By: Natasha Archary
As much as we’d love the relaxation that a spa experience can offer, it may not be a practical expense for most households at the moment.
2022 did not start on a positive note, with a war currently underway, the rising costs of petrol and cost of living means we’re all tightening our spend.
The luxury of a spa retreat doesn’t have to put further constraints on your budget and you can recreate a pamper session in the comfort of your home.
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Scented candles
There’s always something so inviting about a spa, not just the tranquil ambience and calming décor but the gentle scent wafting through the air. Spas create a relaxing experience for patrons, and it’s easy to recreate at home.
Scented candles or essential oils in a diffuser can transform your regular baths. With loadshedding set to be a constant occurrence in our lives, stocking up on scented candles is not just convenient but essential for spa nights too.
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Luxury towels
If you’ve ever been to a spa before, one of the most enjoyable parts of the treatments is when you’re given a hot towel to cleanse your hands. It is comforting and leaves your skin feeling refreshed.
A good set of bath towels that are super absorbent, soft, and freshly laundered in the bathroom makes all the difference in transforming your bathroom into a spa for the day or night.
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Rose petals or lavender strands
Flower petals in a bubble bath don’t just photograph well; the natural oils in rose petals and lavender can help moisturise, leaving your skin soft, smooth and lightly scented. Lavender also aids anxiety and relieves stress and tension.
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Bath salts
If you want to feel like you’ve just had a full body massage, soak in a hot bath with some salts. Epsom salt is a cheap fix to relieve sore muscles, regulate blood pressure, and helps heal your skin.
The magnesium is great to bring down inflammation and swelling from injuries or ailments such as arthritis. Mustard bath is another therapeutic option for post-workout pain. It helps soothe lactic acid build up in muscles that make you feel stiff the next day.
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A foot file
After a long soak in the tub, use the file to gently buff the soles of your feet to remove any dead skin and hard calluses. This will save you from spending money on pedicures, and is so easy to do on your own. Softening your skin in the hot bath will make buffing easier.
Nothing comes close to a spa day, but with petrol at almost R22/litre and another steep hike expected, it comes down to prioritising the necessities in budgets vs luxurious wants. So grab these 5 bath essentials for a DIY spa experience.
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