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Sometimes there is nothing better than to get away from the
hectic outside world for a while and with that one of the options a gay man has is to go to a sauna.
Now be aware, not all saunas are created equal.
Some charge a lot to enter but seem to scrimp on the basics…the state of
the towels usually being the first sign.
Other bathhouses are of superb quality and make you feel as though you
are in a soothing, sexual oasis.
Quality would be the case with Cargo Men's Spa & Club in Marseille.
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| My
first encounter with Cargo Spa was during a media tour given by LGP Marseille, when a group of us were leaving the community center one
afternoon and heading towards the port, after taking a few steps, without even
seeing any signage I instinctively knew we must’ve been outside a bathhouse. |
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Call
it a former bathhouse manager’s intuition but I could tell by the outside of
the space it had that discreet, privacy factor mixed with a unique ventilation system one
just knows is needed for such an establishment.
I confirmed it with the individual in charge of the media tour and next
thing I knew we were all going inside Cargo Spa.
Since we had a schedule to adhere too, we couldn’t stay long but the manager
met with us immediately and we got to have a quick peek inside. This just set up my curiosity level even
more. |
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| Having
a few days in Marseille, and always up for some sort of adventure, I visited
Cargo Spa on my own time. |
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| Even if action isn’t what it’s always about for you in a
bathhouse, Cargo Spa gives you the feeling of both worlds. You can gauge a mood as soon as you enter,
for me; first of all there was no attitude from either the staff or the
clientele. |
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| Once
you are settled in, you could feel any stress you might have had drifting
away. And although this is one of the
largest saunas in the region, with a space over four levels, it doesn’t feel
barren no matter how many customers are in the establishment. It is modern, clean and overall
well-maintained. |
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| There
is a bar and lounge area for drinks on one level, next to another level that
has a small pool. If you choose, there
always seems to be another section to venture around and cruise. In no time you will come across the hot tub,
steam room and on the upper level the small cabin rooms for more intimate
encounters. |
From
the few visits I’ve had to Cargo Spa, the clientele seems to consist of a good mix of locals,
a number of tourists with everyone from jocks to businessmen. And take it from someone still learning French;
language does not seem to be an issue.
Photos courtesy of Cargo Spa. Merci!
