, with hot lather and a classic, straight razor, honors famed Oahu waterman Duke Kahanamoku. Clients also can opt for a head shave, haircut or trim of the beard and mustache.
On Oahu, The Kahala Hotel & Resort revives a longstanding tradition during the Gentlemen’s Shave, performed with a straight edge, steamed towels and face balm.
At Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, spa guests are invited to indulge in the complimentary Men’s Shaving Protocol. The self-administered procedure uses five Elemis men’s products: a face wash, a scrub, a shaving oil, shaving cream or gel and a moisture boost.
With Men’s Nails in Mind
Women aren’t the only travelers whose nails crave some love. Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa underscores that point with its Gentlemen’s Pedicure and Manicure, calling on Hawaii-sourced polishes. Hands and feet feel and look fabulous thanks to extracts from island plants such as passion fruit, kukui nut, macadamia nut and coconut.
The Kahala’s approach to male nail grooming treats cuticles, nails and calluses by trimming, shaping, buffing and moisturizing.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui’s men’s manicure soaks hands in thermal minerals and essential oils, then exfoliates and hydrates them during a massage. Below the ankle, a eucalyptus footbath and massage with balm helps clients step lively.
