World Spe Review, Lakeside Peace And Luxury: Lake Austin Spa Resort And Lakehouse Spa

The Lake Austin Spa Resort and LakeHouse Spa are beautifully situated on 19 acres of rolling hillside property on the banks of Lake Austin, a reservoir of the Colorado River in the scenic Texas Hill Country. Located 31 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport, Lake Austin Spa Resort and LakeHouse Spa are also an easy drive from either Houston or San Antonio.

Peaceful grounds and beautifully maintained gardens set the mood for my relaxing and refreshing stay. Lake Austin Spa Resort and LakeHouse Spa unite a world-class spa with the comforts of a family-like vacation home setting. It is easy to see why the resort was voted the #1 Destination Spa in North America in Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Poll 2008. It was also named the Best Vacation Spa, Allure Magazine 2008.

A multi-million dollar renovation of the forty lakeside guest rooms was completed in January 2008. Sumptuous Egyptian cotton sheets and down comforters, slipcovered, upholstered, wing-back style headboards, cotton spa robes, artisan afghan throws and hand-made quilt wall hanging create a nurturing cocoon-like feel. The homeyguest rooms also boast high tech amenities: flat panel TV, complimentary high speed Internet access, DVD/CD player, AM/FM clock radio and ipod docking station, and remote controlled ceiling fan. The light-filled bathroom and generous closets, Kohler steeping/soaking tub, in-room safe, and refrigerator add additional comfort and convenience. Guests can borrow ipods or DVD's from the large collection at the desk during their stay. Turndown service includes a filled ice bucket next to an icy cold pitcher of water on the washstand.

Some Premier Rooms have private wildflower gardens or fireplaces, and the Lady Bird Suite (honoring Lady Bird Johnson) includes a sitting room, fireplace, private wildflower garden and hot tub.

Dining over the lake
The resort dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for overnight guests. The comfortable space has a wall of windows, framed by crisp linen curtains, and features a scenic view of Lake Austin. Service in the dining room is downright friendly. My dinner server, Stephanie, welcomed me warmly each evening as if I were her own guest and watchfully attended to my gluten-free dietary restriction. The kitchen was able to modify many dishes to fit my needs, and all meals were delicious and beautifully presented in addition to being healthy, low-calorie, and low-fat.

The cuisine, created by executive chef Terry Conlan, has Mexican, Mediterranean and Asian influences and showcases local ingredients. Many of the fresh vegetables and herbs served are harvested from the resort's own organic gardens.

My favorite menu selections were the golden fruit gazpacho with peach and mango the three-bean salad (French green beans, yellow wax beans and edamame) with Creole mustard and raspberry vinegrette) and a beef filet rubbed with Cajun spices served with baby patapan squash and carrots surrounding a pyramid of brown rice.

In mild weather, guest may choose to dine on the Arbor Terrace and enjoy live music on weekend evenings and a room service menu is available all day.

All LakeHouse Spa day packages include lunch at the Aster Café. For day spa guest receiving a la carte treatments, lunch can be purchased separately. I sampled the excellent watermelon gazpacho, pecan crusted chicken breast and black bean chalupas, but restrained myself from sampling the daily selections of frozen yogurt other guests raved about.

Popular "Sumptuous Sunday Suppers," seven-course food and wine pairings from Executive Chef Terry Conlan served in the Aster Café, are offered at no additional charge to three-night (or longer) resort guests. Seating is limited.

The fitness center offers a full range of cardiovascular machines overlooking scenic Lake Austin, along with circuit and freeweight equipment, plus a private studio equipped with a Pilates reformer. A well-appointed exercise studio and yoga deck over the lake host classes, and may also be used by resort guests when unscheduled.

