There was a time when the closest thing to grooming and wellness that many men did was sitting on the porch with a whiskey and having a scratch. Thankfully, times have changed. As men become more conscious of the importance of self-care, a holistic approach to wellness is taking centre stage and that is giving birth to some interesting new trends, and with the month of love officially here, some self-care and self-love is exactly what is needed.  These are some of the ideas that will drive the men’s wellness movement this year.

Wellness retreats for the win:

A recent survey found that 43% of travellers will choose hotels based on their wellness amenities and more than 73% expect our breaks to improve our wellbeing. That means finding an oasis where the focus is treating your body like the temple you know it to be. The men of today are actively seeking out wellness retreats and 2024 looks like the year where that trend will continue.

Gillian Kombora, Head of Digital Marketing at The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts says, “Beaches are great, but people are searching for more than that. The Grotto Wellness Spa caters to the modern man by offering a sanctuary where gents can truly switch off, and enjoy the ultimate facial, grooming and spa treatments.”

Located at the foot of Table Mountain, The Grotto Wellness Spa is where luxury and relaxation intersect. Offering mesmerising skin therapy, body treatments, waxing and so much more, The Grotto Wellness Spa is exactly what every man need to get in touch with his tranquil side. Popular treatments include:

• Dermaplaning 
• Glycolic and lactic acid skin peels
• EMS (electric muscle stimulation) with foot physiotherapy and foot grooming
• Thermabliss single use paraffin treatment on hands and feet

Kombora says, “Our exclusive men’s treatment menu is based on the most popular treatments for men and the fastest growing services in the male wellness market. We employ the best therapists who are also regularly upskilled on male skincare. All of that makes The Grotto Wellness Spa a uniquely magnificent experience.”

Guests can also smother themselves in luxury by indulging in their choice of bio-phillic aroma oils and mist to personalise their experience. 

The spa also features a bar in the prelude lounge area, which has become a “favourite” for the gents. Guests can have a drink and snack in the stylish, warm, and cozy lounge before and after their wellness experience.

Hair today, gone tomorrow:

Grooming has turned into a wellness ritual. Taking care of yourself is as much about self-care as it is about looking good, and men are starting to realise that. That makes 2024 the year where grooming meets meditation. Getting your nails done or your hair cut is now a way to calm the mind. 

Kombora says, “Men aren’t just looking for a quick in-and-out treatment anymore. They want their grooming experiences to be soothing and help them disconnect from a world that can be overstimulating.”

Making friends with like-minded people

The combination of the pandemic and the ever-increasing reliance on our phones has led to a loneliness epidemic. In fact, according to a Gallup study, 25% of people across the globe feel lonely, with 27% of young adults ages 19 to 29 reporting feeling very or fairly lonely. This has led to a growing number of men looking for spaces where they can connect, talk and unlock a slightly healthier mindset.

Treating the mind and the body:

Men are increasingly recognising the importance of holistic well-being, and body treatments are becoming a staple in their wellness routines. Venues like The Grotto Wellness Spa have embraced this trend offering a range of body treatments that detoxify the body, mind, and soul. 

Kombora adds, “We have seen an increasing number of men looking for body treatments that not only provide physical benefits but also contribute to mental relaxation. Our skin treatments, in particular, are designed to address men’s specific skin needs. The Grotto also includes a highly trained and professional team of male masseuses for those who prefer male therapists or for those who may feel uncomfortable with female therapists, whether for cultural or religious.”

As we step into 2024, men’s wellness is no longer just about addressing what is on the outside. Now more than ever, the rougher sex is taking a far more holistic approach to their wellness needs and, for those interested, that will probably result in sexier and more well-adjusted men to spend our time with.