Get that holiday feeling at home

If your summer plans are up in the air, don’t despair. Elizabeth Archer finds out how to create a vacation vibe without leaving your front door

With the cost of living crisis, and flight chaos sweeping UK airports, many people will be tempted to avoid going away this summer. But don’t worry – you can easily harness the benefits of a relaxing break from the comfort of your own home.

From cooking up a feast from your favourite vacation destination, to turning your bedroom into a hotel-style sleep haven, our experts reveal their top tips on how to recreate that holiday feeling.

Make a change

“The point of a holiday is to take some time away from your daily routine, as all the ‘need-tos’ and ‘shoulds’ of life can tire us out,” says life coach Phil Drinkwater.

“So when thinking about what to do at home, choose things you love but wouldn’t usually do because you lack the time or energy.

“It could be catching up on a favourite TV programme, reading the stack of books that’s been piled up beside your bed, or pottering in the garden.

“Whatever it is, make sure it’s something which brings you joy – your time off isn’t a time to catch up on chores.”

Set the scene

You don’t have to go on holiday to feel as though you’ve been somewhere new. Instead, create a new atmosphere in your home by making a few small adjustments.

“Move the furniture in your room around, or treat yourself to a few bouquets of flowers from the supermarket. Place them in vases around your home to give a feeling of luxury,” Phil says.

“You could even order a takeaway breakfast and eat it in bed to make it feel as though you’ve ordered room service.”

That hotel feeling

There’s nothing better than sliding into crisp, fresh sheets when staying at a fancy hotel.

“Bed linen can really impact how luxurious your stay feels,” says Ash Read, interiors expert at Living Cozy (livingcozy.com).

“Why not pamper yourself by choosing new bedding with a high thread count, and imagine you’re in a five-star hotel instead of your own bed?” And if you’re really going for all-out luxury, how about buying some fluffy new towels?

“Choose towels made of pure cotton. Invest in whole sets that include a bath towel, hand towel and washcloth, as having the whole bathroom match will give you that hotel experience.”

Create a feast

“One of the best parts of travelling is tasting the local cuisine,” says travel expert Jessie Moore, of pocketwanderings.com.

“This is an easy experience to replicate at home. Why not have a themed dinner party, with food and drink from a region you’d love to visit. Cook up a delicious dinner of Spanish tapas, accompanied by flowing sangria to transport yourself to sunny Spain.”

Search your local supermarket for ready-made Spanish tortilla, cured meats and cheeses, olives and stuffed peppers.

“Or seek out some mouth-watering Greek recipes to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your home,” Jessie adds.

Head outdoors

One thing that makes holidays feel special is the amount of time you spend outdoors.

“You can recreate this feeling at home and make the most of the light evenings and balmy weather we get in the UK during summer,” says Jessie.

“Create a mini beach set-up in your garden with deck chairs, and make your favourite cocktail.

“An Aperol spritz will remind you of Italian evenings spent soaking up that dolce vita lifestyle – add three parts prosecco to two parts Aperol and one part soda.”

Scent of summer

“Our sense of smell can trigger the release of dopamine – a feel-good hormone – to lift our spirit and mood,” says Sarah Cox, therapist and founder of Zephorium (zephorium.com).

“One of the most powerful ways to recreate that holiday vibe in your own home is using different aromas.”

Think about the scents you associate with being on a relaxing break. “Look for candles or diffuser oils with jasmine for a heady night-time scent,” says Sarah. Or why not try neroli?

“This most prized scent from the blossom of the orange tree is warm and honeyed with a hint of early spring fields packed full of the promise of summer.”

Try adding a few drops of Zephorium Truth and Integrity Neroli Essential Oil Blend, £18, to your night-time bath for instant holiday bliss.

Create a mini beach set-up in the garden and make your favourite cocktail