Spa Bath

Spa Bath, Natural Products

A luxurious bath is the easiest way to spa at home. The trick is to set some time aside and make it special.

Step 1: Set the Scene. Start with an impeccably clean bath room and tub.  Stock it with your best towels and natural products. Be generous, this is your spa time. Dim the lighting, perhaps with candles. Nice!

Step 2: Draw the bath. Add some combination of Epson salts (great for sore muscles), sea salt, baking soda or coconut milk and scent with rose petals or your favourite essential oil(s). Luxe!

Step 3: Soak your troubles away. Inspiring!

Step 4: Repeat often. Spa bath time is essential to the art of living well.

Related posts: Mineral Hot Springs, Sweet Orange Essential Oil, Water and Hydration.

Fresh Cut Flowers

White Oriental Lily

I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ~Claude Monet

Flower's are inspirational: They smell beautiful, lift the spirit and give your space a spa feel. Sir Elton John spent a reported half million on flowers in just 18 months. Truth is, you can indulge the luxury of fresh cut flowers for very little cost. I purchased these magnificent lilies from my local Home Depot garden centre for less then $8.00. Gladiolas are now in season and can be purchased for just $0.50 a stem. I pick up a bunch weekly from my grocer and arrange them myself. Once you start, you will indeed tap into your creative resources and design ever more interesting bouquets. Here I have combined  navy blue gladiolas with a heavy crystal vase. Perfect to add interest or brighten a dark corner. Simple, pure, fabulous!

Navy Blue Gladiolas

Remember: Fresh flowers will last longer if your trim the stems and change the water daily.

Banff Upper Hot Springs, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Buzz: Bathing in natural mineral hot springs is the ultimate in rejuvenation. Hot mineral spring waters reduce muscle tension while increasing blood circulation that will make you feel simultaneously relaxed and energized. Negative ions contained in thermal waters are said to detoxify the body and positively contribute to the treatment of physical and chronic conditions.

Located: The Upper Hot springs are located on Mountain Avenue, 4 km from Banff Village across from the Rimrock Hotel and the gondola sightseeing lift (also worthwhile).

What are Hot Springs? Thermal waters rich in minerals that are naturally heated deep in the earth. First Nations people have traditionally used the "sacred water of the mountains" for its healing powers to revive the body and the spirit. There are hot springs on all continents in many countries of the world.

What to bring? Your best bathing suit, sunscreen, towel and flip flops.

Initial impressions: The Banff hot pool is perfectly situated among the lodge pole pines with panoramic views of the Canadian rocky mountains. The water at 39°C (103°F) has a slight sulphur smell from the mineral composition in Banff. The waters are very warm but comfortable. Change rooms are clean and have ample facilities for changing, showering, etc.

Review: Bathing in natural hot spring waters is simply feels great. Located in an awe-inspiring setting amidst that fresh mountain air is a truly inspirational experience. I try to getaway to a hot springs pool at least annually - it is a spa girl's mecca. Inspiring!

Open: Year round.

Cost: Adult day pass $10 plus $1 for a locker.

Tip: Mornings and evenings when and when the air is cool are the best times to visit.

Add ins: Pleiades Spa (massage, facials, body wraps, body polish), gift shop, cafe and ice cream situated in a historic stone spa and bath house.

Area activities: gondola, hiking, golfing, horseback riding, rafting, mountain climbing, world class skiing...

Other great rocky mountain hot springs: Ainsworth, Radium, Fairmont.