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For decades, societal norms have discouraged men from openly addressing their emotions and mental health, with many adhering to the "stiff upper lip" mentality. The result today is two opposing divergences: on the one hand, an exaggerated state of "toxic masculinity" as advocated by the likes of Andrew Tate; and on the other, a shift to prioritising emotional wellbeing, whereby burly blokes are swapping pints for pilates, trading banter for breathwork and exchanging football chants for...chanting. 

"When I broke up with my girlfriend of eight years, I broke down in tears in front of my dad," Harrison Webb tells iNews. "He is a really loving guy, but one thing he said struck me: "If this was 50 years ago, you would just go sit in a room with a bottle of whisky." Times are changing, but for a lot of men, this is still the blueprint for processing emotions. Have a few too many drinks and deal with it. Just stick it out."

While women have long been at the forefront of the wellness movement, carving out spaces for self-care, reflection and personal growth, a new trend is emerging: men-only wellness experiences, or "Masc Retreats". This phenomenon reflects a broader change in societal attitudes towards men's health, acknowledging that the wellness sector has historically underserved men and failed to address their unique needs and preferences.

At the heart of these retreats is often a strong focus on mental health, providing safe, judgement-free spaces where men can openly discuss emotional issues and learn effective coping strategies. This approach is particularly significant given...

To read the full trend, including an interview with the founder of The Unmasked Man, a men-only tour provider, plus an in-depth case study of a "beast-mode" masc retreat in Bali, and key data points, subscribe to Volt.