On a typical day guests may choose from over 20 fitness classes and activities such as Pilates, Yoga, Nia, Tai Chi, Spinning, Salsa Dance, meditation and healthy cooking classes, arts and crafts activities, and Discovery Programs. The resort's location provides opportunities for special outdoor activities such as hydro-biking, kayaking, sculling, canoe outings, Hill Country hikes and boat cruises. A number of personal instruction opportunities are also available for guests wishing assistance in nutrition counseling, weight management, stress management, smoking cessation, or customizing a fitness program.

Adventures for the mind and spirit
At Lake Austin you feel encouraged to try new things and gain a new perspective in a safe, comfortable environment.The week of my visit, one of the resort's featured Discovery Programs was a series of classes in Comedy Improvisation led by New York comedy artist Jacqueline Kabat. I made a point to attend "How to Use Humor to Decrease Stress" since comedy improvisation is something I had never tried.

The other Discovery Program I attended was a garden tour led by director of flora and fauna, Trisha Shirey. We assembled for the tour in the Garden Library, a comfortable glass walled room with views of the gardens, a stone hearth and comfy seating. I learned a great deal about organic gardening in Texas during the hour-long tour. Trisha encouraged us to borrow cutting shears from the Guest Services desk to take cuttings of flowers and herbs to enjoy in our rooms or to or take home with us and, also, to collect seed pods for planting at home. I look forward to seeing low-growing variegated pepper plants in my garden next year from the seeds I collected.

Other special events at Lake Austin Spa Resort include the annual October "Gathering of Wise Women" began in 1993 to encourage women to become proactive in their own health care. This now expanded month-long series, features "wise women" guest speakers on a variety of topics and is sure to inspire.

Special events for the holidays this year include holiday craft classes; wine, cheese & chocolate tastings; cooking demonstrations; live music; party planning seminars; baking sessions; fireside storytelling; boat cruises and stargazing.

The monthly Culinary Experience at Lake Austin Spa Resort provides guests with interactive cooking school experience with guest chefs and cookbook authors. Upcoming Special Guest Chefs include John Ash (December 15, 2008) and Tre Wilcox (January 12, 2009).

Guests could feel overwhelmed with all these options, but when you call to book your stay, you will be guided to the selection of activities and treatments to create your most meaningful personal spa experience.

The 25,000 square-foot LakeHouse Spa on a gently rising hill above the resort was completed in 2004. Separate men's and women's locker rooms include whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms, with attached outdoor longing areas.

Each public area of the spa is elegantly appointed with antique furniture, art, textiles, and commissioned art pieces —many personally chosen by co-owner Michael W. McAdams. The incredible attention to every décor detail significantly contributes to the relaxing "make-yourself-at-home" atmosphere.

The spa offers two swimming options: the Outdoor Palm Pool with hot tub and cabanas and a indoor Junior Olympic length lap pool located in the Pool Barn. I enjoyed a lengthy afternoon solo swim in the Pool Barn, soothed by the rhythmic sound of my own swimming and by the gentle breezes wafting through the large open doorways.

There are a variety of treatment environments to choose from. Indoor treatment rooms feature a five-channel sound system including nature and world music options, and a private shower. Other options include an indoor treatment suite for two, outdoor treatment cabanas, a screened treatment porch with a treehouse feel and scenic views to accommodate larger groups, and the fabulous Bamboo Suite featuring a private in-ground hot tub with waterfall, lush gardens and seating area, an outdoor treatment tent for two, and private outdoor shower. The Bamboo Suite can accommodate up to six guests.

Spa Director Chris Niederschulte ensures a world-class experience for each guest and ably manages the schedules of 80 highly qualified therapists who present over 100 treatment options. In addition to massages ($140-$270), body treatments ($150-315) and facials ($90-$170), there are special men's and teen's menus, and an exotic East Asian Therapies menu including a Manaka Tapping Treatment (50 minutes, $155), Taiji Moxa (50 minutes, $160), Cupping (25 minutes, $90), and Japanese Hari (50 minutes, $150).

