5 essentials for a relaxing bubble bath

by Ellen Macpherson-Webster on Sunday 12 January 2025

3 min read

Let's face it, sometimes you need to shut the door on life for an hour or two. Enter the ultimate relaxation ritual: the bubble bath. Whether you’re recovering from a workout or blowing off the cobwebs after a tough day at work, there’s nothing like sinking into some hot water to make you feel zen. Take your next soak to new heights with these five bath time essentials.


Set the mood with lighting

Overhead lights are for dentist waiting rooms, not recovery time!

Turn your bathroom into a five-star spa experience by setting up a couple of dimmable lamps or well-placed candles. If candles are for you, go for unscented or lightly scented options. That way, nothing will compete with the scent of your bath oils.

If you’re worried about fire hazards but still want the warming glow of fire, go for a battery-operated flameless candle.


Set up a hydration station

Let's talk drinks. Whether you enjoy a cheeky glass of wine or are cutting back on the booze, it’s a good idea to bring a drink that'll keep you hydrated. Some drinks we recommend are:

  • herbal iced tea with fresh mint
  • cucumber- or fruit-infused water
  • a zingy kombucha, or
  • sparkling water with a slice of lemon.


Soundtrack your soak


Sometimes a little background noise helps us zone out. So, if there’s an album, audiobook or podcast episode you’ve been meaning to listen to, get out the waterproof Bluetooth speakers and tune in; bath time is the perfect time to listen. Not sure where to start? Try:

  • storytelling podcasts
  • meditation guides
  • gentle nature sounds
  • soft instrumental tracks
  • white noise.


Sprinkle in some salts

The most relaxing bubble baths might not contain any bubbles at all!

Bath salts can help your body recover faster. Different salts do different things. Epsom salts are packed with magnesium, so they’re great for easing post-workout aches and reducing inflammation. Himalayan pink salts, on the other hand, can help improve skin hydration.

Bath salts are generally unscented, so level up your relaxation even more by adding some essential oils to the mix. A few drops of lavender oil might even help you sleep better, and a good sleep is the best recovery method of all. 


Get comfortable with accessories

All the relaxation in the world can be ruined by a stiff neck or a pulled muscle. It might be worth investing in a bath pillow to support your neck and a bath caddy to keep you from having to reach too far for your drink. A bath caddy can also help you avoid the disaster of any books or electronics falling into the water.

And remember - your zen time doesn’t need to end when you dry off. After your bath, grab a fluffy towel, a cosy robe and some soft slippers to keep your rest and recovery going. Your post-bath self will thank you.


Chill out away from home

Can't create the perfect bath at home? No worries. Check out Virgin Active’s wellness spaces. From meditation spaces to spas and saunas, we've got everything you need to reset after facing the daily grind. If you’ve never visited before, we’d love to show you around.

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