20 small indulgences that turn your bathroom into a spa (or at least make it a little more spa-like)

I have a confession: I’m a bath addict. If I’m stressed, need quiet time that doesn’t involve a screen or actually want to read more than a few pages in a book, I make a beeline for the tub.

This bamboo bath tray will make you feel like you’re in a resort’s jacuzzi tub, not the one you share with the whole fam. With safety slots for your beverage of choice, spot for a candle and book holder, you’ll be escaping in no time. (And don’t worry about accidentally dumping your goods into the water. According to one reviewer it could “stay secure and balanced through an earthquake.” Agreed.)

Plants are the perfect way to bring instant spa vibes. This one thrives in medium to low indirect light and is easy for beginner plant parents, so it’s ideal for bathrooms that often don’t have a ton of direct sunlight. True story, I put mine on the shelf about six months ago and have basically completely ignored it since. It looks as perky and happy as ever. There’s even new growth! (Apologies to the countless other varieties I murdered along the way.)

Or, if you’d rather not have to think about it at all, you can always go the fake route. This one is petite, but perfectly sized for a small shelf and looks so real my partner even watered it once. (You can imagine how that went.)

If you can’t get some quiet time, you can at least jam out to your favorite music while taking a few minutes to yourself. This portable bluetooth speaker will easily connect to your phone and since it’s JBL, the sound is super impressive. And, don’t worry, water splashes and shower steam won’t interfere with the sound quality. We’ve had one parked in our bathroom for a couple years and it still sounds as good as new.

When was the last time you upgraded your razor? I’m not sure what magic makes this razor so great, but it provides such a close shave and never irritates my skin. The 5 sharp blades are surrounded by charcoal shave soap for an extra-deep clean, too. This kit comes with two blades and a magic magnetic holder to keep it safely stored away in the shower (and is just $10!).

While we’re at it, let’s upgrade your shaving game all the way around. I initially learned about the magic of Tree Hut’s Shave Oil from my teen (who obviously found it on TikTok) and though she’s only been shaving for like a year, she already knows more than me. Not only does it allow the razor to glide oh-so-perfectly, it also leaves my skin incredibly soft and moisturized. I’ve not gotten a single nick, cut, or case of razor burn since I swapped and quite frankly, I’ll never use anything else.

One of the easiest ways to switch up the bathroom aesthetic is to swap out the shower curtain. We’re obsessed with the minimalist look and feel of this waffle shower curtain from Boll & Branch. Crafted from organic cotton, it adds a bit of texture and luxury to even the smallest bathroom.

Made for solo or partner soaks, these hand-harvested blends infuse your bath water with nourishing vitamins and minerals for a spa-like experience at home. The Soak features dead sea salts infused with your choice of three signature scents which calm the senses and lingers on skin, while the unscented Bath moisturizes with coconut milk. Each one is equally delightful and can even be used for foot or hand soaks when you don’t have time for the whole shebang. And what spa isn’t filled with delightful glass amber jars?

If Folklore was a bath bomb, this would be it. Infused with geranium, Sicilian lemon and literal rose buds (seven each, to be exact), this dreamy bath bomb from Lush is an indulgent fave. It’s made from all natural ingredients which never upset my “systems” if you catch my drift, and it leaves skin feeling soft and silky. The fact you’re floating amongst flowers and it’s etched with the words “I choose to love myself just as I am” seal the deal–it’s the queen of bath upgrades.

Let’s be real. A bath isn’t always in the cards. Also, not everyone loves a bath. But that doesn’t mean a shower can’t be equally relaxing and luxurious. I’ve got two words: shower steamer. These gorgeous nuggets of aromatherapy turn even the most unaesthestic shower into a five star spa if you close your eyes. I’ve tried a bunch, but these are my ultimate fave. The peppermint and eucalyptus scent is just the right potency and are the ultimate treat when you’re feeling under the weather. (And even when you’re not!) Just put it on the floor of the tub out of the direct stream of water and it lasts through at least a couple showers.

Similarly, this super refreshing and transportive spray makes your everyday shower just a little more spa-like. The notes of spearmint, bergamot mint, and pachouli lend a bright pick-me-up to early morning rinses and it lingers impressively throughout even longer affairs. I’m already on my second bottle.

Though my pref would be to lie face down on a hammam table and be scrubbed down head to toe by a strong-handed professional, I’ll settle for this dreamy scrub in the meantime. I’m not sure what sorcery makes it light years better than any other, but I’m a bit of a connoisseur and that’s my assessment. The mineral salts combined with seaweed, shea butter, safflower seed oil, and a touch of lavender oil make my skin incredibly soft in a way that lasts all day long. It also never dries out or separates, staying fresh to the very last scoops.

Last fall, I wrote about my love for the Motif Abundance Cleanser which is one of my top product discoveries of 2023. Yes, of course its effectiveness is a big part of why I love it, but honestly, I also simply love the ritual. The gorgeous texture, natural ingredients and subtle spa-like scent makes it such a treat to apply and because of that, my twice daily face washing has become almost a meditation. Sometimes I add in a couple face massage techniques while it sits to take it the extra mile!

Of course, an at-home spa experience wouldn’t be complete without a face mask. And guess what? You don’t even have to break the bank. You don’t even have to spend as much as you would on a Starbucks order. This super hydrating and soothing sheet mask from Burt’s Bees is a top-rated fave that I always slip into our Target cart. It’s made from natural ingredients which are gentle on my sensitive skin and soaks in, leaving behind soft and supple complexion. You don’t even have to rinse it off. Just rub in the excess once you’re done relaxing and let it do its thing!

The perfect post-bath moisturizer, the firming oil from Esker goes on smooth and absorbs quickly to hydrate, tighten and pamper skin. (I’m a total oil addict and this one always remains a favorite!) The fresh, citrusy scent is energizing and uplifting, and transfers to my bedsheets in a way that makes me love returning even more than would otherwise.

And why simply rub oil on when you can roll it? Pamper yourself just a little more with this oversize (and doubly awesome) jade roller. Just glide it over your face and body to create a simple yet enjoyable daily ritual that instantly soothes and over time reveals skin that is toned, firm, and glowing. It’s designed to increase stimulation, break up fascia which causes tension and puffiness throughout the body, and helps to absorb and boosts the effects of your favorite treatment oil or product.

At all times, I have at least three candles in every room. Lighting them makes a space feel more luxurious and the aromas send me straight into self-care mode. My current obsession is one I found at a market in Montreal that smells divinely sultry and (if I’m being honest) a little bit like the good kind of trouble. It’s hand-poured with a wooden wick that crackles, adding an additional layer of sexiness to the whole experience. In a word, the candle is just a whole vibe.

You’re going to have to end your spa session at some point, so why not do it by wrapping yourself in the absolute best towel on the planet? The cult-favorite Onsen waffle-weave bath sheet is one I initially discovered via an actual spa before realizing they’re beloved in all corners of the internet, including Wirecutter. The puckery construction, combined with their 100% cotton fabric ensures they dry quickly (and no shrinking!) which means no gross smells or bacteria breeding grounds. Only cushy, dreamy softness.

Step out of the shower directly onto an extra-thick (and oh-so-soft) bath mat. This one from Brooklinen comes in four classic colorways, two sizes and can be machine-washed, just use a tumble cycle for drying. The piping details make this look like it’s made for a hotel suite.

Yes, this is technically for little ones, but I’m here to tell you that it makes the best bubbles. It’s gentle, plant-based and smells delicious. Even better, the coconut oil, aloe, and avocado oil leaves your skin nourished.