Relax and Indulge: How to Make Your Home More Spa-Like

Adding several spa-quality amenities can transform a home into a prime staycation destination. runna10/Getty Images

Think about what makes going to a resort so pleasant: lush landscaping; the sound of murmuring waterfalls; delicate aromas to soothe the soul; amenities such as huge, walk-in showers; relaxing seating areas throughout the property; and soft music playing unobtrusively in the background—all working together to create a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere.

Most homes don’t quite fit this description, but with a bit of effort, they can. Start slowly and add elements that deliver a big impact. The only constraints are time and money; the more of both that are available, the bigger and faster the transformation. The goal is to make home a favorite staycation destination and every day at home a pleasure.

When considering what to add, keep in mind that the goal is to excite four of the five senses: sight, sound, smell, and touch. Taste is a bit of a challenge, so perhaps leave that to the menu of “Home Spa.”

The bathroom is a great place to start a home spa transformation, making it a place to recharge and refresh with a soaking tub, walk-in shower, and thick, luxurious towels. Artazum/Shutterstock

First Things First

The easiest place to start may be at the home’s entry. If there’s a walkway or path leading to the front door, consider adding a bit of whimsical topiary, tinkling chimes hung from trees, intricate paver stones, fragrant flowering plants, or water features such as a burbling wall-mounted fountain.

When it comes to water features, lightweight fiberglass models are relatively easy to install, giving the appearance of vintage stone fountains at a fraction of the cost. Some are ready to use, powered by a small solar panel, while others require a source of 110-volt electricity. In order to create the sense of arrival one experiences upon arriving at a spa, the front door should be freshly painted and sport a clean, thick doormat, perhaps bearing a design or a welcoming phrase.

The secret to creating the spa experience is engaging the senses of sight smell, sound, and touch, with touches such as pleasant aromas, flavored water, textured floor coverings, and colorful art. Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock

Through the Front Door

Stepping inside, consider a fresh coat of bright white paint on the walls, with artwork sized to fit the room. Perhaps use a cabinet to display vintage knickknacks or other interesting objects. Ornamental rugs provide sensory input, too, creating a unique feel as they are walked upon—from intricate Persian or Oriental weaves to those crafted of natural fibers, including jute, sisal, leather, or wool.

Plants add texture and interest to any room, but there are many that actually help make it a healthier place to be. Species including ferns, jade plants, and snake plants can thrive indoors, where they not only produce oxygen but also purify the air by removing toxic substances. Using an electric air purifier is another way to enhance the “home spa” atmosphere.

One of the easiest yet most impactful “home spa” upgrades is using hotel-quality pillows and linens in the bedrooms. New Africa/Shutterstock

Resort spas aren’t cluttered, so keep the living room functional without being crowded, with comfortable seating for conversations or for lounging and enjoying quiet music. Take a hard look at the dining room to see if it’s time to upgrade with a new table, chairs, and overhead lighting. Refreshing or replacing the artwork on the walls can also create a more convivial atmosphere.

Whimsical landscaping accents create a sense of arrival, playing an important role in transforming a home into a spa. Yarygin/Shutterstock

Wellness Spaces

Most resort spas have a gym and a quiet room ideal for relaxing with a book and a steaming mug of aromatic tea, so determine if either an entire, under-utilized room is available, or even a section of a larger room. If the kids have left for college, their rooms are fair game to become a gym; a multi-station exercise system and a stationary bike or a treadmill can transform an ordinary room into a destination. Keep the spa experience going strong by equipping the gym with towels, a big-screen TV, and a source of chilled water.

Bedrooms can be upgraded to spa quality by changing out comforters and pillows for hotel-quality linens, adding throw rugs, adding a large-screen TV, and installing unobtrusive aromatherapy systems, being careful not to go overboard on scents that may prove annoying to the room’s occupants. For a spa-quality bathroom, at the very least, bring in thick, plush, hotel-grade towels and bathmats. If the budget allows, consider upgrading to a walk-in shower with a rainfall shower head, a soaking tub, and a towel heater. If there’s still cash available, replace the vanity and mirror, and install a floor heating system.

A koi pond with a waterfall feature can transform a boring backyard into a tranquil, relaxing refuge. ANI ROFIQAH/Shutterstock

Nature’s Paradise

In the backyard, add wind chimes; plants that create a dense, exotic environment; and water features. Fountains, and even koi ponds, are available in durable resin and can be installed by “handy” homeowners.

Create a secluded al fresco dining spot or a firepit. Set up a hammock to enjoy an afternoon siesta or a good book in the sun’s rays, where you can top off with a safe dose of natural vitamin D and enjoy how the warmth relaxes your muscles. Install outdoor speakers to provide a relaxing soundtrack. Overachievers may want to consider adding a jacuzzi and an outdoor shower with a rainfall head, but don’t forget a screen of foliage or bamboo to ensure privacy. Enjoy your stay at Spa Home!