Spa for Men

You won’t find copies of Hello! Canada on the coffee table at Absolute Spa at the Hotel Vancouver, and the robes fit (both lengthwise and girthwise)—two very good signs that this spa truly caters to men. And what with the mud and all, a guy could almost convince himself that he’s experiencing a manly Band of Brothers moment during the Mud Detox Treatment. But the Absolute Shave is like butter on bread-a guy’s skin never felt so smooth (from $55). 900 W. Georgia St., 604-684-2772. Absolutespa.comGary Cooper never said, “Boy, I sure like facials,” but that shouldn’t stop even the most macho from indulging in Pacific Rim Willow Stream’s Post Game Facial ($159), square jaw held high. The deep-cleansing treatment repairs and protects skin subject to perspiration (that’d be you, gym rat) and includes a pampering shoulder and neck massage, plus an arm, hand, and foot exfoliation and massage. 1038 Canada Pl., 604-695-5550. Fairmont.com/pacificrimThe local, in-house shave line for men at Optaderm means fewer ingrown hairs after the one-hour European facial (60 mins, $45), which includes an aromatherapy massage, thorough deep-pore cleansing, skin-smoothing peel, and calming facial masque. 340-2184 W. Broadway, 604-737-2026. Optaderm.com