Create an at-home spa retreat
What does the perfect spa day entail for you? I regularly treat myself to an aromatherapy massage at a day spa here in the city. I like to take advantage of the extra amenities on-site as well while I am there (I love the steam room!). Part of the draw are the calm surroundings and relaxing atmosphere which make the experience feel like an escape.
During our quarantine time, we’re missing those luxuries, and it can be hard to devote the time and personal space for self-care, especially if you’re isolating with kids! I encourage you to carve out a bit of time for your personal needs, to bring back a sense of normalcy and relaxation to this crazy situation. To inspire you, here is a short guide to creating a simple spa retreat at home.
a few of your favourite things
Gather up your favourite soap, lotion and bath salts (pick up a bag of Epsom salts or a naturally-scented soap at the drugstore during this week’s errand run), and display them together on a beautiful tray or in a basket. Keep scents and products light and natural for an authentic spa experience. Choose a couple of your nicest fluffy towels and roll up face cloths alongside, to use with your hot bath, or with your face mask. Put away any surrounding bottles and random bathroom items so that your mind relaxes and wanders, rather than getting distracted by the clutter.
create a spa atmosphere
You’ll want to enjoy a feeling of luxury during your “away-time”: light that beautiful candle you were gifted during the holidays, and add it to the display you’ve created. Pour yourself a glass of chilled wine to sip during your bath (yes, we’re indulging ourselves during this quarantine!), or create a refreshing infusion of cucumber or fruit water. Be sure to shut out the outside world for a while by finding a playlist to quietly stream as you relax. Reading is my ultimate escape, so a book is also a must for me.
In any environment, lighting plays a big part in setting the right tone. I am famous for installing dimmers *everywhere*, and the bathroom is no exception. If you’re blessed with a bathroom dimmer, you’re already ahead of the game. Alternately, consider plugging in a small lamp (well away from the sink or bathtub, please!), and using candles for low-level ambient lighting.
treat yourself
I normally don’t often sit still long enough at home to indulge in a face mask, but here is a super-simple recipe (using items you probably have on-hand) for whipping up a bonus facial treatment for your spa time.
You’ll need these ingredients:
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 sprig of rosemary
4-5 tbsp. greek yogurt (more for a thicker consistency)
1 tbsp. honey
Instructions:
Roughly chop rosemary
Melt coconut oil in a small sauce pan and mix in rosemary
Simmer this mixture for 8-10 minutes, rosemary will begin to lose its color
Remove from heat and strain rosemary pieces from the mixture (discard rosemary)
Add oil to a mixing bowl and let cool slightly
Before oil has solidified, but has had time to cool, mix in greek yogurt and honey
Refrigerate for 10 minutes to ensure your mixture is cold
Makes 3-4 masks (be sure to schedule more spa sessions!)
Store in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks
face mask recipe adapted from, and image courtesy of, A Fabulous Fete