Treat yourself to a spa experience at home

Whether you treat yourself for the whole day or even just an hour, there are real stress-relieving benefits from drawing a bath or applying a mask. Here is our guide to creating a spa experience at home. And sure, it may not be the deluxe spa package at a five-star hotel, but you got to enjoy those small luxuries when you can, right?

Decide whether you’ll stick to just your bathroom or incorporate another space, like the bedroom. Then, set about creating a calming sanctuary that doesn’t feel like your normal home with smells, sounds, and sights of a spa. Because it’s easier to relax in soft lighting, use candles and lamps — Himalayan salt lamps are especially good, as they produce a soothing pink-orange glow. 

Use an essential oil diffuser, scented candle, or incense to create a serene scent. Wanting to restore balance? Centring cedar or sandalwood will help. Planning to sleep after your spa treatment? Sleep deeper with the help of lavender or juniper. 

Complete the spa vibe with a soothing ambient playlist. Meditation music is ideal. And don’t forget to have your fluffiest towels and comfiest slippers to hand, and put that phone away!

A spa isn’t a spa without some feel-good treatments in the form of a facial or foot massage! Pick one of the following or feel utterly renewed by trying all of them in your DIY spa experience at home!

Facial: Indulge in a blissful 3-step facial at home. First, cleanse and exfoliate your face so that your skin is ready to absorb the mask’s goodness. Next, apply a mask. There are loads of facemasks out there, from cream to clay, and from sheet masks to exfoliating ones. Try and pick one that suits your skin type and its current needs. Finish up by applying a toner once you’ve removed the mask. 

Hair mask: Nourish and deep condition your locks. Just like face masks, there are different masks for different hair types and needs. Look for a hair mask containing natural ingredients like oils and plant extracts, without chemicals and preservatives.

Dry brushing: Go for glowing skin with full-body exfoliation. Dry brushing increases blood flow and rejuvenates the skin by stimulating collagen production. Using a soft but firm brush, start at your feet and brush in small circular strokes up towards the heart.  

Pedicure: Show your feet some love. Soak them before filing away dead skin, trimming nails, and doing some cuticle care. Then apply a basecoat, nail polish, and a topcoat. Sandle season, here you come!

Self-massage: Soothe your muscles and release tension. Some places are hard to reach, but there’s no reason you can’t massage your feet, hands, neck, and shoulders with the help of some nourishing oil! And, if your partner’s home, you could ask them to do the honours?

Any spa worth their salt has a relaxation area. Grab a book or magazine and herbal tea and sit for a while to let the treatments take effect.

Some spa treatments can get a little messy. Finish your home spa experience by soaking in the tub. Epsom salts are great for soothing muscles. Or, try a seaweed bath! Apart from living out your mermaid fantasy, a seaweed bath detoxifies, remineralizes, and improves circulation.

No bath? No problem! Experiment with shower oils and body scrubs. You could even bring a garden chair into the shower and sit in the steam to let your pores open. 

Treat yourself to some well-deserved me-time. And, while you are at it, why not try some self-care rituals to keep the good vibes flowing year-round.