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DOWNTIME
Men’s(!) Day at the Spa
Think spas are sanctuaries just for stressed-out female busi- ness professionals? Think again.
RPampering at its finest at the Ritz-Carlton Spa in White Plains
Raise your hand if this sounds like you (or someone close to you): You’re a busy male professional with little downtime and a penchant for inhaling protein bars as you run from meeting to meeting. You’d love to de- stress a little, have the tension worked out of your neck and shoulders or the kinks kneaded out of your tennis elbow, but you’re not a spa guy, have never been to a spa (except maybe to buy a gift certificate for your wife or girlfriend), and tend to think of spas as female retreats filled with pastel-colored robes and the heady scent of lavender. The truth is, more men than ever are heading to spas not only for the relaxation and stress relief that comes from pre- and post-workout massages, but also for facials, back waxing, teeth whitening, and pedicures. As Bruce Schoenberg, co-owner of Oasis Day Spa in Dobbs Ferry, likes to point out, you don’t need to strip yourself of your masculinity when stripping down and stepping into a bathrobe. Spa treatments today are all about holistic nurturing, staying fit, and being healthy. “Once men come here and realize how easily they can recharge their batteries simply with an hour or two of treatments, they’re hooked,” he says.
Here, area spas that not only make men feel comfort- able—think roomy, man-sized bathrobes and products that don’t leave you smelling like azaleas—but where you’ll find like-minded souls and facilities that cater specifically to the testosterone team.
Reward yourself after a workout with a sports massage and facial at Equinox.
THE SPA AT EQUINOX, MAMARONECK
Why Go? One, you’re in a gym, meaning that simply by booking a treatment you can enjoy the spa and all of its facilities (steam, exercise machines, classes). Two, you don’t have to be a member to enjoy the spa and its many options. Mostly, though, it’s the bustling everybody’s-here- for-a-reason vibe that makes you feel so comfortable. The pros here know that, after working hard (either at the office or on the treadmill), you deserve to recover just as hard. And that means massage therapists who know the difference between a sports massage, a deep-tissue massage, and a Swedish treatment, and who accommodate your wishes with their expertise. Despite its size—there’s a small reception area and just four treatment rooms—the spa offers a wide range of services, including body polishes and waxing.
Plan Your Day: 8 am: An hour on treadmill or elliptical plus a shower; 9 am: 50-minute ($115) Sports Massage (ideal for pre- or post-workout flex- ibility, recovery, and restoration); 10 am: 50-minute ($125) Men’s Facial (a deep-cleansing, exfoliating treatment); 11 am: steam shower then back to work—but not before grabbing a house-made smoothie and sandwich from the café.
Say Aaaah: 1053 W Boston Post Rd, Mamaroneck (914) 777-1919; equinox.com/clubs/mamaroneck (second location, 800 White Plains Rd, Scarsdale 914-472-9000)
THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA, WHITE PLAINS
Why Go? This is pampering at its finest. Think plush robes; a relaxation area designed for lounging pre- or post-treatment (with free WiFi); offerings of tea or lemon- or cucumber-infused water (the selection changes all the time);
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Ritz-Carlton Spa Photo by Ron Starr
Q1 2013