Manly musings: city spas for quick fixes

Whether they admit it or not, a lot of men love getting buffed and coiffed from time to time. A quick, close shave before a big meeting, a haircut prior to a date or even a rejuvenating massage to recharge before an all-action weekend - quick fixes have become a must for the menfolk. And the city is catering to their needs.

Director of Bliss Spa at Hotel W, Sheryl Wan, says the market for men's grooming services is rapidly expanding. "The demand for men's grooming services has increased during the past couple of years. In fact, some men spend more than females on treatments and products."

Elaine Alipio, spa manager at Four Seasons Spa, reckons men tend to be more vain. "They are often looking for quick fixes. However, they just don't deem as many events 'special' as women do, so see a lesser need for a pre-occasion prepping."

Here are a few indulgent services that are surely worth your while.

The Spa at Four Seasons
One of the city's most coveted urban retreats, the Spa at Four Seasons has an ideal answer for time-challenged male clientele - a snappy one-hour grooming session: Metro Groom (HK$2,300 weekdays and HK$2,450 weekends). While having its new Organic Pharmacy Facial (all treatments at the spa are unisex and tailored to individual needs), you are treated to a swift sports manicure/pedicure for 60 minutes by two therapists. Those looking for a luxurious pampering after a long-haul flight or before a big meeting, the two-hour Traditional Moroccan Hamam (HK$2,200 weekdays, HK$2,500 weekends) claims to be the answer. This invigorating experience includes a full-body exfoliation on a heated marble table, a detoxifying salt scrub, a Moroccan clay body mask, face exfoliation and cleansing as well as a head massage. Relaxing in the warm steam of the hamam and a full-body massage concludes the ritual.
The Spa at Four Seasons, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong, T: 3196 8900. fourseasons.com/hongkong/spa

Gentlemen's tonic
At this male-only grooming salon in The Landmark, the treatments are as simple and unfussy as the décor. "Haircuts, wet shaves and manicures are on the top of every man's list of 'last-minute' rituals," says spa manager Sarah Chung. To address these needs, Gentlemen's Tonic has a 165-minute package called the Rubio (HK$2,100), which includes haircut and finish, wet shave, express facial, hand treatment and Swedish massage.

Its two-hour hangover cure package, aptly titled the Hemingway (HK$1,800), features an aromatherapy massage and facial, along with a stiff Bloody Mary to soothe away the previous night's after-effects.

The salon's signature Traveller Massage (HK$1,275) is ideal for post-flight revival. It's a 90-minute head-to-toe treatment, which combines Swedish, and deep-tissue massage techniques, along with hot stones as well as an express facial. "Any guy who acknowledges that his appearance matters, chooses quick-fix treatments before important meetings, interviews, dates and weddings. We often get grooms and their fathers, and best men booked in on the mornings of the wedding," Chung says.
Gentlemen's Tonic, Hong Kong, The Landmark, B47-B48, 15 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, t: 2525 2455. gentlemenstonic.com