Away's Favorite Photos from Travelers in 2012

advertisement

Q:So where can a guy—a regular meat-and-potato kinda guy—get a shave and a massage?
-Ben
Upper Marlboro, MD

A:It's interesting in this post-metrosexual universe that something as soothing and rewarding as a good massage and shave can force us blokes to worry about our masculinity, but we hear your plight. In fact, there's been a huge upsurge in male-specific treatment centers of late that infuse the spa experience of old with a distinctly masculine touch. Think Sinatra and whisky, not herbal tea and seaweed wraps.

One of the best can be found in your own backyard of downtown Washington, DC. Politicians and their pundits flock to The Grooming Lounge (202.466.8900; www.groominglounge.com), and if they're comfortable reclining there for a facial, you should be in the clear. Their signature $50 hot-lather shave is what every shave should be—soothing towels, oils, repeated passes with a triple-blade razor—and will leave you refreshed and smoother than a river-eroded skipping stone. They also offer a variety of skin treatments and a good range of massages, including deep-tissue, Thai, sport, hot stone, and one tailored to golfers. Nice touches like luxe old-school barber chairs and gratis drinks complete the experience.

In Manhattan, urbanites (both residents and weary travelers) should hit Truman's Gentleman's Groomers (212.759.5015; www.trumans-nyc.com). This venerable men's hangout, complete with bar service and flat-screen TVs, offers hot-lather shaves, haircuts and hair removal, skin treatments, shoe shines, and 30- and 60-minute Swedish, deep tissue, and sport massages. Try out the $73 "Refresher" treatment—you get hot towel service, hairwash, scalp massage, style, shave, manicure, and shoe shine in less than 45 minutes.

If work or pleasure-seeking takes you to the West Coast, rest assured: the haute scene there assures a few choice options for pampering. Los Angeles' aptly-named The Shave, in Beverly Hills, which offers a $65 signature save that lasts 45 heavenly minutes, is one of the best. They also offer Japanese-style deep shaves, "uni-brow surgery," and a wide variety of haircut options, all performed in a décor that echoes barber shops of old.