It’s not paintball? Every bloke is partial to a bit of stag action but the thought of a male bonding session involving candles, oils and bathrobes rather than dirt, pain and bad backs, admittedly, made my manhood shrink a little. I’m a man of the times – but massage with the lads? It sounded dubious, to say the least.



Groups of guys migrate towards strip joints, bars, clubs, sports events and any outdoors activity not involving animals unless we’re shooting them. If there’s machinery available that we can all pretend to be experts with, then that’s a bonus.

We enjoy banter and adrenaline – even if it involves joysticks (steady on), a couch and games console. A relaxing night in usually involves a curry and a DVD – or, if we’re feeling really daring – a bath – minus the bubbles and ambient music our girlfriends insist are integral to the ‘mood’, whatever that exactly means.

Having said that, I’ll try most things once. And some time out with the boys is always a welcome break, even if it involves near-nudity and sweet smelling stuff…

Fistral Spa is actually in the base of The Bay Hotel, which meant that we could arm ourselves with some decent food in the company of great views before stripping down to the bare essentials. Whilst each of us was led off one-by-one like petrified sheep to slaughter (otherwise known as the treatment rooms), the others chilled out in the spa – a nice pool area that also features a Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

Sweating out the week’s stresses and strains, my muscles soon lost their ache as we skulked around, catching up on news. Before long, it was all becoming a bit deep and meaningful as we morphed our way into something out of a comic sketch: a group of young, (relatively) fit men in Speedos glistening wet in steamy, close quarters, discussing their feelings and doling out relationship advice to each other. Was refreshingly good fun, to be honest.

The spa offers a range of packages and treatments especially designed for men. From the Lifesaving Back Treatment to the Quiksilver Surfer’s Massage, they have something to suit every requirement – and thankfully, none of it involves make-up.

Lying prostrate on the massage couch in near darkness, you feel a bit vulnerable. The thought of a strange woman touching you is quite terrifying, not erotic, but within moments, you feel completely at ease as you instantly relax and your conscious switches off toward slumber.

The men’s purifying facial with scalp and shoulder massage does just that. I’ve never felt so cleansed and the products used seem to melt onto your skin, soothing any shaving rash or rough patches without discomfort. A steaming hot towel compress softens bristles, which apparently promotes drainage and assists with unblocking pores.

The acupressure face massage relieved tension and the mask was as purifying as promised. The session was rounded off with a deep shoulder and scalp massage, which really loosened the muscles – definitely to be recommended.

The aromatherapy body massage is equally as relaxing. Blended essential oils combined with massage really banishes stress. If that isn’t enough, it also aims to strengthen the nervous system and restore lost energy, which is a must for every man – especially if he’s about to get hitched. The overwhelming response of the day? This one really isn’t just for girls…

www.fistral-spa.co.uk



Words Hannah May

Copyright WED Magazine 2010