Categories

meet erin

join in on the 'gram

photography 101 cheat sheet

beauty

decor

eat

fashion

how to

my heart

@erincsousa

a little pamper time for him at Shangri-La’s CHI Spa

September 30, 2015

I don’t know about you, but getting my husband to the spa has never been easy. I always want him to be treated to the therapy and relaxation of it, but he’s never felt like it was for him. I think it was pretty much a comfort level thing. When the CHI Spa at the Shangri-La Hotel reached out to have him in to try their new CHI for Men services, I wasn’t sure he would be into it (um, “I’ll go for you, babe”, comes to mind!). Well, he loved it! Below, are his thoughts about why this might be the perfect way to treat your guy! Take it away, Roberto!

I’ll admit, I’ve never really ever been comfortable going to the spa. Like most men, I got most of my grooming advice from my father, whose idea of a foot soak would probably be the result of wearing the wrong shoes on a rainy day. Never once did he mention spas.  And in his defence, why would he? Typically, a spa is a place for relaxation, but as a man, upon entry you usually feel like you’ve just crashed a “ladies only” party. Upon seeing a man entering such a sacred space, the conversation in the room that was once loud and bouncy, become hushed, and whispered… coupled with the avoidance of eye contact. That’s not exactly how I like to kick-off a relaxing experience.

Well gentlemen, relax. There’s a spa ready to give you the experience you’ve been waiting for! The CHI Spa, located in Vancouver’s beautiful Shangri-La Hotel, has a tailor-made spa menu just for us. As CHI’s Spa Manager, Michelle, says “CHI For Men is about taking better care of yourself. We’ve seen more men turning to spas as a remedy for physical and mental rejuvenation; it’s more than just pampering and beautification”. And she’s right. All spa bookings include full access to their Health Club amenities, like fitness centre, outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, and café either before or after their treatments. AND, each treatment is coupled with a private relaxation suite. That solves things, doesn’t it?!

Photo Sep 28, 10 14 39 AM

Upon entering CHI, I was immediately greeted by the cheery Takako, who guided me to my very own relaxation suite for a soothing foot soak and eastern tea service. The spa and suite alike, draw inspiration from the ancient Shangri-La legend, a place of personal peace, and enchantment. The suite boasts its own private eucalyptus steam chamber which is ready to help you sweat away lingering toxins, and prepare the body for a customized massage.

Following the massage, and without moving a (relaxed) muscle, my practitioner started the facial, which I thought would be a good idea, since I have a pretty stubborn beard, resulting in a terrible razor burn. It was nice to hear that the products used from BIODROGA MEN are specifically formulated for male skin needs, to help diminish signs of soreness, redness, and irritation caused by shaving.

After a foot soak, a steam, a massage, and a facial, I pretty much vowed that I was never leaving my private suite! So, it’s good news for the CHI spa staff, that I also had a manicure booked in their treatment room; a 12 year-old scotch offering helped ease the burden of abandoning my relaxation suite. 

Photo Sep 28, 10 27 41 AM

All that relaxation left me with quite an appetite, so waiting for me to enjoy at the poolside Ginger Bar Café, was a delicious steak & frites accompanied with a classic béarnaise sauce. The perfect fuel up before I hit their well-appointed Health Club.

So, if you think your deserving man needs a little relaxing retreat or you just want him out of the house for a couple of hours treat him to CHI For Men. I think he will be very pleased! 

comments