Do you go to the spa, sir?

In the age of the metro male, is it still strange for a man to go to the spa?

The Courier spoke to more than a dozen male residents of the Dolphin Coast. Many of the younger men admit they enjoy the pampering, however the majority prefer to be accompanied by their partners.

The old dogs were firmly against learning this new trick.

One of those seniors was a holidaymaker from Limpopo, Antonie Kloppers who said that he once joined his wife for a foot massage.

“It was the worst time of my life, I did not enjoy a minute of it and will never go there again,” said Kloppers.

David Lee said he will never ever go to a spa.

“If I need a body massage, my wife will do it, I do not see a need to be touched by some stranger.”

Bongani Mthethwa from Stanger agreed with Lee and said that only his partner was allowed to touch his body.

“I do not have a problem with other men going there, but it is a big no for me,” said Mthethwa.

Yet according to Mangwanani African Spa marketing and sales manager Andrew Pillinger, the number of men coming to their spa rises every year.

“They usually come with their partners for special occasions, and it is still very rare to find a man booking for himself,” said Pillinger.

However Zenju Day Spa manager Amy Dormehl said there are, in fact, many local men who enjoy the luxury of a spa.

“We usually have about 14 male customers over weekends and most of them come in for a full body massage,” said Dormehl.

Ballito Health and Beautique owner Prisilla Naidoo said she also gets in male clients, but only about one a week, and sometimes only one a month.

“They usually come with their partners for a pedicure, manicure or facial treatment,” said Naidoo.

Lance Step is one of the men who enjoys his monthly spa visit.

“I go there once or twice a month, usually for a back massage and it is very pleasant, I like it,” said Step.

Overall, more men are becoming aware of their health and looks and enjoy a spa treatment for relaxation.

Sportsmen specifically are aware of the benefits of a massage on overworked muscles, while a business executive knows how a neck-and-shoulder massage can release the stress of too many hours hunched over a computer.

So next time your better half books herself in for a mani and pedi, take the opportunity to join her for a relaxing massage or a cleansing facial.