Create a Private Spa at Home

Bath and Body Home Spa Treatment without the Fuss and Expense

Sep 29, 2009

It is surprisingly easy to turn a simple bathroom into a wonderful day spa treatment.

So, you want to pamper yourself with a little spa-time, but you don’t really have the money and/or the time to go to a spa. This does not mean you’re completely out of luck.

Make A Private Home Spa

This is easier to do than most people seem to think. Creating the soothing, relaxing, pampering atmosphere found in a spa can be duplicated at home with little cost or effort.

Creating a Spa Atmosphere

If it isn’t already, and it is possible, choose a nice soothing color for your bathroom, like soft pastel cool colors – blues, greens, even lilacs. If that isn’t an option, consider getting some inexpensive sheets or shower curtains – the Salvation Army and thrift stores can be great for this – and hang them in the bathroom when spa time is wanted.

Some aromatherapy candles that match the color scheme and have soothing or relaxation properties can do amazing things for the general atmosphere of your private spa. Lavender, chamomile, clary sage, geranium, bergamot, sandalwood, rosewood, cedarwood, and ylang-ylang are all essences to watch for here; they are known for their relaxing aspects. Of course, most sources are ‘blends’ or aromas, rather than individual ones, so just look for soothing or relaxing blends.

Aromatherapy Products and Other Things to Have on Hand for a Spa Experience

Bath oils also add greatly to the overall effect. Sunflower and Sweet Almond oils are both wonderful for the base when creating a bath oil. Add a few drops of your chosen aromatherapy essential oil – those listed above, or any whose scent is particularly liked – and store in an attractive glass container, made of cobalt or amber glass if it can be found (avoid clear, uncolored glass unless it is the only choice) as this will help extend its shelf-life. Add about 2 or 3 teaspoons of the bath oil to your bath when you draw it.

Epsom salts are a wonderful addition to any home spa equipment. You can combine a few drops of essential oil directly with the salts and mix thoroughly for a soothing salt bath soak for sore muscles; or, combine the Epsom salts, kosher or dead sea salt, and grapeseed oil to create a body salt scrub that exfoliates and seals in moisture.

Have a small selection of scented soaps and body scrubs and face masks on hand you can choose from when treat yourself. Many spas and similar places have samples that can be taken home, or sell inexpensive sample sizes. Also be sure to have ready a few thick, soft all-cotton washcloths and towels; these can be kept nice and soft by only using them for spa days.

Move a tape or CD player into the bathroom, and find some nice relaxing music; nature sounds or soft classical work well, or new age soft music, such as Enya or Loreena McKennit. This can really make the difference between ‘just a bath’ and a true relaxation experience.

Settling in for the Spa Treatment

When ready for this relaxing treat, draw an extra-hot bath, and add any salts or oils that are going to be used. Allow it to stand for at least ten minutes, to allow it to heat up the surface of the tub and diffuse the salts or oils through the water.

While letting the water sit, go make a nice warm mug of a relaxing tea – chamomile works wonderfully for this, or a mix chamomile and mint, or any other soothing tea that is preferred – and take it into the newly made spa to sip while enjoying the warm bath.

Have some lotions ready for a little extra pampering after the bath itself, and to keep skin soft and moisturized.

Check to make sure the bathwater isn’t still too hot; once it is a pleasant temperature, light the candles, turn the other lights out or down, and enjoy!

The copyright of the article Create a Private Spa at Home in Spas is owned by Genevieve Kiger. Permission to republish Create a Private Spa at Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.