And relax... the ultimate DIY spa guide
Recreating a luxury spa in the comfort of your own home is easy, great for reducing stress, and costs next to nothing, says wellbeing expert Marjorie Knowles-Kerr
When the weather’s cold and wet outside and winter seems never-ending, it’s the ideal time for some self-care.
And who doesn’t love some luxury spa treatments when they need a little boost?
But with the cost-of-living crisis putting spas out of reach for many people, there is an easier, cheaper alternative – a DIY spa at home.
“The perfect spa experience is easy to recreate at home. It’s all about attention to detail – the feeling of comfort, the scent, the music, the atmosphere,” said spa manager and wellbeing expert Marjorie Knowles-Kerr.
“You don’t even need a therapist, you can relax and unwind just as effectively on your own – and for free – using items and ingredients found around your house.”
RELAX YOUR SENSES
Your spa room can be anywhere, from your bathroom to your bedroom. When you’ve decided which, think of all five of your senses in turn, and how best to relax them.
Sight: There are no bright lights in a spa, and being in a dimly lit room is instantly soothing. So dim the lights, or turn off the big light in favour of a soft lamp or even twinkly fairy lights.
Scent: Spas are designed with relaxation in mind, with careful attention paid to fragrance. Think about which scents relax you, and bring them into the room with you.
Touch: Guests are given fluffy robes to wear at a spa, with jeans swapped for swimwear. So get comfortable. If you don’t have a dressing gown, try your softest pyjamas instead.
Hearing: Music can transport you and is key to relaxation. Block out background noise with instrumental pan pipes. Search for spa music on Spotify or YouTube.
Taste: You are often offered a drink before, during or post treatment at a spa.
So brew a delicious herbal tea. Choose something noncaffeinated to help you unwind.
YOUR SPA SET-UP Step one: What do you want?
We need different things at different times in our lives, at different times of the month, and even at different times of the day. This is why every treatment at a spa begins with a consultation to find out what a client wants. So ask yourself what you’d like to get out of your spa experience. Are you struggling to sleep and need to switch off? Do you want to feel invigorated? Set an intention.
Step two: Scents of occasion
Adding scent to your self-care time will differentiate it from the rest of your day. What you choose comes down to personal preference, and also what you have to hand. You could light a scented candle or add some essential oil, fruit peel or rose petals to hot water. If you choose the latter, take a few moments to inhale the aroma before placing it on the side. If using essential oils, try: Lavender – the ultimate calming scent, ideal for before bed. Chamomile – a subtle floral aroma that calms the mind.
Geranium – gently floral, good for relaxation, particularly during your menstrual cycle.
Clary sage – often used in menopause-specific spa treatments, this is potent yet soothing.
Thyme – herbaceous, it’s an uplifting and invigorating fragrance. Step three: Shake it off
It’s time to release the stress of the day and a quick visualisation will help you to do this.
1 Close your eyes, take several deep breaths and imagine you are on a beautiful beach.
2 Be specific about what you can see – are you lying in the sun or are the waves lapping at your feet? Do you have a drink in your hand? Or a book?
3 Look from one end of the beach to the other, taking in the huge expanse of sky above and the sand beneath the feet.
4 Stay there for a minute or so, before opening your eyes. Step four: Start with a footbath
A footbath is often used in spas to welcome a guest as it’s known to instantly relax and soothe.
Fill a washing-up bowl, large pan or mixing bowl with warm water. Add Epsom salts or bath salts if you have them, as well as a cup of apple cider vinegar – which makes a great natural foot soak and softens skin.
THE HEALING POWER OF TOUCH
When it comes to wellness, massage is so important and you can reap the benefits alone.
Tennis ball back massage
You may think a DIY back massage is impossible, but you’d be wrong.
All you need is a tennis ball or an orange. Sit on the sofa and press it between the back of the sofa and your shoulder blades.
Make small movements so the ball moves up, down and side to side, massaging away any areas of tension.
For massage, sit on the sofa and press the tennis ball between your shoulders
Cold spoon facial
Pop two spoons in the fridge until they’re cold, then use them to de-puff the area of skin around your eyes.
Apply a few drops of facial oil or coconut oil to the undereye area, then run the backs of the spoons around your eyes. ●Marjorie is the spa manager at The Landings Resort and Spa (landingsstlucia.com)