Men need pampering too. Book him in for a relaxing and rejuvenating man M.O.T.

Spas are often thought of as predomineatly female spaces. Okay, so there's nothing particularly macho about tinkling music and rose petals, but throughout history, from Swedish Saunas and Turkish Hammams to Roman Baths and even Victorian barbershops, there has always been a place for men to go and relax, away from the stresses of work and family life.

Given our fast-paced lives and the pressures of modern living, there really isn't any reason why men shouldn't crave similar 'me time' retreats today.

Luckily, a growing number of UK spas have wised up to the fact that men enjoy a pampering session just as much as us women and are concentrating on providing treatments - and in some cases dedicated spaces - for him as well as her. So, no matter where you live, or how small your budget, you shouldn't have any problems finding him a suitable treat.

Aqua Sana World of Spa, Suffolk, Wiltshire, Nottinghamshire and Cumbria

The best thing about these convivial and unpretentious mixed spas attached to Center Parcs is the casual vibe. Men look and feel as at home meandering from Japanese Salt Steam Bath to the Tyrolean Sauna as the women.

Apart from an array of steam baths, saunas and relaxation rooms, the World of Spa also offers a complete range of treatments specifically designed for men including an Action Man leg and back massage (£38) to alleviate tension, cramp and muscle fatigue before or after sport.

Pamper days range from £62 per person for a basic spa day and go up to £129, depending on which package you choose. For more information, visit www.aquasana.co.uk

Whole Man, London

Whole Man, located on London's Bond Street, is a unique one-stop male spa. The decor is smart and sober in dark brown and leather and there isn't a rose petal in sight. As well as offering some fabulous treatments including a razor-sharp wet shave, massage, pedicure, manicure and oxygen facials, the store also stocks an array of quality men's grooming products.

If he's suffering from any health problems, book him in for an in-depth consultation with a qualified naturopath who will spend an hour talking to him about lifestyle, diet, exercise patterns and health history before prescribing a tailor-made personal programme including vitamins and supplements to improve his health. One visit and he'll be hooked.

Initial naturopath sessions cost £75 for one hour. For more information and a full list of treatments, visit www.wholeman.co.uk

The Farnham Estate Health Spa, Cavan, Ireland

A weekend visit to the Farnham Estate Health Spa, a rural Irish retreat set in acres of rolling countryside, is the perfect treat for any man keen on getting some country air. The ethos of the spa is to teach as well as treat.

Programmes are designed to educate guests about their health and wellbeing and equip them with the knowledge to make small changes to their daily routines to improve their lives. In addition, the spa offers a menu of male treatments including a deep cleansing Gentlemen's Facial (€70) and Gentlemen's Cure - a body scrub, relaxing bath and full body massage (€120).

For more information visit www.farnhamestate.com

Gleneagles Hotel spa, Perthshire, Scotland

In the heart of Auchterarder in Scotland, he can pursue outdoor leisure pursuits such as golf, as well as indulge in a selection of amusingly named spa treatments for men.

Among them are Golfer's Tonic - exfoliation and cleansing of the back, followed by back, leg and foot massage (£70), and The Clansman - a facial using hot towels and aromatherapy (£70). It's also a celebrity favourite so he might just spy a famous face or two.

For more information visit www.gleneagles.com

Bespoke treatments for men

If none of the spas listed here are within easy reach, it's worth giving your local day spa a call. If they offer treatments by Decleor or Elemis, it's likely they'll offer the following male alternatives:

Decleor

• Aromatic Skin Fitness Essential - a facial to improve the skin's tone and appearance.
• Aromatic Skin Fitness Expert - a tension-relieving aromatherapy treatment.

For more information visit www.decleor.co.uk

Elemis

• Skin IQ Facial - an anti-ageing booster for tired, stressed skin.
• Urban Cleanse Facial - a deep cleanse and complete skin detox.

For more information visit www.elemis.com

On a budget?

Book him in for a traditional wet shave at a local barber shop where he can relax with hot towels and a cup of tea while an expert sorts out the facial fluff that's usually left to his trusty disposable to tackle. Prices start at just £5.

Visit our Spa Locator for more information about spas in the UK.