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Wellness is such a dynamic industry, but it still has some cliché and taboo regarding males in this sector. How can we manage this and increase the inclusion of male therapists in our spas?
Tracey-Ann Munroe
Gerente Spa / Spa Manager
Royal Spa
Royalton White Sands & Royalton Blue Waters
Jamaica
www.royaltonresorts.com
Diana Fernandez-Mestre
Consultora spa / Spa Consultant
Mestre & Mestre Consulting
www.mestrewellness.com
Gender inequality is common in the resort and hotel industry. Many opportunities for resort chefs are limited to men, and most housekeeping positions are women. In the spa, most resorts have 10% or zero men in their hiring policies for spa therapists.
We asked top hotel executives about hiring male therapists; they found that 95% of guests (male and female) feel more comfortable with a female therapist for facials and body treatments. The possibility of legal sexual harassment suits also pose a real threat, along with the financial responsibility of legal settlements. There is also the risk of reputation damaging reviews or comments online that could profoundly affect the prestige of their properties.
At Mestre & Mestre, we believe that male therapists can theive in styling, manicure, and pedicure services but not as massage therapists. The paradox is that some of the top therapists and trainers in the world are male, and they can render some of the most outstanding experiences. We believe male therapists can thrive as instructors at various massage schools, develop expertise in low-contact therapies like reiki, shiatsu and other energy modalities, or become therapists in outdoor massage scenarios. We honestly would like to offer a solution to such inequality, but only time and a shift in consciousness will change the unfortunate present situation.
