In today’s busy lives, we all need moments of peace and relaxation. We love nothing more than indulging in a luxurious day unwinding at a spa, but sadly it might not be as often as we’d like! With a few simple touches, you can create the next best thing - a calming retreat at home, allowing you to incorporate moments of recharge into your week.
Bring elements of nature into your space
Bring in freshness with potted plants like ferns or aloe vera. Plants not only improve air quality but evoke the calmness and serenity of nature. Opt for a neutral or earth-toned colour palette with shades of beige, white, or soft greens. Consider adding wooden or bamboo accessories like bath trays or soap dishes. These colours and textures help to create a peaceful, harmonious space.
Use the power of aromatherapy
Scent plays a huge role in creating a spa-like atmosphere. By incorporating essential oils and natural botanicals, you can transform your bathroom into a haven of soothing scents with aromatherapeutic benefits. This can be done through electric or reed essential oil diffusers, or infused bath oils and salts. Candles offer the added sensory experience of soft candlelight – but look for ones containing pure essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances for the most powerful benefits.
Switch off
Make the conscious effort to disconnect from your phone and the outside world so you can fully engage in self-care. Turn on some soft, relaxing music or play nature sounds in the background for a calming atmosphere. If you can’t quieten your mind, turn to a good book or incorporate a mindfulness meditation into your spa routine (try headspace.com). Focus on your breathing, and allow any stress or tension to melt away.
Indulge in a body and skincare ritual
A true spa experience includes a bath that not only calms the senses but cleanses and rejuvenates the skin. For the body, start with an exfoliating ritual with a natural scrub to polish the skin. Rinse off, then sink into a bath infused with bath salts (we add lavender flowers to ours) or hydrating bath oils enriched with natural botanicals such as rosehip, or sweet almond oil. These oils help lock in moisture, leaving your skin soft and radiant post-bath.
For the face, apply a hydrating or detoxifying face mask as part of your spa routine to calm and refresh your skin. You could also treat scalp and hair – apply a specialist mask and wrap hair in a towel for an intensified result.
Stretch out that spa-like feeling
After your bath, use a vitamin-rich face oil or night serum to hydrate the skin, and generously apply a body lotion or body balm rich in botanical oils - ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil help to deeply nourish and soften your skin.
Invest in high-quality cotton or bamboo towels and a robe that envelops you in comfort after your bath. The tactile experience of wrapping yourself in soft fabrics is key to staying in that spa-like state long after you’ve stepped out of the bath. And finally, enjoy a mug of herbal tea – we enjoy soothing chamomile for maintaining that relaxed feeling.
