Nearing the end of the year with another long list of events and to-do activities that have been ticked off, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a (more than likely) well-deserved day at the spa. Well-being is an essential part of our lives that we may not necessarily pay as much attention to as we should, but it can have a significantly positive impact.
If you have never been to a resort or spa where, rather than a boutique lunch menu, you’re treated to a ‘treatment’ buffet, then the time is now. A spa day is likened to stepping out of this world and into an environment where ambient music is on repeat, soothing aromas of lavender and citrus waft through the air, and everyone is seemingly floating from one room to the next. This tranquillity is not just something we see in the movies but a day of rejuvenation that will transform our lives – albeit for the moment, away from the busyness that is life.
The benefits of a spa day and what to pack in your bag when you go
Other than a rare quiet moment for yourself, visiting a spa has many advantages, and being prepared to maximize this time of enjoyment will make the experience all the better.
First and foremost, it is undoubtedly a trip that will help you unwind and relax, but more so dissolve the stress built up from work life, managing schedules, and keeping on top of things in our day-to-day lives. We hold a lot of tension in our physical body, not to mention mentally, so detoxing and cleansing this weight can make you feel heaps lighter.
The treatments at a spa vary by what you are looking for. Some are great for promoting circulation throughout your system, such as massages, saunas, and wraps, and others aid in energy-boosting treatments so you feel refreshed and less fatigued. You will notice how much better you sleep after a day at the spa, whether it be back at home or if you are staying overnight at the facilities, you feel lighter and calmer and drift off to sleep without a fuss.
And while this all sounds as heavenly as it does, and trust us, it is, taking your home comforts with you will take your day to the next level. There is nothing cozier than feeling your own bathroom or loungewear wrapped around you to put a smile on your face.
Packing your bag
There are many things we could take with us to the spa, but we also don’t want to arrive with luggage fit for a week’s vacation, so refining it to the essentials is just as important. This list of 5 curated must-haves will help keep your belongings in a weekender-sized bag, but still ensure you aren’t left wanting more;
· Flip-flops
This is first on the list because the last thing you want is to be walking from the bathrooms or showers to the pool or treatment rooms’ barefoot (eek)! Flip-flops are the quickest and easiest to pop on and off and are small to pack. So grab your pretty pink flip flops that perfectly match your fresh pedicure, and walk in comfort and style.
· Swimwear
There are great bubbling pools in spas. Sitting in the thick of a bubbling Jetstream is an excellent massager and is perfect for just closing your eyes and quieting the noise.
· Spare towel
Towels are plenty in treatment rooms and in the swimming areas, but it can never hurt to have a spare on hand. Perhaps you need to wrap up wet clothing or wrap up your hair after a hot shower; a towel will never go unneeded.
· Comfy clothes
It is no secret we all have loungewear that when we climb into it, we just want to cuddle in front of a fire or on the sofa with a good book. This will top off that feeling of relaxation, like the cream and cherries on your favorite sundae. You’ve been massaged, oiled, de-stressed, and detoxed, and now you can relax in the hotel room in your comfy without a care in the world.
· Toiletries
A spritz of your much-loved scent and a quick lick of mascara before heading to lunch is a wonderful last-minute touch to wrap up a great morning and feel like yourself.
Our health means more than just hitting the gym 3 days a week, mental and physical well-being is equally important. So be sure to book your spa day, check the list of what to take with you, and enjoy a well-deserved day out.