How to Create a Spa-Like Space on Any Budget

With holidays just around the corner, it’s easy to pin all hopes for rest and relaxation on those two weeks over Christmas and New Years. But what if you could create the perfect zen experience in your very own home. From the perfect relaxation playlist to spa-like showerheads, here’s just 5 ways to create a rejuvenating, spa-like space for you to enjoy any day of the week: 

1. SET THE MOOD

To create the perfect zen escape for your at-home spa, only a few minor adjustments need to be made. First, lighting. Turn off those pesky fluorescents and surround yourself with one (or seventeen) of your favourite candles. We are obsessed with scented candles as they also bring some aromatherapy to the table, but the humble tealight candle will do the same job and is probably already sitting in a drawer in your kitchen. Worried about flames? Dim lighting and a room spray will also set the perfect mood.

No relaxation experience is complete without music. Whether you want to keep it classic with rainforest sounds, use soothing strings to release tension or unwind to a perfectly curated playlist of your own making, make sure it’s enough to drown out any annoying noises – cough, kids, cough – just make sure it’s waterproof. Need something that won’t annoy the neighbours? Waterproof headphones are the perfect solution.

Nothing is better than getting out of a bath to a warm towel, so make sure to switch on the heated towel rack. Mindful of the energy bill? A fluffy bath robe has the same delightful effect. Now, one final touch before you're ready for the most relaxing bathroom experience of your life. Pour yourself a cup of herbal tea, or hey, grab a glass of wine. You deserve it.

2. SOAK IT UP

Now that the mood is set, it’s time to get that bath running. The perfect spa-experience starts with the perfect bath. From this round beauty to the super stylish fluted range, there’s a bath for everyone!

Don’t have a bath at home? No problem! Keep a blow-up bath in the cupboard for emergencies just like these and pair it with a showerhead that creates the spa environment in your own shower, from rainfall for a light touch to hand-held, with its various functions creating different bubbling effects! Or want to make the whole, spa-at-home experience easier? Buy a spa bath!

But there’s more to the spa experience than just… water you can soak in. If you want to keep things simple, grab some Epsom Salts from the grocery store, the magnesium will soothe all your aches and pains. Want something more fun? Bath bombs will turn your water every colour of the rainbow. Or if you want a more aromatic experience, there’s plenty of essential bath oils to choose from.

3. SCRUB-A-DUB

After you’ve soaked for the appropriate amount of time (aka, you’re all pruny) and your muscles feel relaxed and those aches and pains aren’t so noticeable, it’s time to scrub-a-dub-dub. You can’t beat an exfoliating scrub, but a loofah or exfoliant mitt will also help get circulation going, leaving you naturally glowing for hours after.

4. NOURISH YOUR BODY AND MIND

A spa experience isn’t just physical. It’s also about calming yourself, quietening your mind and lowering your cortisol levels. It’s about nourishing your body AND your mind. Once you’ve stepped out of the bath, the ritual isn’t over.

Make up a glass of your favourite wellness drink while you pamper yourself. Take your vitamins. Radiance starts from within. Put on a meditation playlist and really ground yourself.

Take the time to really love and care for your skin. Self-care isn’t just about making sure your skin is soft, it’s about nourishing the body we live in. Moisturise all over. Whether it’s the homebrand one already sitting in your bathroom cabinet, or a special occasion whipped tallow balm, take the time to love all your nooks and crannies. Apply the same level of love to your face.

To lock in all the moisture we’ve spent cultivating, apply an oil and you’ll be positively radiating health and vitality for the rest of the day. Want to up the ante? Do a round of red light therapy with an LED face mask.

5. KEEP THE GOOD VIBES GOING

While the bath experience has reached its natural end, there are some easy ways to keep the good vibes going and lock in the effects of a spa experience. Face masks can be done 10 minutes before bed and are an easy way to keep the skin glowing and hydrated. Keep a handful of masks in your drawer.

The impact of good quality skincare cannot be understated. Book a one-time appointment with a dermatologist and learn exactly what your skin needs. Skin is everything, and the difference hydrated and glowing skin makes on the quality of a day should be studied. Incorporate a gua sha into your daily routine. The traditional Chinese technique helps with lymphatic drainage and gets the blood flowing. From a small one for your face to a full-body experience, there’s a gua sha for everyone.

Red light is proven to reduce inflammation, improve skin health and increase quality of sleep. With a smart bulb, switching to red light just before bed is an easy way to get all the goodness of red light therapy without too much hassle.

Get a massager. Whether it’s something small like a head massager, a therapy gun or a massage pillow, those knots and aches can be remedied without a trip out. Want to feel luxurious and pampered every night? Grab some silk pyjamas (100% cotton or 100% linen will also work) and good bedding and you feel like you’re on a retreat every night of the week.

With hundreds of little adjustments available to create the perfect relaxation retreat in your home, there’s no excuse not to be glowing every day of the week. So stock up on those bath bombs and face masks and thank us later.