Posted on July 06 2020
Not all of us have space for a watsu pool, salt grotto or crystal steam room. But a few simple touches can help turn your bathroom into a sanctuary within your home. A restorative retreat where you can cleanse body, mind and soul, and boost your sense of wellbeing.
Set the scene
A relaxation space should be uncluttered, says Chris Musangi, president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) UK. Very few things should be visible. Put what you can in a cupboard. A few decorative pieces can help set the ambiance. A plant or two, candles or fragrance sticks.
Even the way you store your towels can make a difference. Have a couple of luxe towels on display, rolled with care, as they are presented at the spa. Assign some shelving space for your towels.
Brighter colours lend the space a fresher, cleaner feeling, while darker colours can be more serene and soothing on the senses. Chris recommends a mixture of both. Timbers are often used to soften spaces like treatment rooms in spas, while wet areas tend to use porcelain and stone. Dimmable lighting is a must, giving you the option to adjust the ambience according to your mood.
Engage the senses
Incorporate elements that refresh and relax all your senses: sight, smell, taste, touch and sound included. Set the mood with comforting music. Instrumental songs without lyrics will help your mind to focus, free from distraction. A subtly scented candle and dimmed lights will add to the serenity.
Wrap yourself in a soft and luxurious bathrobe. And remember to have a refreshing drink nearby, such as a glass of mint and cucumber water.
Load up on hot towels
A facial to cleanse, exfoliate and nourish your skin is a great way to wind down and refresh. Facial steaming, a homoeopathic remedy that involves placing a towel over your head to envelop your face in a cloud of steam, helps to clear out clogged pores and softens the skin.
Rather than running back and forth to the sink, load up on soft cotton towels. Soak them in hot water, then wring them out until they’re slightly damp. Hot or cold they can then be used to cleanse your face and wipe off any product, leaving your skin feeling supple and refreshed.
Simply Better Towels
Made of 100% Turkish cotton.
600 GSM: soft and plush
Enhance your bath and shower
Make your bath even more inviting by adding a bath salt to help to treat sore muscles and relax your body, preparing you for a tranquil night’s sleep. A few drops of an essential oil such as lavender will help calm body and mind, or plump for a more sumptuous oil which will further soften your skin.
Turn your shower into an experience. Larger shower heads, including some hand showers, allow you to adjust the spray, giving you different water jets and mists. Some even have scents. All you have to do is unscrew the shower head and replace.
Leave your technology outside
However you choose to indulge, those messages, alerts and calls can wait. Give yourself a moment to escape the demands of daily life. Calm your mind, body and soul. Boost your wellbeing.
