The spa industry is worth £1.5 billion in the UK but experts feel there is plenty more potential to be tapped in the male sector. More men-only grooming rooms are opening in cities and the spa industry is promoting active ways to attract men who feel uncomfortable with typically girlie spas. According to the latest research by Mintel, the majority of men still find places intimidating where the emphasis is on beauty, but package it right – “a massage that improves your golf swing” or “a hangover busting facial” – and set it somewhere with a masculine hint of a health club and they’re game.

TREKKING

In:spa Yorkshire

USP Yoga, fitness and healthy food in rolling Yorkshire countryside.

Ambience Georgian manor house with a group of 25 other guests.

Experience Group walks, circuits and yoga, plus one-on-one fitness and lifetsyle coaching.

Food Cleansing cuisine, cooking demonstrations, plus nutritional advice.

In-crowd Worn-out city workers and exhausted execs in search of full MoT and Big Smoke escape.

Wallet watch From £595 for two people sharing; excludes travel to Yorkshire.

Need to know in:spa Middleton Lodge, Richmond, North Yorks (0845 4580723; inspa-retreats.com)

GOLF

Slieve Donard, Ulster

USP A spacious spa, awesome beachside scenery and a world-class golf course.

Ambience Guests arrive at this Gothic mansion by helicopter, then tee off at the Royal County Down.

Experience A tasteful mix of old-world heritage and contemporary design.

Food Posh nosh in the Oak Restaurant and cosy pub-style dining in the Percy French Inn.

In crowd Irish golf hotel of the year 2006. If it’s good enough for Tiger Woods . . .

Wallet watch Golfer’s Recovery: £140 for one hour 50 minutes. One Day Spa Break including B&B and a one-hour treatment is £165 per person.

Need to know Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Co Down, Northern Ireland (028 4372 1066; hastingshotels.com)

SAFARI

Bushmans Kloof, South Africa

USP Not many spas can boast 755 types of plants, 150 species of birds, 35 types of mammal and 130 sites of prehistoric rock art.

Ambience The spa treatment rooms are in a secluded cave, an outdoor cabin, and Dutch-style thatched lodges.

Experience There are four outdoor infinity pools and a gym, but most people seem to prefer keep-fit activities such as mountain biking, canoeing and archery.

Food Hearty local fare: ostrich steaks and catch of the day on the braai.

In-crowd Captains of industry and their wives.

Wallet watch Very reasonable: £105 per person sharing a double room. Spa treatments are extra and cost from £27.

Need to know Bushmans Kloof, Clanwilliam, South Africa (00 27 21 685 2598; bushmanskloof.com )

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