Going Native In The Tropics

Everyone loves a tropical spa experience, but it seems that men have the most to gain from choosing authentic, locally inspired treatments

- Mark Smith

Tropical spas offer an authentic taste of local culture and it seems that men in particular benefit from going native on the spa menu. Experiencing a traditional local treatment not only gives a sense of place, but provides a true sense of authenticity to a memorable journey. This experiential element is potent for men, who it seems, are looking for more than the typical men’s massage, deep cleansing facial or gentleman’s manicure/pedicure. They seek one-of-a-kind experiences which capture the essence of the culture (and give them the chance to brag about it when they get home).

Todd Hewitt, head of spa, ShangriLa International explains, “Travelling throughout Asia is an excellent opportunity for men to try a new spa treatment outside their comfort zone. It is a great way to relax while experiencing the healing culture of Asia, which has been practised for hundreds of years.”

Male wellness travellers are now more discerning than ever and looking for a greater connection to the therapist, spa journey and themselves. They are also more likely to share their spa experiences if there’s a unique story to tell. Guys who have had a traditional hammam in Turkey or a Khmer massage in Cambodia are more likely to share this with friends and on social media. It combines storytelling with a touch of bragging and taps into the male psyche.