Lynne Vertrees, Director of Treatment Development, is responsible for the extensive menu of treatment offerings emphasizing natural, holistic treatments. Many feature essential oils from the resort's herb garden. A recent menu addition, the "Breathe Easy Facial," (50 minutes, $170) a clearing and cleansing facial for skin and sinuses, utilizes the natural anti-bacterial powers of eucalyptus, tea tree, and pine to clear sinuses and restore healthy breathing while rose absolute and geranium replenish dry skin.

The Iris Salon offers a full complement of hair, nail, and makeup services, and features a private nail station area, perfect for a bride-to-be or a mother/daughter bonding experience.

The Spa Boutique offers Lake Austin Spa Resort Signature relaxing Lavender or energizing Grapefruit bath and body products (I am now addicted to the Lavender Body Lotion).

Just before bedtime on the night of my arrival, after a hectic day of travel, I received the "Texas Starry Night" treatment (50 minutes, $160), a gentle lavender oil application, massage and body wrap. After the treatment, I practically floated down the serpentine path to my room, scented with aromatic plants and lulled by the overlapping sounds of fountains and waterfalls. I slept very deeply and woke refreshed. (50 minutes, $160. 80 minutes, $210.)

The following night I enjoyed the signature treatment "Gifts of Our Garden," (100 minutes, $315) in the Bamboo Treatment SuiteBefore my treatment, I was served a delicious fruit platter in the suite's dining area to hydrate my body. My therapist, Pamela, assisted me in choosing and picking fresh therapeutic herbs from the Healing Gardens (I chose rosemary and lemon mint for their cleansing qualities) to combine with the exfoliant scrub containing shea butter, sea salts, essential oils and massage oils, customizing my treatment. Following the scrub and an invigorating outdoor shower, I received a full body massage and wonderful body wrap with aromatic herbal eye pillow. After the treatment I was served a replenishing fresh herbal elixir in the dining area of the Bamboo Suite. "Gifts of Our Garden" was a thoroughly nurturing experience.

I also treated myself to a Personal Best Facial from Susan ($150, 50 minutes) which cleared a summer's worth of sunscreen residue from my pores, leaving my complexion bright and soft.

Lake Austin Spa Resort offers a variety of three- to seven-night vacation packages beginning at $1,555 double occupancy for a three-night spa package. Packages include accommodations, three gourmet meals daily, unlimited indoor and outdoor fitness activities and classes, unlimited discovery classes, gratuities, a spa treatment allowance, and unlimited facility use.

Girlfriend getaways, small corporate retreats and family group bonding experiences are popular at Lake Austin Resort, and groups of six or more enjoy special pricing of up to 40% off for an overnight stay.

Day spa packages (from $365 for LakeHouse Half Day Away to $1,155 for the "Over the Top for Two" Signature Treatment) include spa treatment(s), use of wet areas including 2 pools, hot tub, sauna and steam room, gourmet spa lunch at the Aster Café, gratuities, and a complimentary spa gift.

The "Over the Top for Two" Signature Treatment begins and ends with relaxation time in the outdoor Bamboo Room, complete with private hot tub, open air shower and outdoor treatment cabana for two. Treatments include Skin Quencher Aloe Body Wraps, 80-minute Ultimate Swedish Massages and 25-minute Best Foot Forward Massages using essential oils. Includes lunch at the Aster Café, a spa gift for two and gratuities. $1155.

The "Austin Experience" Signature Treatment features specialties of the Texas Hill Country: a Rosemary Sea Salt Scrub, a LakeHouse River Rock Pedicure, and a 50-minute massage. A CD of great Austin music, gourmet spa lunch, gratuities and a spa gift round out the package. $455.

Other signature treatment day spa packages include: Half and Full Day Away, Mother-To-Be Day Away, Mother-Daughter Delight (for guests 14 and up), The Bridal Essential, and The Well-Groomed Groom.

