Soothing music, a relaxing massage, fluffy towels and a gentle soak: which of us doesn’t dream of taking time out for some serious pampering from time to time?

For some of us, that’s exactly what it is, a dream. The reality is that not everyone has either the time or money to spend at luxury day spas, but you can take some much-deserved time to de-stress by recreating the spa experience at a fraction of the cost. Peace and quiet might be at a premium, but with a little advance preparation you can dispatch the kids, kick back and indulge yourself with some rejuvenating treatments in your very own home spa.

Creating the mood for a home spa

To make sure your home spa treatments are as authentic as possible, it’s crucial to create the right atmosphere. First, set apart a chunk of time from your day each month (or week if you can!) that is your designated ‘spa time.’ Let your family, or anyone else that lives with you, know that you’re not to be disturbed and turn off your phone to ensure there are no unwanted interruptions. Next, find some relaxing music. Destination spas achieve that spiritual calm by using tranquil sounds to create a soothing atmosphere. Go for sounds that are in tune with nature: think crashing waves and birdsong. It might sound cheesy, but it’s certain to deliver that spa-effect you’re looking for! For an added touch of spa-glamour, burn some invigorating incense, light fragrant candles, or place fresh flowers around the room.

Throw a home spa party

Make it a girls’ night by inviting your friends or sisters around for a special treat. Relax into fluffy dressing gowns, and have towels, cotton balls and cleansers at the ready. Chop up some fresh fruit, prepare some delicious juices or smoothies, and settle down for a pamper and a gossip while dad mans the fort for a couple of hours. Try giving each other hand massages, manicures and pedicures while you relax and put the world to rights. 

Going to a spa for rejuvenating facials or luxurious pedicures can be not only time consuming but also expensive – time and money being two things that come at a premium for mums and mums-to-be. But with the right products and a little effort you can achieve the same effects in your own home.

Home spa treatments

Once you’ve secured some time and set the mood, it’s time to get to work! Invest in some basic home spa equipment – like a loofah, pumice stone, friction glove and cooling eye mask. You’ll also need to invest in some products: here are some ideas to get you started on your home treatments:

1. Salt scrubs: using a good salt scrub is an excellent way to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin. Try Sanctuary Spa Essential’s Salt Scrub from Boots to get you started.
2. Specialist body creams: once you’ve exfoliated using your salt scrub, be sure to moisturise using a replenishing body cream. For instance, Sea of Spa Olive Oil body cream from www.deadseacosmetics.co.uk will leave your skin feeling wonderfully silky.
3. Face masks: select the right face mask for your skin type and your home spa treatment will give you a glowing complexion in no time. Can’t decide which to use? Temple Spa (www.templespa.com) is likely to have what you need.
4. Foot creams: once the rest of your body’s been pampered by your home spa treatments, don’t let your feet feel left out! Choose a luscious foot cream that smells delicious – like Burt’s bees Coconut Foot Creme with Vitamin E –and apply after treating your dry bits with a pumice stone.