Garden Spa
With a little bit of imagination, you really can relax at home. Here’s how to turn your garden into a spa for the day.
There’s nothing quite like a spa escape, yet even people with dedicated self-care rituals don’t manage to make it happen very often.
But what if you had everything you needed in your back garden? Plot a date in your diary for spa and ahhing at home. It’s easy when you know how…
1. Consider a hot tub
We know. Hot tubs cause great debate. Are they a wonderful luxury or an attention grabber owned by couples who have pampas grass in their front garden? The answer is what you make it, but if we had a spa day planned, chilling out in a pool of hot bubbles is going to work wonders.
There are many varieties to choose from, whether you’re going all out with a wooden structure, or taking advantage of the many affordable blow-up options. And if all else fails, there’s always the paddling pool.
2. Invest in loungers
Lounging about is an absolute necessity at the spa. You can’t just sit – you need to stretch out. They’re another item of garden kit that can cost a fair bit. We love Homebase‘s Folding Rattan Sun Lounger in Grey €232.75, visit homebase.co.uk.
3. Embrace some beauty rituals
When the spa must come to you, you need an array of skincare goodies to prep, preen and perfect. We recommend keeping life simple and opting for masks.
Sheet masks for the face involve no mess, are super easy to use and suit any budget. Try Face Facts Regenerating Pineapple or Brightening Strawberry Sheet Masks at just €1.15 each from B&M, or push the boat out with Temple Spa‘s The Contourist Firming & Brightening Sheet Masks, €58 for six. A cooling spritz is always good to have on hand, and you can slather coconut oil in your hair and pop on a towelling wrap for a transformative fix.
4. Play relaxing music
Music definitely has the power to force you to relax. Play some chilled tunes or pick a spa-themed playlist from Spotify, close your eyes and drift away. And if you struggle to switch off at home, our top tip is a Spacemask Self-Heating Eye Mask €17.95 for five, from meagherspharmacy.ie– you simply open one up, place it over your eyes and loop it around your ears. As the eye mask gently warms up, your shoulders are guaranteed to drop. They’re pure heaven.
5. Make sure there’s enough shade
Every bathing beauty needs some shade to hide beneath, especially if the sun should decide to make an appearance (we can only hope). If you don’t have a beautiful old bushy tree to nestle under, a parasol is your next best bet. ManoMano‘s Outsunny Patio Garden Umbrella With LED Lights €94.30, will provide shade when you need it, and should day turn to night, the LEDs will transform your space into a twinkling sanctuary.
6. Quench your thirst
There are always drinks at the spa, so stock up on herbal teas, prepare a jug of lemon or cucumber water, and you can even buy some fancy ready-made cans. We love Aldi‘s Fleurs De Prairie Sparkling Rosé for some bubbles, just €12.99 a bottle and divinely delicious. You can even set the drinks out on a fancy garden bar or trolley. B&M‘s classy looking Karina Bailey Drinks Trolley is just €35, and is perfect for holding all your liquid treats.
7. Let the therapist come to you
We all love a massage at the spa, and the one in your garden doesn’t have to be any different. Lookup mobile therapists in your area and book a treatment for some truly indulgent pampering. Utter bliss.
Woman’s Way Picks-
1. Yours Forever Candle €35, visit flourishemporium.ie
Top Tip: As the candle melts, you can use the warm, scented oil as a massage oil. Perfect for de-stressing.
2. Cécile Stoneware jug with Bamboo handle €19.95, visit theirishcountryhome.com
Top Tip: It’s important to keep hydrated, especially if you’re in and out of hot tubs all day. Fill this jug full of lemon and mint ice water for a cool and refreshing drink.
3. Helsinki Airjet €1,099, visit douglasforestandgarden.ie
Top Tip: This hot tub has Freeze Shield Technology which means you can use the hot tub all year round, not just throughout the summer months.
4. OGX Extra Strength Argan Oil of Morocco Hair Mask €10.49, visit tesco.ie
Top Tip: While you’re in the hot tub, why not lash on a hydrating hair mask? It’s the perfect time to throw your hair up and let the mask work its magic. Relaxed muscles and shiny hair, what could be better?
5. Voya Detoxifying Seaweed Bath €22, visit voya.ie
Top Tip: Keep the seaweed in its net so you can reuse it for your next spa day.
6. Neom Wellbeing Pod Essential Oil Diffuser €129, visit marksandspencer.ie
Top Tip: If you want to reduce stress and relax, try a lavender essential oil in your diffuser. If you want to feel reenergized, try a lemon-scented oil for a boost.
7. HAVSTEN 2-Seat Sofa €415, visit ikea.com
Top Tip: Changing the main accents of furniture is an easy way to give your space a new look, at a low cost. Try navy cushions for the winter!
8. Led Bluetooth Speaker & Wine Cooler €199, visit meadowsandbyrne.com
Top Tip: Chill your favourite bottle of bubbles while listening to relaxing wave sounds… if you close your eyes, you could be in Club Med!
9. Premium LED solar string lights with 60 LEDs €15.90, visit lights.ie
Top Tip: In the winter, put these lights into large mason jars for a candlelit effect indoors.
10. Melrose Sun Lounger €399, visit marksandspencer.ie
Top Tip: Remember to take in the cushion and keep the lounger somewhere dry when it rains!
11. Bamboo Small Lantern €39, visit thewhitecompany.com
Top Tip: If you already have some garden lights hiding in the grass, these are beautifully atmospheric when placed on the dinner table in the evening.