You might think spa gift certificates are a go-to for Mother’s Day, but don’t forget about Dad on Father’s Day. According to the International SPA Association, while women are the most common spa-goers, men now make up 47 percent of the clientele, which is an increase from previous statistics. “We have consistently seen the male spa-goer number around 30 percent until this last study,” says Lynne McNees, the president of the ISPA.
One reason for the increase, McNees says, is men and women are always looking for a way to deal with stress. “Stress isn’t gender specific; we’re all more stressed out than ever before,” she adds. “The more we multi-task and become stressed out, the more we need a much-needed escape that the spa can provide.”
If you think your dad could use a break from his stress-filled life, a trip to the spa might do it. Whether you give him a massage, manicure or facial, many spas in New Orleans cater to men. Father’s Day is coming up on Sun., June 16, so here are a few local places to let Dad relax and refresh.
Balance Spa and Fitness 300 Poydras St., 595-5333, BalanceSpaNewOrleans.com
While massages are the most popular among men, Debbie Williams of Balance Spa and Fitness at the Loews New Orleans Hotel thinks men should also try a facial. “Once they get a facial, they’re just hooked,” Williams says. Balance Spa and Fitness also offers the Backcial, which is the same idea as a facial just for the back. Williams recommends the treatment and says it’s “just a nice treat” for anyone with breakouts on their back as a result of exercising or the heat of the summer.
If you think your dad would prefer a massage, Balance Spa and Fitness offers a wide variety of options, including a mini massage, which concentrates on the back, neck and shoulders.
The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton 921 Canal St., 524-1331, RitzCarlton.com
“Everything that we offer, we do for men as well,” says Theresa Nixon, a spa concierge at the Day Spa at the Ritz-Carlton. Nixon says more men come into the spa than one would expect, and they’re usually calling for a massage. The spa has a long list of treatments, including manicures, pedicures, facials, scrubs and massages. The Ritz also does a Hot Towel Shave for men.
For almost four hours of pampering, the Ritz-Carlton is currently offering the Gentlemen’s Getaway package, which includes the Monsieur Massage, Monsieur Facial, Monsieur Manicure and Monsieur Pedicure. Another good way to save money at the Ritz is to book services between Monday and Thursday; that’s when Louisiana residents get 20 percent off.
Guerlain Spa 123 Baronne St., 335-3190, TheRooseveltNewOrleans.com
Cassandra Dyess, an esthetician at the Guerlain Spa at the Roosevelt Hotel, also recommends the facial, and she has noticed an interest in skincare from men. Even just one facial can make your dad feel better. “Overall, a facial’s going to be relaxing,” Dyess says. “For a man, it’s going to be something unique and different. It’s not something they usually do.”
For men, the Guerlain Spa offers a few treatments specifically designed for men, including the Skin-Saver Facial, an 80-minute facial and the Energizing Facial, which lasts 50 minutes. If you really want to pamper Dad, treat him to the Ultimate Experience, which includes a facial plus a manicure and pedicure. The Guerlain Spa also offers a variety of massages.
Spa at Windsor Court 300 Gravier St., 523-6000, WindsorCourtHotel.com
The Spa at Windsor Court offers many ways for Dad to relax, including the Man(ly)cure, the male version of a manicure or pedicure. Men can choose to pamper just their hands, just their feet or go for both with the combined package.
A perk of the Spa at the Windsor Court is spa-goers also get access to the pool and fitness center, so it’s a good choice if your dad is a fitness buff. The spa also has a steam room and sauna, plus valet parking, says Michelle McOmber, the lead concierge at the Spa at Windsor Court.
Spa Aria at the Hotel Monteleone 214 Royal St., 523-9990, SpaAria.com
Tara Harrison of Spa Aria says the spa’s clientele is just as much male as it is female. The spa, located on the Mezzanine Level of the Hotel Monteleone, offers a few treatments specifically for men. There is the Executive Men’s Facial, or the full pampering session, The Gentleman’s Treat, which includes a facial, massage and manicure.
In addition to the services created specifically for men, Spa Aria also features the Jet Lag Package, which is meant to brighten up frequent travelers, and includes foot reflexology and eye treatment.
The Woodhouse Day Spa 4030 Canal St., 482-6652, NewOrleans, WoodhouseSpas.com
The Woodhouse Day Spa offers the Gentleman’s Hot Towel Facial, “the masculine version” of the spa’s anti-aging facial. Meisha Wright, an esthetician at the Woodhouse Day Spa, says she has a few regular clients for the Hot Towel Facial. “It is a very soothing and relaxing facial for men,” Wright says. While some men might think facials are only for women, Wright adds that the Hot Towel Facial is very masculine; it softens the pores so men can shave better. In addition to the skincare, a facial at the Woodhouse Day Spa also includes a scalp massage as well as a neck and shoulder massage.
Massages are a popular choice for men who frequent The Woodhouse Day Spa, but the spot also offers the Gentleman’s Manicure. Another perk of the Woodhouse Day Spa? It is right next to Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza, which is sure to get you extra points with Dad.
Spa Pointers
What To Tell Dad Before He Goes to the Spa
• Arrive on time. Most spas recommend that you arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment.
• Stay quiet. Spas are a relaxing place. Keep your cell phone turned off and enjoy the peace.
• Don’t shave the same day as your facial. If you’ve booked a facial for the afternoon, skip shaving in the morning. “Men might have some irritation, especially if they’ve never had a facial before,” says Debbie Williams of Balance Spa and Fitness.
• Explain any relevant health problems. According to the International SPA Association Code of Conduct, spa guests are responsible for communicating “complete and accurate health information.”
• Relax. “Just relax and bring yourself,” says Tara Harrison of Spa Aria. “That’s the best advice to ever give. A lot of people don’t know how to relax.”
For the Dad with Good Hair
Blo Blow Dry Bar 5530 Magazine St., 570-6101, BloMeDry.com/locations/blo-magazine
Though it’s technically not a spa, a trip to Blo Blow Dry Bar can serve as a quick pamper session. If your dad is one of those men blessed with good hair, he’ll appreciate a blowout at Blo Blow Dry Bar. A chain with 28 locations around the globe, Blo is like a hair salon, but only offers blowouts, not haircuts. The salon offers the Blo Bro, which includes a wash, dry and 10-minute head massage. It doesn’t matter how long your dad’s hair is; the head massage is the main draw, says Owner Emily Kupperman.
Keep in mind that Blo Blow Dry Bar is definitely marketed towards women, so if you’re not sure how your dad will handle a place with lots of pink, you might want to try somewhere else.
