Gay Spas: A Brief Overview
A gay spa (or men’s spa) is a spa that caters specifically to the needs and interests of GBTQ+ male-identified folks. They may also offer amenities such as steam rooms, saunas, cold plunges, and pools. Sometimes they have gyms. Lockers for your clothing, and lock boxes for your valuables are both provided. Private rooms are usually available, public play areas, as well as lounging areas where they sell food, whether indoor or outdoors. Would you believe it - some gay spas may have additional features such as bars or clubs, where they throw specific kinds of “parties.”
Their aim is to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for men of all gender identities and sexual orientations - the whole spectrum of queer identities - to relax and rejuvenate and be themselves. In fact, sometimes they only feature certain types of events for a certain type of ethnicity, age group, or gender identity in their aim to be inclusive.
Steam rooms
A steam room is an enclosed space with a humid, steam-filled environment — a great way to relax and unwind after a workout or a day of stress. The steam helps open up the pores and make you sweat, which cleanses and detoxifies the skin, improve circulation, and help to relieve muscle tension.
Saunas
A sauna is a (usually smaller) space made of wooden surfaces that is designed for the purpose of body rejuvenation. Saunas are heated to a high temperature, and the air inside is very dry, which makes you sweat. The longer you stay in, the more you sweat, and sweating is a cleanses and detoxifies the skin. The benefits are many. Sort of like a steam room, only more like a desert, rather than a rainforest.
Why Gay Spas?
Gay spas offer a specifically welcoming and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. We feel more comfortable and at ease in a space that is specifically designed for and caters to our needs and interests. Massages, facials, pedicures, and many other services catered to gay men can be found.
But it’s really all about the social aspect. As they say, “birds of a feather flock together.”
Many men prefer the social aspect of gay spas rather than straight spas, because they relax, feel comfortable among their own, and talk about gay stuff. Some spas have eating areas, lounging areas, bars, clubs, and they may host events or parties. These men spas usually have a very friendly ambience overall — one in which you really feel you can walk up to people, start a random conversation, and make new friends in a jiffy.
A Comfortable Environment
A gay spa really can and should be the ultimate getaway from the “normal world.” Where different rules apply and you can relax and feel uninhibited. Drugs and alcohol are prohibited, usually, to maintain a healthy environment (but check with each spa owner).
Perhaps a bit of play is in store for your day (or night, as it may be: these spas are usually open 24/7). And in these spaces, an afternoon, an eve will go by quickly, because “time flies when you’re having fun.” Please do remember that the regular rules of mutual consent, respect, and healthy communication always apply, and if you’re visiting a gay spa you should observe the rules and norms of that particular facility.
We do want to keep the few spaces that are still open—and they are becoming less and less popular, with many of them shutting down after the pandemic of 2020—should be places where people can relax and rejuvenate in a safe and respectful environment.
Overall, gay spas provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for gay men to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate, as well as a sense of community and connection with others of the same kind.
To find a gay spa near you, check out the “Health & Wellness” section of each city. In the US, there are gay spas in many of the major cities, including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, Seattle, and more.
