The Ritual of Bathing

Long before the current global pandemic, the wellness movement was advocating that we take time for practices that encourage self-focus and the wellbeing of both body and mind. Self-care is a conscious act, vital for our physical, mental, and emotional health and for building resilience toward those stressors in life that we can’t eliminate.

Throughout August, National Wellness Month reminds us to focus on self-care, on reducing stress and establishing healthy routines. A bath might not be able to solve Covid-19, but we have long known the benefits of bathing rituals, and the soothing, restorative and revitalising effect of taking a bath. As one immerses their body in water, one instantly feels the positive impact on mind, body and soul.

Custom Bath at Crown Towers Perth, WA                   Lunar Bath at Lon Retreat, Point Lonsdale VIC

Research has shown that there can be meaningful and long-lasting physical and psychological advantages to regularly submerging yourself in warm water. Bathing has been proven to improve skin conditions, relieve muscle pain, and perhaps even reduce the risk of heart conditions, by increasing blood flow and circulation – which also promotes healing in general. In addition to the physical benefits, taking a bath encourages restfulness, privacy, quiet and contemplation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and allowing both body and brain to relax and restore.

As passionate bath enthusiasts, we thought we would share our ritual and spark your journey of self-care and wellness.

Haven Bath at Four Seasons Kuwait, