How to Recreate a Great Spa Treatment at Home

Some of my best spa experiences have been while travelling on holiday. With busy schedules and daily life, it is often hard to make time to get away for a full spa day even in our own hometowns. So, why not bring the spa experience home?

Set the scene: Pick a weekend afternoon or evening that will allow you to block a few hours on your calendar. Depending on what self-care you want to do, you can raid your pantry for DIY facial supplies and body scrubs. Grab your favourite playlist and light a candle or turn on your essential oil diffuser.

• DIY Facial Care - You can do a steam facial and then go straight to a face mask to maximise the effects of both. Just be sure you start with a clean face.

• DIY Aromatherapy Steam Facial - Boil a large pot of water and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add your choice of essential oils and/or herbs. Some of my favourites to add are fennel or chamomile. Place the bowl in a place where you can sit comfortably with your face about a foot over the steam. You can also drape a towel over your head to maximise the effect. Aim to sit over the steam for about 10-15 minutes.

• DIY Face Mask - Did you know you can use a mashed-up banana as a face mask? Mash the banana up until it is the consistency of a thick paste. The vitamins help with dark spots, and wrinkles, and help to hydrate your skin. You can also add a couple of tablespoons of honey and about a quarter cup of yoghurt to the banana paste to act like an acne remedy.

• DIY Body Scrub - Round out your spa care with a great exfoliating body scrub that smells great too. I recommend you try the lemon scent option but lavender would work great too.

• Mix 1 cup of sugar with ½ cup of coarse salt together. Then add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon oil or olive oil, 15-20 drops of lemon essential oil. Mix and knead the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.

• Start with a warm shower to prepare your skin. Turn off the water while you add the scrub and rub in a circular motion to exfoliate. Resume your shower to rinse off the scrub and proceed to your normal skincare routine. Remember you can enjoy the scrub on most parts of your body but should avoid your face.

After a great spa routine like the facial and body scrub, you can round out your relaxation with a nice cup of hot tea or cocoa in your favourite cosy clothes while you take in a good book or movie.