It is not just the girls that can benefit from a session at the spa, boys too can reap the rewards of being able to completely relax and unwind.
According to Daphne Metland, a board member of the UK Spa Association, only ten to 15 per cent of UK spa goers are men. Moreover, in a survey conducted by the Good Spa Guide it found that men see visiting the spa as something you do with their partner. However, spas are not just about pampering and beauty treatments it is an opportunity to take time out and a great way to improve wellness and health levels.
Whether you want an opportunity to simply kick back and relax for the day or feel the benefits of a massage or facial therapy, stepping into one of our spas will provide you the perfect antidote to modern day life. Today’s modern man has nothing to be afraid of, and with a range of effective and enjoyable treatments specifically for men, they have everything to gain from a visit to a Hand Picked country house spa.
Spa Manager of Rookery Hall’s spa and health club, Kelly Burgess, tells us what men are missing and what she loves most about her job.
Please tell us how you got into the spa industry?
After training at the International School of Beauty Therapy in Nantwich, I worked in a local salon and with Virgin Atlantic, before starting my spa career at Rookery Hall and I have never looked back.
So when did you join Hand Picked Hotels?
I joined the company in 2010 and have managed to progress my career over that time. I have also helped the spa team out at Wood Hall Hotel and on occasions supported the Reception Academy training. I am lucky to work in such beautiful surroundings.
What do you love most about working at the spa at Rookery Hall?
I have a great team of therapists that I get the pleasure of working with on a daily basis. No day is the same so I am always on my toes. I have also been fortunate to gain a lot of knowledge and experience from the people around me at Hand Picked.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Seeing our guests leave with a smile on their face after a great spa experience and creating memories with their family and friends. I also get a lot of pleasure from helping to progress my team, whether that is by enhancing their skills, knowledge or experience within the spa industry.
What is your favourite treatment and why?
The Elemis Superfood Facial, the results are amazing and it puts that brightness back into your skin. I also love the facial massage that is included – it is challenging not to fall asleep!
There is a myth that spas are just for women. We know this is not true, of course, but what can you offer to men who visit your spa?
We have a wide range of therapies to offer men from hand and nail treatments to facials and massages – something to suit all requirements. In addition, they can take it easy in our fabulous relaxation room to further their spa experience, or work out in the gym and then go for a refreshing dip in our pool.
Could you tell us about a specific massage aimed at men and the benefits?
The Elemis Freestyle Deep Tissue Massage as either a 25 minute massage for the man on the go or a full 55 minutes, which is great for men who want to have a massage that really helps with knots and stress.
With Mother's Day just round the corner what is the most popular facial that your female guests pick and why?
The Elemis Biotec Facial offers both a 25 and 55-minute option, so if any men out there are struggling for gift ideas there is a huge tip! The technologies within these facials allow the therapist to focus on brightening the skin, lifting and tightening the skin, soothing and nourishing sensitive skin or resurfacing the skin to a new you.
Do you often get couples use the dual treatment room?
Yes, our Ruby dual room is extremely popular. Couples love to enjoy a relaxing neck, back and shoulder massage to help ease away their stress and tension followed by a skin specific 25 minute treatment to indulge and renew the skin back to full radiance.
Lastly, is there one Elemis product that you would recommend above all others to men?
Instant Refreshing Gel is a fantastic Elemis product for men – this can be used at home or on the go to help work on those aches, pains and stresses in the back and the legs. The arnica and witch hazel has soothing and healing properties that leaves the skin feeling energised.
