Hypothetical New Spa wishlist

[NYMassageAddict]

Just curious, if you were advising someone who is opening a new spa (or taking one over) what are the things you would want them to have that would make this place something you’d want?

 

For example, physical things like walls to ceiling, high quality beds, a certain kind of oil, service things: online scheduling. 
 

Anything about the actual massage experience: no tips negotiated ever, hot stone, thick towels, music, etc. 

 

I might be able to help someone out and thought I’d turn to the crew here of experts to see what you would want. 
 

 

[luvhusky]

Peters asking ? lol 

for me a variety of therapists. Clean private rooms and the vibe that it’s not a tug and rub only 

 

[jeezifonly]

Parking.

[deepplease]

Clean , good tables, towels not paper on the tables , good massage oils unscented, a shower to clean before and or after 

[Nightowl]

Heated table, shower, water, options (hot stones, CBD, aromatherapy, etc), parking…If it’s a facility that provides more than massage (wink wink),  discretion and clarity on what is on offer are a must.

[Clifforda98]

Soft music and lighting, good towels and heated massage table are a must. Good sound proofing so you’re not getting noise from the hall, etc. No upgrade conversation once you’re on the table. 
 
If I’m getting greedy - full gender-separated hydrotherapy circuit including different temp pools, sauna, steam room, lounge area with outdoor area.   

Getting super greedy - Vichy/table shower. 

[califunguy]

If coming from work, easy parking and a shower. Would love option for body scrub and 4-hander. Definitely no upsell. 

[soloyo215]

I go to the Aqua Spa in Puerto Vallarta. In those facilities:

• They have space for one to shower, shave and prepare before and after the massage with secured lockers, and properly maintained. 
• They have Rooms exclusively for Vichy showers with dedicated staff for that only.
• They have a controlled steam room.
• They have a room for giving men baths.
• They have several massage rooms with equipment and materials of quality and in pristine conditions.
• They have reception staff that greet you and manage appointments and payments, in a nice wait area. They are respectful and professional.
• They have an area for pedicure/manicure and that sort of thing.
• For years, the facilities have remained spotless, functional and of high quality.
• They have reasonable prices. What I pay for my treatmens has always been reasonable and affordable.
• All the masseurs seem trained to give the same customer service experience.

I think that their key to success is that everything is completely under their control. They do not allow the clients to rove around the steamroom or other facilities on their own. They ensure that they are used appropriately and for the allotted amount of time that they are paying for. It has the facilities of a bath house but men are not allowed to stay and hang out there. They go for their appointment, get their service, pay and must leave afterwards. I have never gotten any HE there, been going there for years, but my husband has, so there might be some extras offered, but that's far from being the premise of that establishment. I always leave feeling renewed, papmered and well taken care of.

An independent masseur might not be able to afford facilities and staff like that, but he can provide the same feeling of safety, neatness, care and an overall good experience. Quality service, extras or not, goes a long way.

Edited Saturday at 04:28 PM by soloyo215

[+ sniper]

3 hours ago, califunguy said:

If coming from work, easy parking and a shower. Would love option for body scrub and 4-hander. Definitely no upsell. 

And make the shower handheld with great water pressure. It's always nice to be able to do a thorough cleaning job.

[BigDMike]

On 7/18/2026 at 9:27 AM, soloyo215 said:

I go to the Aqua Spa in Puerto Vallarta. In those facilities:

I love going to Aqua when I'm there each year.  I have left happy each time.  

[monkeyjam]

1. Eliminate Predatory Pay Practices

Adopt a fair 50/50 revenue split between the spa and the masseur. For example, a $70 massage should be split equally, with each receiving $35. Many men’s spas pay masseurs $20 and $50 goes to the spa for a 60mins massage. It is highly unreasonable for a 90-minute massage to cost $100 and the masseur receives only $30 and the spa keeps $70. If the current pricing predatory practice persist, upselling will always occur. 

2. Hire attractive guys of all ethnicity

Many Men Spa’s already has too many Asians. We don’t always want twinkish Asian masseur as there are too many of them. We want Latino, Caucasian and Black masseurs. I would encourage to hire attractive masseurs with nice built muscular bodies. Many clients are willing to pay for these sort of well-rounded masseur. 

 

[luvhusky]

On 7/18/2026 at 12:27 PM, soloyo215 said:

I go to the Aqua Spa in Puerto Vallarta. In those facilities:

• They have space for one to shower, shave and prepare before and after the massage with secured lockers, and properly maintained. 
• They have Rooms exclusively for Vichy showers with dedicated staff for that only.
• They have a controlled steam room.
• They have a room for giving men baths.
• They have several massage rooms with equipment and materials of quality and in pristine conditions.
• They have reception staff that greet you and manage appointments and payments, in a nice wait area. They are respectful and professional.
• They have an area for pedicure/manicure and that sort of thing.
• For years, the facilities have remained spotless, functional and of high quality.
• They have reasonable prices. What I pay for my treatmens has always been reasonable and affordable.
• All the masseurs seem trained to give the same customer service experience.

I think that their key to success is that everything is completely under their control. They do not allow the clients to rove around the steamroom or other facilities on their own. They ensure that they are used appropriately and for the allotted amount of time that they are paying for. It has the facilities of a bath house but men are not allowed to stay and hang out there. They go for their appointment, get their service, pay and must leave afterwards. I have never gotten any HE there, been going there for years, but my husband has, so there might be some extras offered, but that's far from being the premise of that establishment. I always leave feeling renewed, papmered and well taken care of.

An independent masseur might not be able to afford facilities and staff like that, but he can provide the same feeling of safety, neatness, care and an overall good experience. Quality service, extras or not, goes a long way.

And in nyc expect this to cost $500 plus per hour 

[BrklynNYC]

Everyone wants the Four Seasons Experience with Holiday Inn prices. Lol. 

[soloyo215]

14 hours ago, luvhusky said:

And in nyc expect this to cost $500 plus per hour 

Yes, that might be why it exists in Mexico. Americans have created an impossible economy for the middle and working class and then try to blame or shame us, the consumers for it, for some reason. I.e., see the post above mine.

  

18 hours ago, BigDMike said:

I love going to Aqua when I'm there each year.  I have left happy each time.  

Yes, I've heard that some clients leave happier than others, my husband being one of them. I don't look for extras there, as the treatment and the facilities are just wonderful.

Edited Tuesday at 07:14 PM by soloyo215

[luvhusky]

This thread is funny because it will end up being a very low end Chinese rub and tug