Manly Pursuits

What do get when you take your average weekend getaway and add equal parts beer, cigars and testosterone? Well according to travel industry experts (who among their many responsibilities must synthesize names for obscure travel trends), what you get is a male bonding retreat that has been christened the “mancation.”

One might wonder what exactly it takes to become the “man”ifest destination for a group of beer-guzzling buddies? Well, the clever itinerary architects that fashion the mancation packages think the answer lies in an agenda packed to the hilt with masculine clichés.

Sports, beer, guns and golf are a few of the mantastic activities designed to lure boyfriends and hubbies on a no-girlfriends getaway. Not to mention a little relaxation time puffing stogies and enjoying plush hotel amenities. And women no longer have the corner on the pampering market; there’s plenty of “manscaping” going on at these retreats as well. Several spa treatments are offered exclusively for men, ranging from masculine pedicures and facials to healthy back treatments.

In December, Denver’s swanky Brown Palace Hotel (800-321-2599) will unveil its mancation package, the “Boys of Brown.”  The package for two includes a tour of Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, and a tour of the Great Divide Brewing Company, conveniently located within walking distance of the hotel property. A six-pack of Great Divide beer, a couple of pint-sized glasses, two 25-minute massages and free valet parking round out this posh package. brownpalace.com

Looking for something a little closer to home? A weekend at Rancho De Los Caballeros’ (800-684-5030) includes the three Gs: Guys, Golf and Guns. “Mancation” weekends occur at the historic Wickenburg guest ranch November 30 through December 2, 2007; January 11-13 and April 11-13, 2008. The two-day, two-night packages include two rounds of golf with a cart, one trap and skeet shooting session, the choice between a men’s grooming facial or a one-hour massage, an evening cowboy cookout and three gourmet meals per day. sunc.com