How to Create a Relaxing Spa Experience in Your Home
We think we can speak for everyone when we say that a day at the spa is a relaxing experience no other can match. The warm pools of water, the massages, the sauna, the scented candles, the calming music, the subdued lighting – the whole package is just amazing at soothing the senses and rebooting your system.

The history of spas is an interesting one, probably originating, like most things, in Ancient Rome. It wasn’t until the 1300s in Belgium, though, that the first “modern” spa was founded. A health resort was built in a small town named Spa, after the discovery of some natural springs and their healing powers. From then on, as the years went by, these resorts became more and more common. They developed and upgraded, and ultimately resulted in the spas we have today; modernised, but still very much connected to their origins.
Spas are all about the thermal waters, the heat, and their healing abilities. The name supports this claim. The word “spa” originates from the name of the little town the first spa was founded in, which is derived from Latin. When translated, Salus Per Aquam (SPA) means health through water. Interesting isn’t it?!
Hopping back to modern times, spas are all around and easily accessible. Sadly, not all of us have the time to take a trip to a spa whenever we feel like we need a bit of rest. Most of us are pretty busy and the spa is seen as a special treat. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? If you have a backyard and some space in it or a big enough bathroom, you can create your very own spa experience right there in your home.
Creating a Spa Experience at Home
It does take a bit of work to put together a nice spa experience in your home, but it will be so worth it in the end! As we mentioned before, a spa isn’t really a spa without the wonders of the warm, circulating water. So, that’s where we’ll start our journey. Depending on how much space you have and the experience you want, you can choose between a swim spa and a hot tub. You can conveniently find these types of spas online or at physical stores.
Swim Spa

Can you swim in a swim spa? Yes, you can. Can you have a relaxing spa experience in a swim spa? Yes, you can. A swim spa, or pool spa, is a luxurious blend between a pool and a spa. Featuring a separate area for swimming and a separate spa area, it truly is the best of both worlds.
The swimming area is usually deep and wide enough for you to take a swim, do aquarobics, have hydrotherapy sessions, or anything else you’d do in a regular pool. The size of the swim area depends on the size of the swim spa itself, so you can look around and find the one with the ideal measurements for your needs and space.
The swim area can also have different features. It can, for example, feature a stand-up massage wall, which is basically a section of the area where multiple jets are installed. These jets move the water around, creating an aquatic massage experience for the whole body. Very enjoyable and highly beneficial for your health, such a feature can definitely come in handy and add to the whole relaxing spa effect.

The spa section is also dependent on the swim spa’s size. Each model can accommodate a different number of people and offers different features. Essentially a hot tub, it has seats installed, which are perfect for lounging and relaxing while numerous jets create an amazing massage effect! Every seat can have a different number of jets for different types of massages, or they can all be the same. It’s your choice!
A really interesting feature of the swim spas is the temperature setting. Your swim and spa sections can have different water temperatures! If you fancy a swim in colder water, but want your massage a bit warmer – no problem! The swim spa is totally customisable.
When looking at swim spas, remember that you can find spas online and order, or you can visit a location and try them out! Don’t rush your choice because there are many models. Take your time.
Spa Tub
If you don’t have the space for a swim spa, don’t worry! Your spa experience can come in the form of a spa tub! Not limited to the backyard, a spa tub can be installed on a patio, a terrace, inside your home, or anywhere else you see fit. A spa tub is also known as a hot tub.
A very popular item since its invention in the ’60s, the spa tub has been a symbol of wealth for a long time. However, times have changed and a spa tub is now accessible to anyone! Featured in basically any commercial spa you visit, it’s essential for relaxation and hydrotherapy alike.

This kind of spa comes in various sizes, able to fit different amounts of people. It can be a two-seater, enough for just you and your partner, or it can feature seats for up to eleven people or more! This diversity is great if you’re someone who loves to entertain! Your guests will adore the new addition to your home!
Your spa tub can also have a different number of jets. The jets are responsible for moving water around, creating various types of massage experiences. More jets mean more diverse massage options as water is being moved around from many different spots.
Just like swim spas, hot tubs come in many models and sizes, each one offering something different. Take your time when looking around. They are quite the investment, and it’s best to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth!
Sauna

Moving on from the water-based experiences, we come to another great spa-like feature you can have in your own home – the sauna. Extremely popular around the world, especially in Nordic countries, the benefits of visiting a sauna are endless.
Aside from providing thorough detoxication of the body, time spent in a sauna can help with the overall health of your skin, can improve the functioning of your heart, can aid with muscle soreness, and, of course, can relieve you of any stress and tension you might be experiencing.
There may be different types of saunas in spa facilities, but the ones most suitable for the home are infrared saunas. Available in different sizes, they can fit a total of either two or four people at a time, providing a completely customisable experience with many, many health benefits. Also, infrared saunas are eco-friendly, as they don’t use up much energy when working. They’re easily assembled and can be moved if you decide you want to place them somewhere else or are moving houses. They heat up fairly quickly and their construction makes sure all heat stays inside, eliminating loss of heat and with it, more energy.
Infrared saunas can have a different number of heaters and heated features. Some even come with specialised foot heaters that can greatly help with injuries and overall relaxation alike. Far from uncomfortable, they can come with contoured seats, an aromatherapy dispenser, and even an air purifier, making sure you reap the full health benefits of a sauna experience at home.
Don’t Forget the Final Touches!

No spa experience can be complete without the right atmosphere. You can have all the technology in place, but without the right additions, it will just not feel the same.
To round up the whole spa experience in the home, make sure you have appropriate, subdued lighting. When entering your home spa, such lighting will help you relax much easier, signalling to your senses that you’re entering a soothing space made specifically to destress and detox the body. Avoid using harsh, white lights or ceiling lighting. Shaded lamps and string lights are two ideas you can consider.
Candles will also add to the relaxing atmosphere. Whether scented or unscented, the facts about candles suggest that they come with many benefits. They calm the mind, improve our mood, and promote better sleep. Just like a fireplace, their flicker is soothing for the eyes and creates an amazing, restful atmosphere.
Another thing you should invest in is a good surround system to play calming tunes through. You can make your own playlist of favourite songs or choose from a wide variety of spa-friendly music available on the internet. Having a surround system in place is important because the music will hit your ears from multiple sources, submerging you into the relaxing atmosphere you’ve created for yourself.
Final Thoughts

Having a spa in the home will do wonders for your mental and physical health. Look over our list and pick the items you think will make the most difference for you. After all, when in an actual spa, everyone has a preference and a favourite section they spend the most time in. Combining hydro and heat therapy together is optimal, but you can choose between one or the other, depending on your wants, needs, and available space.
Another thing to keep in mind is maintenance. Make sure to always have spa supplies on hand and schedule regular maintenance. Keep an eye on pH levels and research optimal ways to maintain the functionality and hygiene of your spa. If you don’t want to do it by yourself, hire someone to do it for you. Only a healthy environment can promote your own health.
Always remember to leave work and worries outside your spa space and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer!