A Man’s Guide to the Opal Spa

Cord Coen, owner of body care line Zents, knows men – after all, he is one – and he knows spas. And he’ll tell you that the two don’t always mesh well, but they can certainly find a balance. It’s just a matter of breaking old habits and taking a risk.
He’ll be the first to tell you that spa menus can be daunting. “Men like to see a few focused options,” says Coen. “Men are good at booking a massage, usually a sports massage, but I think they sometimes overlook the longer rituals that include a massage, soak, scrub, and scalp ritual.”

So with the help of Coen, Opal is breaking the spa barriers and giving a quick guide to the man’s spa.

Finding Your Scent

There’s usually an overarching fear that men will walk out of the spa smelling like a garden – overly floral and feminine. You’ll be surprised how many options actually exist, from musky undertones to fresh citrusy scents.

Our suggestion Don’t be alarmed by its pink packaging; Zents’ Ore fragrance is actually perfect for men. A citrusy yet peppery fragrance of clove, bay laurel, orris, violet, and jasmine is more masculine than its wrapper lets on.

Face It

You’ve spent the day playing a round of golf or out on the tennis courts working up a sweat. A quick face wash will take away that sweat-logged look, but it won’t dig deep into pores to stop blackheads from rising to the surface or rehydrate parched skin to keep you looking youthful. An afternoon facial with trained aestheticians can properly cleanse the face and pores, as well as hydrate the skin.

Our suggestion Go for a facial. When visiting The Spa at the Bar Harbor Club, the Gentleman’s Hot Towel Facial gently exfoliates the skin for a deep cleanse, then followed by a soothing mask and hot towels infused with herbs to revitalize skin.

Home Treatment

Men love products they can use quickly and without fuss, says Coen. Which is why, even after getting a facial at the spa to cleanse the skin, taking home products that work double duty in the shower are key. Some bar soaps and body washes claim they do it all, but Coen suggests asking for recommendations from spa technicians on the proper products, like his Zents bar soaps with organic shea butter. They not only soften the skin, but the soap also softens facial hair, allowing for a close shave without the razor burn and ingrown hairs.

Try these men’s specific treatments at these OPAL Collection properties:

Harborside Hotel, Spa & Marina, West Street Hotel, and Samoset Resort

The “Day for Him” package combines a therapeutic healing massage, gentleman’s hot towel facial, and a classic pedicure.

The Sagamore Resort

The “Gentleman’s Reprieve” first loosens tight muscles with the Adirondack hot-stone massage, then transitions to a 50-minute facial.

Zents lotions, body oils, and other products are used in Opal Collection spas.