The Travel Hop's guide to Melbourne's best day spas for men
Whether you’re feeling battered and bruised with muscles that are just crying out for some TLC, or have sallow skin that’s in dire need of a pampering pick-me-up; in Melbourne there’s a spa solution for you.
Be it for only an hour - or a full day - in the Victorian capital, there’s a spa catering to every need and whim. From complexion quick fixes, and fabulous facials, to indulgent overnighters and more-ish massages, read on for 6 of the city’s best. Go on, you deserve it.
The men's hydrotherapy vitality pool in the Crown Spa, Melbourne
Set in one of the capital’s grandest buildings, within one of the city’s biggest entertainment complexes, Southbank’s Crown Towers oozes exclusivity - this is the home of the local outlets of Nobu and Rockpool, after all. But perhaps the jewel in Crown’s complex is its Crown Spa - a venue where opulence and luxury meet.
An extensive spa menu of signature therapies range from specific anti-ageing facials (using products by La Prarie, naturally), through to massage therapies and everything in-between. A winner for men in particular is the 90-minute therapeutic massage - a firm, yet relaxing treatment designed to invigorate and energise both the body and mind, utilising a combination of techniques, to expertly unknot knots and stretch sore muscles. Toxins will be banished and stresses released. Plus, every treatment over one hour is complemented with inclusive time in the Aqua Retreat - wet facilities that come with serious ‘wow’ factor and are worthy of a visit to Crown Spa alone. Think experience showers, steam room, and amazing hydrotherapy vitality pool.
Afterwards, don your fluffy, white bathrobe and head to the relaxation lounge where you can snooze or slip into a state of serenity, before you finally get dressed and emerge back into the real world glowing from head to toe.
The Langham hotel’s Chuan Spa is a male grooming Mecca
Is your face looking more Elephant Man than Superman after a few too many late nights? If so, rest easy. There’s hope in sight thanks to the wonder therapists at the Langham hotel’s Chuan Spa.
The massage menu in this contemporary day spa nods to traditional Chinese techniques, in particular the Chuan ‘balancing massage’, which eases tight muscles and knotted backs via a combination of dry and oil-based massage techniques, alongside a sequence of Traditional Chinese Medicine (or ‘TCM’ for shore) acupressure points. But back to the afore mentioned facial fix. For men needing to perk up their peepers and to rehydrate stressed out skin, there’s a raft of targeted treatments. Consider the ‘ultimate glow’ - an ‘hour of power’ for the busy businessman that transforms lacklustre complexions thanks to an AHA peel and a dose of Vitamin C. Or, go for the ‘collagen boost facial’, which is regarded as the hero treatment on the spa’s menu and promises to counteract loss of elasticity and wrinkles, resulting in smooth, youthful-looking skin.
Add to the above, a setting in the heart of the city by the Yarra, and inclusive use of the bathing facilities - including a sauna, steam room, and stunning saltwater pool with outdoor deck and views over the surrounding cityscape - and even the most picky of punters are guaranteed to leave satisfied.
Botanica Day Spa in InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto offers a great range of treatments
Located steps away from the busy Collins Street in Melbourne’s city centre in the InterContinental Melbourne the Rialto, Botanica Day Spa is where frazzled white collar city slickers can get away from it all. A retreat in the heart of the hustle and bustle, here you can be coddled, cocooned, wrapped steamed and scrubbed to your heart’s content.
Its impressive spa menu offers bespoke treatments for both men and women, but for an all-rounder, you can’t go past the ‘recovering traveller’. Lasting 75-minutes, the ritual begins with a soothing aromatherapy de-stress foot massage followed by a rejuvenating back, neck and shoulder massage and end with an Elemis touch skin solution facial. And if you want to really push the boat out, opt for the signature ‘royal botanical’ journey, which comes with 270-minutes of indulgence, including a dry body exfoliation, nourishing body wrap, full body massage, personalised Elemis facial customised (followed by an exotic frangipani scalp massage), soothing aromatherapy foot treatment, delicious spa lunch, and glass of chilled bubbly to finish. The $600 price tag may be on the steep side, but you’ll emerge floating on cloud nine.