The owners and staff have grown with the resort and form a dedicated, connected network to support the resort and spa. Lynne Vertrees, director of treatment development, summed it up, "You see, we're family here…" Perhaps that's why guests at the Lake Austin Resort and LakeHouse Spa feel at home and often return. Some never want to leave!"

1705 South Quinlan Park Road
Austin, Texas 78732

For Lake Austin Resort packages:
(800) 847-5637 (U.S.)
(512) 372-7300 (Local)
(800) 338-6651 (Canada)

For Spa appointments: (512) 372-7380 or (800) 847-5637, option 2
For LakeHouse Spa Boutique at (512) 372-7270
www.lakeaustin.com

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com

World Spa, Pola Kirei: A Man Experiences Super Facials in Beverly Hill

Though I'm a believer in the benefits of massage therapy, I haven't had many facials, even though I live in Los Angeles, where the smog that causes sunsets in unnatural colors isn't doing my skin any good. So when I received the gift of a facial at the new Pola Kirei salon in Beverly Hills, I looked forward to some serious skin therapy.

Though new to the United States (the salon opened in September 2006), the Pola Kirei system represents 76 years of experience in Japan and around the world. The name means "beauty" in Japanese, a description that applies to the salon, which is clean and sleek in white and chrome, with lots of light from the windows and the recessed lighting.

The staff is clinical but friendly, without the condescension or attitude a casually dressed guy may encounter in so many chic Beverly Hills shops. That may be due to the Japanese concept of Omotenashi or hospitality, which is part of the staff training at Pola Kirei. I saw the concept at work in the way the counselors or advisors interact with clients, and in the tone of voice and the use of touch my therapist, Andrea Pugatch, used with me.

She lost no time making me comfortable and letting me know that my Kirei Signature facial ($135) was going to be a really good experience. First came my skin analysis, which was comprehensive and impressive. We discussed my lifestyle and the environmental issues that affect my skin; I also chose mint from among the four aromatherapy options.

Then, using a large, sophisticated instrument that reminded me a bit of a dentist's x-ray machine (but without the stress) Andrea took extreme close-up pictures of my skin, which showed just how insufficient my cleansing routine was.

Next came the ID-skin System analysis, to determine the sensitivity, quality and condition of the skin cells. This was done by gently lifting the skin's surface using a non-invasive method called stratum checking; the sample was processed through a database that contains more than eight million skin types and conditions. The analysis would tell me about my skin's texture, type, water retaining ability, protection ability, sensitivity, wrinkle progression, pore size, inclination to oiliness and melanin content. I learned that my skin score was a mere 35 (out of a possible 100).

I also learned, among other things, that my skin texture was less than ideal - that was bad news - but that its ability to retain moisture was good, the good news. There was much more, of course, and when the facial was over, I was able to take home a virtual blueprint of my skin, showing both strengths and weaknesses.

Based on the analysis, Andrea customized my facial, which started with a thorough cleansing with steam. I expected the pinching sensation of an extractor. It didn't happen. What I experienced instead was a gentle yet dynamic sensation of a moist vacuum cleaner; it felt like getting thoroughly sniffed by a big, friendly dog. Next came a great facial massage with a soothing cream that carried through to my neck and shoulders and hands. Andrea explained that the pressure points she applied, the massage intensity and the rhythmic flow were being done according to my personal skin analysis. My facial was finished off with a refreshing moisturizing mask.

Later, Andrea gave me a home skin care recipe that was simple enough so that I'd actually use it and some product samples for cleansing and moisturizing that lasted more than a week. I can honestly say that I've never experienced such a complete and enjoyable treatment anywhere

by Arthur Africano -- Beverly Hills, CA

Polo Kirei, www.polokirei.com, 9661 Brighton Way Beverly Hill, CA, 310-247-0063

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com

World Spa, : Billy Yamaguchi: Feng Shui Beauty

During a stay at La Costa several years ago, I visited the Billy Yamaguchi salon and had a superb haircut and perfect color with one of the senior designers. So when I planned another trip to California, I made an appointment with the master himself, at his salon at the Four Seasons Westlake Village.

