By Emily Royal Wellness 30.09.2025

8 Simple Ways to Make Your Bath Feel Instantly More Luxurious

Bathing salts, body oil and more: the ultimate checklist for your most relaxing bath experience.

The ritual of bathing can be more than just basic personal hygiene. If you are lucky enough to have a bathtub at home, you really should be treating yourself to highly luxurious baths on a regular basis. If you aren't? We recommend that you keep reading.

Picture this: a stick of incense, the quiet crackle of a bath bomb dissolving in a tub of steaming hot water. Add a fluffy cotton towel and linen robe waiting close by, and the sounds of a relaxing podcast or mellow playlist.

Bliss.

And despite societal conditioning's push to be productive at all times, you really don't need to feel guilty about taking time for yourself. Luxuriating in a bath now and then (or regularly) is really just a concentrated form of self-care – and we all know how important that is when it comes to maintaining our overall health and wellness.

With just a few simple and inexpensive changes to your bath-time arsenal, you can easily have your own luxury spa experience without ever leaving the house.

Below, follow our guide on how to transform your basic bath into the self-care ritual you deserve.

1. Put a ban on (most) technology

We all struggle with "switching off", some of us more than others, but taking technology out of the picture to reduce any feelings of overstimulation can do wonders to help you unwind.

Leave your phone, tablet, laptop, smartwatch and anything else that beeps and buzzes in another room. Now is not the time for the clutter and dopamine jolt that being online brings. The exception? Adding some soothing tunes to score your chill-out session...

2. Select your soundtrack

Press play on some music that is conducive to relaxation – nothing fast or too loud that might make you want to dance (been there). Think: ambient soundscapes, classical piano, smooth disco, movie soundtracks, neo-soul, laid-back R&B, '90s ballads – whatever chills you out and keeps you that way for at least an hour or so.

Prefer podcasts? Sue an episode or three of a relaxing show. Alternatively, if you find the ambient noise of your natural environment the most relaxing, skipping the added soundtrack might actually help you shift into relaxation mode.

It's important to keep your device out of arm's reach and on silent to avoid distractions, so plug it in somewhere far from the bath. You might also be tempted to stream some episodes of your favourite series while you soak, but the experience will be more effective if you are not looking at a screen the entire time.

3. Run your bath, add a sprinkle of salt

While you're drawing the bath, take the time to indulge in some dry body brushing to exfoliate and revitalise your skin. Then, to instantly elevate your bath experience, drop in some therapeutic bath salts for a soak with skin-loving and muscle-soothing benefits.

Look for blends that contain a mix of Epsom or sea salt for a dose of magnesium, carrier oils like coconut or almond oil for added moisturising benefits, and if you like yours with some fragrance, calming essential oil blends like lavender, frankincense and bergamot.

4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Soothing as it is, a hot bath can also be dehydrating since the heat causes sweat and fluid loss, so it's a good idea to keep a carafe of water within reach to replenish as you relax.

But why settle for a standard glass of H2O? Go for day spa-level decadence and jazz up your water with some fresh fruit and herbs for added flavour and health benefits. Sliced cucumber with mint is a classic, but if you favour brighter flavours, step on the citrus side and infuse yours with lemon and lime. Or for something both sweet and fresh, try a fruity-floral combo with strawberry and hibiscus.

If you prefer a hot beverage, you can also prepare yourself a pot of herbal tea. Chamomile or lavender are both excellent options to aid relaxation. While you sip, spend a few minutes doing some calming breathing exercises.

5. Set the mood

Dim the lights, or turn them off completely. Then, light a candle or burn some incense – or both! Just as long as the scents complement one another. We recommend notes like lavender and eucalyptus for creating the right mood for a relaxing bath, especially if you are enjoying yours right before bedtime. Take advantage of the forced stillness and consider it the perfect time to meditate. Just close your eyes, breathe in the tranquil scents that surround you, and allow yourself to be transported.

6. Treat yourself

Next, why not a face mask and hair treatment? Choose your go-to or do your own DIY face mask using ingredients from your kitchen. As for your hair? The bath is an opportune moment to enjoy an oil treatment (think argan, coconut or almond, depending on your hair type) as you really have time to let it do its thing. Warm a handful between your palms and then massage from roots to ends. Twist your hair into a knot while you continue relaxing, but be sure to shampoo and condition once you're done. Since you've used a dry body brush already, go ahead and use a luxurious shower oil to leave your skin feeling ultra-soft and revived.

7. Rinse and dry

Once you transition out of peak relaxation mode, you'll feel refreshed and filled to the brim with calm energy. Rinse off under running water, then reach for one of your good towels. No, not that discoloured beige beauty that's been kicking around since your first share house. Now is the time for our colourful 100% cotton towels made from plush, two-ply yarns for a cocooning softness you'll want to stay wrapped up in for a while. Did you know that they're naturally moisture-wicking and come in complete sets as well?

8. Get comfy

Finally, slip into a linen robe while you (gently) tidy up. While you're momentarily busy, sneak in a quick 10-minute oil pulling session and then put your tongue cleaner to work. Be sure to crack a window or leave the fan on to allow your bathroom to dry off completely. Now is definitely not the time to dwell on it, but bacteria thrives in dampness.

Complete the self-care cycle with a full-body moisturiser, then take another sip of water and go and live your best, most blissed-out life.