Australia's ‘top medi-spa’ Australian Skin Clinics in Melbourne
Like developing an appreciation for fine wine and classic radio, wrinkles and fine lines is an inevitability of getting older. But you don’t have to resign yourself to a furrowed brow and crows feet. Nope, for when a regular facial won’t cut it there is an easy solution: ‘bloketox.’
While women may have been at the forefront of this anti-ageing revolution, today, the number of men opting for regular jabs has risen dramatically. In fact, research from some clinics suggests that as many as one in three patients these days are are male. Male celebrities - who might have previously been coy about any ‘help’ - are now openly admitting to getting a needle fix, too. So, if you’re looking to recapture some of your youthful glow, then Australian Skin Clinics should be on your speed-dial.
Hailed as the ‘top medi-spa’ by Vogue for two years running, the chain of clinics - in particular its CBD outlet in high-end department store, Emporium - are nationwide leaders in cosmetic injectable treatments. Performed by a skilled team of doctors and registered nurses, their 25 years of experience mean that you and your skin are in great hands. Natural-looking reduction in fine lines and wrinkles aside, the clinic also offers a range of other results-driven treatments, including microdermabrasion, micro-needling, laser for veins, and skin tightening. After a few sessions here you’ll be able to look in the mirror and bask in your newly taught, line-free, youthful-looking skin.
A luxury hotel with a premium day spa attached? Meet Melbourne's Lancemore Mansion
Wonder where Melbourne’s male elite go for some pampering and an overnight dose of R&R? One of the city’s most exclusive day spas lies a mere 30-minutes from the CBD hustle and bustle, though it might as well be a world away.
Set in an 1870s heritage-listed Werribee Mansion, and surrounded by 10 acres of formal English gardens, the Lancemore Mansion Hotel is a literal oasis. The day spa alone offers therapeutic, deep tissue, detox, remedial, and hot stone massage options, through to a range of signature treatments, including the rose-infused ‘Mansion signature massage’. For men, there’s a specially curated menu with tailored treatments such as the ‘men’s only massage’ and ‘skin fit men’s facial.’
A luxury hotel with a premium day spa attached? Meet Melbourne's Lancemore Mansion
Post-treatment, chill out by the (complementary access) heated indoor pool; take advantage of the sauna and gym; or book in for a traditional hammam, or a private spa bath, which allows you (and your belle or beau) to soak away your stresses in your own private tub that’s built for two.
You can stay for the day or treat yourself to an overnighter by splurging on one of the luxurious suites. Ranked in Tripadvisor’s ‘top 25 hotels in Australia’, the multi-award-winning boutique hotel has 91 guest rooms and there’s a slick onsite restaurant too for when you’re feeling peckish. Serving seasonal, artisan produce, Joseph’s Restaurant & Bar also has a cellar packed with more than 200 varieties of wine. After all that detoxing, you can indulge guilt free. It’s all about balance, right?
Looking for laser hair removal? Melbourne's MySkin is attracting men in their droves
Hairy in all the wrong places? Shaving, plucking, and waxing may provide a quick fix - albeit one that’s inconvenient, often irritating, messy and only temporary. Unless you’re planning on finding that special lady that has a penchant for men with back hair long enough to plait, excessive body hair won’t likely help you win over the fairer sex. But fear not, there is a solution for men tired of battling unwanted body hair. Enter laser hair removal.
Using world leading, medical grade technology, lasers damage the hair follicle, which inhibits future growth meaning that you can chuck out your razors and clippers. And in Melbourne the granddaddy of all clinics offering the treatment is MySkin.
Celebrating their tenth anniversary this year, the cutting-edge medi-spa boasts clinics across the city - including Northcote, Plenty Valley, Fountain Gate, Eastland, Waverley Gardens, Taylors Lake, Craigieburn and their flagship store in Malvern - the skilled team are longtime laser hair removal experts. Their cost-effective laser packages span every possible area - from the more popular back, shoulders, stomach and chest - and beard and neckline area, through to more intimate areas, such as the pubic area. Speaking of, if you’re keen to permanently keep your crown jewels in check, then you’re in good company - the number of men opting for a laser ‘male Brazilian’ is skyrocketing. But whatever your body hair concern, nothing reduces unwanted fur better, or for longer, and the team here will de-fluff even the most yeti-like of men.