Billy Yamaguchi was the first to integrate the ancient philosophies of feng shui into modern hairdressing techniques, and he has been using these techniques for more than a dozen years to create customized hair styles for legions of men and women, including A-List celebrities. (The day I was at his Westlake Village salon, Billy's clients included a former Miss Hawaii and Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who has claimed that he was always lucky following a Yamaguchi haircut.)

The salon at Westlake is as inviting as a luxury spa: Set amid landscaped gardens, it's an Asian fusion delight in natural wood and clean shades of red and ginger, honey and butter yellow.

Unlike other celebrity establishments, there is no Îattitude' at Yamaguchi. The welcome was warm as I was shown to the consultation room, an attractive space with tall mirrors, comfortable chairs and a sparkling crystal chandelier. The semi-private room felt personal, as did Billy's greeting when he joined me a few minutes later÷and actually thanked me for coming to the salon. Though he must do feng shui consultations dozens of times each month, he makes each one personal. He is polished, professional, unfailingly courteous, even courtly and thoroughly genuine. When I mention how pleasant the atmosphere is in this salon and in the one at La Costa, he smiles and says: "We hire nice people."

"... I had learned that words and colors are associated with the five basic elements and that the goal of Feng Shui Beauty is to balance them and achieve harmony."
yamaguchi-2
uring a stay at La Costa several years ago, I visited the Billy Yamaguchi salon and had a superb haircut and perfect color with one of the senior designers. So when I planned another trip to California, I made an appointment with the master himself, at his salon at the Four Seasons Westlake Village.

Billy Yamaguchi was the first to integrate the ancient philosophies of feng shui into modern hairdressing techniques, and he has been using these techniques for more than a dozen years to create customized hair styles for legions of men and women, including A-List celebrities. (The day I was at his Westlake Village salon, Billy's clients included a former Miss Hawaii and Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who has claimed that he was always lucky following a Yamaguchi haircut.)

The salon at Westlake is as inviting as a luxury spa: Set amid landscaped gardens, it's an Asian fusion delight in natural wood and clean shades of red and ginger, honey and butter yellow.

Unlike other celebrity establishments, there is no Îattitude' at Yamaguchi. The welcome was warm as I was shown to the consultation room, an attractive space with tall mirrors, comfortable chairs and a sparkling crystal chandelier. The semi-private room felt personal, as did Billy's greeting when he joined me a few minutes later÷and actually thanked me for coming to the salon. Though he must do feng shui consultations dozens of times each month, he makes each one personal. He is polished, professional, unfailingly courteous, even courtly and thoroughly genuine. When I mention how pleasant the atmosphere is in this salon and in the one at La Costa, he smiles and says: "We hire nice people."

I knew that feng shui, meaning wind and water, and has been used in Chinese culture for thousands of years to observe the relationship among the forces of nature. According to feng shui, everything in world belongs to one of five elements or energies; fire, earth, metal, water and wood. By looking through Billy's book, ÎBilly Yamaguchi Feng Shui Beauty: Bringing The Ancient Principles of Balance and Harmony to Your Hair, Makeup and Personal Style', I had learned that words and colors are associated with the five basic elements and that the goal of Feng Shui Beauty is to balance them and achieve harmony. The client's skin tone, face shape and lifestyle are considered, and then the best cut and color are chosen. What was especially appealing about the book was that all the models were actual Yamaguchi clients rather than professionals, so it was easy to identify with them.

My consultation was straightforward: Billy asked me questions about which adjectives I would use to describe myself÷and which colors best represented me. We determined that I was earth and that fire harmonized with my earth. After giving me some personal advice on replenishing myself, Billy talked about the concept of Feng Shui Beauty÷and about how, when he traveled the country, he often needed to explain that it was not a religion, not magic and not an advertising gimmick. "When I'm in the Midwest," he said, "I sometimes compare it to The Farmers Almanac and say that it is simply about studying energy."

