We go to a spa to escape reality. We enter stressed, overwhelmed, and often feeling like life has the upper-hand. Yet, when we leave, we’re relaxed, our muscles feel loose, and like we can handle anything thrown our way. I have always worked to create homes for my clients that recharge, offering a similar feeling to being in a spa. But this requires astute attention to items and experiences that prioritize wellness, relaxation, and wellbeing. Here are the life-giving elements of my favorite spas that I incorporate into homes that leave clients happy, healthy, and replenished, ready to take on the world.
Mental and emotional cleansing begins with giving yourself ample space to stretch, breathe, and recharge.
Most spas take this seriously, offering relaxation rooms where oversize bed-like couches are made available, and soft, natural sounds are audible but do not overwhelm the senses. This can be mimicked at home by choosing seating that encourages lounging but gives enough support that the body can relax without becoming misaligned. Additionally, furniture for lounging should face relaxing, replenishing elements, like a window, fireplace, or even a television equipped with an app that plays rolling waves, thunderstorms, or serene lakes. Consider placing a diffuser nearby containing lavender oil to enhance relaxation.
Bringing natural elements into the home mimics the emphasis spas put on smooth wood and dark, lush greenery.
My recent interview with Paloma Teppa of Plant the Future reveals the power of biophilia and it’s incredible effects on the psyche. To bring these elements into your spa-like environment, you’ll want to choose hearty varieties that need minimal light to survive. You may try Aloe, Rubber Trees, or Peace Lilies. You may also check out Plant The Future’s online shop for elements like this moss heart.
The delicious, soothing sound of water may be harnessed quite simply.
Small water installations, like these from Serenity Health & Home Decor are simple to plug in and place in, or adjacent to, your relaxation space. For something bigger, you can work with a contractor to install a water wall, similar to these by Soothing Walls, which relax and replenish. You may also consider consulting your architect about a larger, more permanent, custom structure.
Let’s not forget, water is the essence of life.
From hot tubs to scrub rooms cool pools and more, water and spa-healing go hand-in-hand. These elements can be folded into your home quite easily by taking advantage of your existing bathroom space. You may also consider plotting out an area in your home that either remains clear or can be easily cleared for a masseuse to come in, set up, and give you a treatment. Depending upon your location, websites and apps like Priv can make this simple.
As we begin to see wellness becoming a vital part of the foundation of luxury, looking at spas for inspiration is a must.
Going to a spa should no longer feel like a treat. It should feel like an extension of the way we already live—prioritizing our health and wellness over everything else. If we are not living as though replenishment is a must, we are doing ourselves and everyone who interacts with us a great disservice. We have the power to contribute to positive, healthy, relaxed energy to the universe when our world needs it most. That contribution starts at home with an intentional effort to be well and stay well.
