NICKEL SPA
27 Short Gardens, London WC 2H (0207 240 4048; www.nickelspalondon.co.uk)

USP Claims to be London's first new-generation men-only spa. It’s a smartly unpretentious place just off the trend-central Seven Dials in London’s theatreland. The instant impression is of clean, calm, fresh, male-friendly functionality, rather than frightening fluffy towels.

GIFT IDEA Nickel offers rechargeable gift cards for £25, £50, £75 and £100 which can be redeemed against products or treatments.

HOW TO SPEND IT Love handle wrap costs £55 for 60 minutes; an express facial is £29 for 30 minutes.

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Two ice walls entice the brave to stand against them before returning to the steam room

Ginny McGrath

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MURDOCK
340 Old St, London EC1V 9DS (020 7729 2288; www.murdocklondon.com)

USP Murdock is a one-stop shop for the discerning dandy. The emphasis, as suggested by Murdock's cut-throat razor logo, is on the traditional wet shave but you could spend hours there, leaving smooth-faced with a new haircut, a manicure and polished shoes. You can also pick up some German underwear, an American grosgrain belt, a book for the tube ride home and first-edition grooming products, then carry them away in your new English leather bag.

GIFT IDEA An open gift voucher can be used at the Murdock store to purchase any products or barbering service, or there are personalised gift certificates for specific treatments ranging from £22.50 to £70.

HOW TO SPEND IT The Murdock Full Service costs £55 for an hour of pampering, plus a complimentary glass of Champagne or beer to help him relax, followed by a haircut and shampoo, traditional wet shave (using hot and cold towels) and shoe polish.

GENTLEMEN'S TONIC
31a Bruton Place, London (020 7297 4343; www.gentlemenstonic.co.uk)

USP A unique establishment in the heart of Mayfair that affords the modern man a traditional barbershop and a variety of lifestyle and grooming services. The mood is attentive and becalming. In the halogen-lit personal cubicle, you can choose the plasma TV or music system. Each step is executed with the calming certainty of a Buddhist ritual.

GIFT IDEA Treatments, packages and products that range from £6.50 to £350 can be purchased over the phone or from the store.

HOW TO SPEND IT There are a wide range of treatments from Swedish, Thai, Indian head and sports massages (about £40 for 30 minutes and £74 for 60 minutes) to a wet shave and express facial for £45 and even a beard design for £29.

SPA LONDON
York Hall Leisure Centre, Old Ford Road, London E2 9JP (020 8709 5845; www.spa-london.org)

USP Luxury-lite. The UK's first public sector day spa, Spa London is the result of a £1.4 million restoration of the 860 square metre Turkish Baths at York Hall, Bethnal Green. There are full thermal suites and four treatment rooms, containing all you would expect.

GIFT IDEA A range of voucher options starting from £20 are available, including the Thermal Spa Experience, Day Spa packages, treatments and product gift packs.

HOW TO SPEND IT £80 will bag an "MOT for Him" which includes a back, neck and shoulder massage, a men's facial treatment, and access to all the spa's thermal suites. The facial alone is £50.

PACIFICA DAY SPA
1 Courtnell Street, Notting Hill, London, W2 5BU (020 7243 1718; www.pacificadayspa.co.uk)

USP An intimate Asian inspired spa in trendy Notting Hill that prides itself on highly qualified staff.

GIFT IDEA Gift vouchers can be used towards treatments, spa packages and retail products. At the same time you can sign the Gift Registry which will send an elegant outline of your own pampering desires to select friends and family.

HOW TO SPEND IT The Maintained Man package costs £85 and includes a Dermalogica express facial, City Manicure, City Pedicure and a 30-minute back massage.

For more than 275 reviews of spas worldwide visit Times Online's Good Spa Guide

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