As I had explained that I spent little time on my hair, we agreed that I needed a haircut that suited my casual lifestyle, one that would look good without help from the blow dryer. Billy said that given the shape of my face÷square--he'd like to see my hair a bit longer, maybe another couple of months' growth. And he advised against the bangs I was wearing because I had a small forehead. My color, a kind of dark blonde or light brown, was too light, he said; and as I have what he described as "milky" skin and wear little or no makeup, I was looking almost monochromatic. Together we looked at the Schwarzkopf color book and agreed on a rich brown with subtle hints of gold.

To my great surprise, Billy applied the color himself÷and later, while my color was setting, I saw him wash out a young client, asking her what courses she was taking in college and sharing stories of his own childhood. This wasn't what I'd seen or experienced in other celebrity salons, but later Billy told me that he genuinely enjoys interacting with people. No doubt that was why the time spent on my haircut passed so pleasantly. And when it was finished, I loved the way I looked. Not so radically different than I had before that I didn't recognize myself. It was simply me. But a better me.

A haircut at the Westlake Village salon is $260 with Billy, $125 with a senior designer. Color starts at $135. The salon carries a full line of hair and beauty products that use only pure essential oils, herbs and natural ingredients.

In addition to the salon at Four Seasons Westlake Village, there are Yamaguchi salons at other California locations: at La Costa, in Ventura, at La Quinta, the Hotel Del Coronado and at Rancho Las Palmas, Hotel in Rancho Mirage. For more information on Billy and his salons, visit:
www.yamaguchibeauty.com.

by Lillian Africano -- Westlake Village

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com

Rescue Me: The Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village

At the end of a long hard week at work, I really needed some relief from stress and fatigue. I found it at The Spa at the Four Seasons Westlake Village.

Though the resort, which opened late in 2006, is only about a 40-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles, it's a different world. The scenery along the way changes dramatically, with mountains clearly outlined in the distance and a sky that seems clearer and brighter. I drove into a nine-acre oasis of landscaped gardens, ready to unwind.

The 40,000-square-foot spa is opulent, with 28 treatment rooms, private gardens, and a Mediterranean-style indoor pool with calming views of the gardens. Even the fitness center is a relaxing place, with garden and waterfall views. Outside there is a heated pool and ten poolside cabanas.

I arrived early for my Men's Rescue Facial (50 minutes, $150) so I could enjoy all that the spa has to offer. The locker room was much more upscale than I'd experienced in any health club or gym, with a lot of good products - including Pinaud's talc for after-treatment grooming. I was presented with a nice robe and slippers, and a large fluffy towel: The attendant took my shoes for a shine. After a quick shower, I headed for the steam room, which was really spacious - about the size of my living room. The steam was powerful, just the way I like it. Within 45 seconds of pressing the button, I couldn't see a thing. The sauna was almost as big and the Jacuzzi was the size of a small swimming pool. I sampled them all.

The description of my facial in the spa menu promised "50 minutes of pure bliss and relaxation." After I chose the music I wanted - classical - my esthetician Sheena kept that promise. She gave me a treatment on a massage table that included pressure-point modeling massage on my face, neck, upper back and scalp. She used essential oils - a blend of black pepper and oliban - that enriched and enhanced the experienced.

The facial began with a thorough cleansing, followed by a gentle enzyme exfoliation which was not at all abrasive, even though I had shaved earlier to give my skin the full benefit of the products. Also gentle was the steam that warmed my skin and opened my pores. While cool cucumbers soothed my eyes, Sheena did the extractions: I don't enjoy this process, but I like to have it done. Sheena then massaged my face, hitting the pressure points, which is similar to what my acupuncturist does with needles.

Next, she applied the energizing mask of Vitamin C and Ginseng and placed moist cotton pads on my eyes. While the mask firmed up, Sheena massaged my hands and arms using a light moisturizer. At this point I was very relaxed. I was startled when she put my hands into warm paraffin mitts÷I'd never experienced a paraffin hand treatment÷but then the warmth felt very good.

After the mask came off, a warm towel compress was applied to my face. Sheena massaged my back, neck and chest, pressing on my chest. She removed the paraffin mitts. Then came the products, all by Sothys (except for the mask), a de-stressing eye contour care on my lids, hydrating active care on my face, and sun protection to finish.

This was much more than a simple facial; it was almost a full body experience. I moved on to the relaxation area, which had a skylight as well as some well-designed architectural light, glass textured walls, waterfalls and orchids. The women's area on the other side had the same elements. Between the two sections was a Japanese-style bridge over water÷a kind of buffer zone where couples could meet.

After a refreshing drink of lemon-mint water (there was also bottled water), I stretched out on a wide daybed and vegged out until it was time to leave.

For information on The Spa at Four Seasons Westlake Village, visit:
www.fourseasons.com/westlakevillage or call 818-575-3000.
by Arthur Africano -- Westlake Village

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com

Spa Tips for Men

A few years back you would rarely, if ever, hear a man say: "I'm busy this afternoon—I have an appointment for a facial." But times have changed and a great number of men are now enjoying the pleasures of a spa experience. Historically, men have been coaxed to a spa with their partner or spouse (often with a gift certificate), but once they've been introduced to the spa experience, they tend to return voluntarily.

According to Allure, one out of every three spa visitors is a man, and the numbers are increasing rapidly.

Enrique Ramirez, Spa Director at face to face nyc day spa, located in New York City's Flatiron district, says that 85% of its patrons are men. But men don't always understand spa etiquette, which can lead to embarrassment and discomfort for them and those around them. Here are ten tips from face to face nyc day spa on what men need to know before they go to the spa:

1. Shave before a facial.
Although not a major requirement, it does make a difference to your facialist. A smooth beard area gives the opportunity to treat any signs of razor burn, ingrown hairs, or neck irritation caused by use of an old razor. Otherwise, these concerns will go unnoticed.

2. Arrive 10 minutes early before your appointment.
This will allow you a stress-free check-in. Many spas require an intake form to be filled out before your scheduled treatment. It also gives you time to change, freshen up or decompress.

3. Underwear is a choice.
If you're shy, you can choose to either keep on your tighty whities or go commando during a massage or body treatment. Whatever you choose, it will be fine with your professional spa technician. No need to explain.

4. Shower before a massage.
Make a point to arrive early so you can hit the shower; a squeaky clean scent will make your masseur want to rub instead of run!

5. Tip your spa technician.
Show appreciation to your spa technician with a 15-20% tip. Your spa technician will remember and will take extra special care of your face next time you're in the spa.

6. Turn off cell phones and mobile hand-held devices.
Spas create a soothing, relaxing and mellow environment to help you ease stressed nerves or tension; this can be ruined by the piercing sound of a mobile phone. Show that you're a guy with good manners and shut them off.

7. Don't put on body lotion before waxing.
It will make your back waxing less painful and easier to remove the strip wax. Also, it's very important that you inform the technician if you are using Retin-A or Accutane, as this will avoid having your skin removed along with your hair.

8. Keep voices down when entering the spa.
Calm and reflective tones are welcomed. You're not at a ball game.

9. Be open with your spa technician.
Inform your technician of any body, mental or skin ‘imbalances' such as allergies; medications that may affect your skin; torn ligaments, claustrophobia, etc. Your spa technician will then customize your massage, facial or nail treatment.

10. Don't work out after a spa treatment.
You've just paid all that money to relax your muscles. Why would you want to then go and tense them up again?

"With 85% of his clients male, Enrique Ramirez, Spa Director at face to face nyc day spa, shares tips for men with Lillian Africano."

by Lillian Africano -- New York City

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com/spareviews/