Today’s quick pace and high-pressure environment have led to an increase in consumer demand for services that pamper.  As a result, over the past decade, the spa industry has flourished.  In response to people’s desire for a place to retreat from their frenetic, daily lives, the number of spas continues to grow steadily.

    The spa promises an oasis from a harried day -- an escape from the sounds of the cell phone, Blackberry, and all the trappings of modern living.  Since spa services can be time consuming and expensive, why not bring the spa to you?
    You need not spend a fortune to carve out a spa-like sanctuary in your own home.

The Home Spa: Setting the Mood
    
    Start by setting aside some time when you know you will not be interrupted.  A few simple touches can transform, if just temporarily, your own bathroom into a personalized spa.  Start by dimming the lights and using candles to provide soft lighting.  This will help you let go of the various to-do lists floating through your mind.  Candles with calming scents such as lavender are ideal.  Listening to soothing nature sounds can help drown out background household noises, as well as providing a meditative and relaxing mood.  You may want to purchase a sound conditioner that offers an array of soothing sounds.  Marsona makes several models that can bring the sounds of rain, waterfall, surf, and even doves into your home spa.

    You do not need to be at a professional facility to indulge in the spa luxuries and services that clients enjoy.  A luxurious bath in the comfort of your own home may be even more relaxing.  A few drops of an essential oil can be added to the bath to give it a more pampering feel.  Lavender is a natural relaxant and antidepressant that can also be used to treat headaches.  Eucalyptus is a decongestant, also used to treat muscular pain. Peppermint is also a wonderful energizer.  

    After the bath, you can use spa massage oil to moisturize your skin; Khepra Essence of the Nile massage oil has aroma-therapeutic qualities.  

    A self-massager can extend your after-the-bath spa experience.  Massagers come in many varieties, depending on your needs and budget.  A simple manual massager such as the Theracane Self Massager can be a nice addition to your home spa, allowing you to reach sore muscles and trigger points without the added expense of a professional masseuse.  A larger investment will allow for the purchase of an electric massager such as the Single Speed Jeanie Rub; this can help relieve deep-seated muscle pain easily.

Going All Out: Spa Equipment
    
    If you have the space and the budget, you can convert an entire room into a home spa without doing major renovations.  According to designer Heidi Karpa, “Easy access to plumbing will let you create a bath-oriented spa-retreat.  However, if access to your pipes isn’t an option, a fabulous spa space is still possible.”
 
    Karpa suggests purchasing a plug-in water feature and installing an at-home sauna. If receiving at-home spa services from a professional is an option, you may want to consider purchasing spa equipment for the room.  A spa table and chairs will truly “bring the spa to you.”  There are several varieties to choose from depending on your needs.  A stationary table would be appropriate for most converted-room home spas.  The Oakworks Classic Clinician Maple Massager is a sensible choice.  You can also find portable, electric, and hydraulic tables. A portable massage table can be purchased for as little as $200-$300.

    Indulge yourself.  When the kids are yelling and the dog is barking, escape without leaving the house; a home spa provides this ultimate luxury.