Whenever things start to feel insurmountable, I imagine being whisked off to a country manor where I’m painstakingly scrubbed, pummelled and steamed until I look like new. But given that many of us are staying close to home 24/7, it’s looking less likely by the day.
So, when an email popped up asking whether I’d be up for transforming my poky one-bedroom flat into a tranquil spa haven with a little help from the new collections at Very, I couldn’t have replied faster. All in the name of serious investigative journalism, of course.
I added some luxe to my living space
The trouble with relaxing in your own – and in my case, rather small – space rather than a fancy spa is that all your clutter (think laptop, phone and that weird workout contraption you never use) is constantly in your eyeline, judging you. Nobody wants to be thinking about the emails they’ve ignored while trying to enjoy their clay mask.
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Luxe finishes
My advice? Hide it all (in my flat that meant piling everything up on top of the fridge). Then replace the unsightly stuff with luxe soft furnishings – I went for pretty throws, soft, velvety cushions and white sheepskin rugs, as well as lots of greenery. The final touches? Candles and mood lighting – who knew what an impact a few gently dimmed lamps would make? So spa, so good (sorry).
I set the mood with scent
As a new owner of a miniature dachshund puppy, my flat’s signature fragrance is verging on ‘eau de dog’, which clearly won’t do for the five-star spa experience. Having already lit one of my all-time favourite candles (Cowshed’s ‘Cosy’), I went around spritzing some delicious-sounding (and smelling) sleep mist in every room.
Scents-ational
I then ran a bath and liberally chucked in some Aromatherapy Associates bath oils – the soothing aromas drifted beautifully around my whole flat. It smelled so good, in fact, that my dog actually tried to get in the bath with me – probably the closest I got to a couples treatment…
I dressed the part
The first thing that happens when you go to any plush spa is they hand you a fluffy robe and slippers to pad around in all day. For my at-home experience, I chose a silky pair of striped PJs (with pockets – the holy grail!), a warm, fuzzy gown and furry slippers. The only downside? My dog thought my slippers were actually alive, which meant prising them from her jaws at regular intervals, which wasn’t super-relaxing.
Five-star loungewear
I also tried out a really comfy loungewear co-ord – perfect for making the distinction between day and night (or in case you need to take the bins out).
I pushed the boat out on beauty products
My daily skincare routine is pretty straightforward, and I usually avoid anything too time-consuming. But no one rushes around at a five-star spa. Time is irrelevant. So I seized the chance to really go for it, using scrubs and targeted treatments, before covering myself in luxurious oils that take a while to sink in, along with powerful scents that I’d normally swerve for the daily commute (remember that?).
Pampering kit
My favourite new discovery? The Organic Pharmacy’s Enzyme Peel Mask not only leaves skin inexplicably bright and dewy, but the postman can’t tell you’ve got it on – bonus.
I thought of all the little extras
To really amp up the experience it’s imperative you pay attention to the finer details too, from the piles of soft white bath towels to the background music. A Spotify playlist that my yoga teacher sent me really added to the blissed-out ambience (though in hindsight I wish I’d click ‘repeat’ to avoid interruptions from Biggie Smalls when it finished).
Finishing touches
And while I couldn’t quite muster up the five-star culinary experience, I did find a box of Lindt truffles I’d forgotten about, which I savoured with a post-pampering G&T.
In retrospect, I probably should have also unplugged my electric doorbell, as I’m not sure the interruption from my neighbour about the repainting of our communal hallway really added much to the zen vibes. Still, I’d class the experience as a total success – yes, I’m still dreaming of the real thing, but I feel and look much brighter, and I got the best night’s sleep I’ve had in ages.
Now, if only I could train my dog in massage…
Shop your cosy new season loungewear and indulgent soft furnishings at Very
