Why do so many women love spas? With seemingly more and more women taking spa days as part of their lifestyle, is this just something for them or can the males out there find a hidden gem in the experience?

Sadly, part of why spas are popular is that it is mainly women that use them. Being in a male-light environment makes a welcome change from being stared at in the gym, which usually places a focus on masculinity, muscles and sweat. Although it’s an added bonus for the males that you can exercise in a free weights area that doesn’t reek of other people’s sweat.

Although it’s fair to say that the majority of treatments available wouldn’t be initially aimed at the male market, there are a number of massage options that you shouldn’t feel ashamed about trying out. Therapists are usually competent in a number of styles including sports massage, which goes deep into the tissues and is anything but girly. If that sounds too scary, there are more relaxing versions that focus on the head and neck to soothe pain and de-stress, which is no bad thing either. If you want to try out any manicures or pedicures, then many spas now offer a special grooming service for men, recognising how hopeless most generally are at taking care of things like nails. As well as being gifts for women, manicures might also be an idea if you have an important meeting where you need to make a good impression.

For couples, spa breaks are a great way to have a bit of a break without the cost and time issues of having to book a complete holiday somewhere. Spas recognise this and often have special packages for two that will include male-friendly treatment options so you are not left reading a magazine whilst she has all the fun. Meet up after the treatments for a nice meal or a trip out, and it’s the perfect way to have a lovely day.

A great present for couples, especially with all the hassle of Christmas shopping, is having a quick pit stop at a health spa. Instead of leaving this to the girls, why not take the opportunity to spend some quality time together instead? Once the present list is finished, take a breather from the crowded streets and take a few hours to fully recharge your batteries.

Although womens are the usual type of customer at spas, couples are now an increasing market and there are more specialised packages that cater for two people to have treatments either together, or at least to co-incide so that you can make it part of a pamper-filled day together. For women, there’s a huge range of options available, and it’s a fair bet that there will be something on offer that you will not have tried. For those without limitless time or budgets, even a simple short break can be a welcome relief with just a facial or manicure. Gents too, shouldn’t overlook the therapeutic benefits of cleansing the daily grime from their pores or tidying up tire or distressed-looking nails.

Perhaps the most popular way for couples to relax is massage. Once again, there are all sorts of different types that are popular with ladies, but men may find a bit too girly for their tastes. However there’s a number of massages that are suitable for men, from the relaxing head and neck techniques to full on sports massage that will find and remove muscle knots in deep tissue – not for the squeamish. Treatments can be co-ordinated on a timed basis so again, you can each finish your chosen treatment and be together again to enjoy the rest of your day feeling relaxed, clam and truly pampered in style.

There are a bewildering range of cosmetic products on offer this Christmas. The blizzard of marketing gives no help or clue to the poor unsuspecting male what is the best choice to make for a wife or girlfriend. The cosmetic industry is enormous, so if you are buying beauty gifts for someone special, where is the best place to start?

One of the best options is to book for a treatment at a health spa for a quick treatment like a manicure, massage or skin treatment. Your partner will get the benefit of dedicated attention from a qualified beauty therapist, not to mention the enjoyment of a complete pampering with quality products used at the spa. So it doesn’t matter if you know nothing about cosmetic treatments – leave it all to the professionals.

If you can’t decide on a time and date right there, think about buying vouchers instead from the spa you have selected. These have the convenience of being used whenever she has time free, and gives your partner the chance to co-ordinate with a shopping trip, or a day out with her friends if she likes. Many spas have special packages lasting for the whole day, and if you cannot afford one of these, a set of spa vouchers make a good way of getting a treatment that she would not ordinarily try because of cost.

You aren’t constrained to just buying treatments. Many spas either have an affiliation with a cosmetic range, or produce their own signature brand of high quality beauty products. A selection of these will make ideal Christmas gifts either as part of a trip to the spa itself, or just offering the chance to pamper at home. Exclusive beauty products such as this stand out ahead of many of the cheaper cosmetics that are available in deals at the shops this Christmas, showing that you are spending that extra bit of time and care in choosing a good present. Again, for those that have no idea what’s the best to choose, the spa will normally be able to recommend a good selection for your chosen budget.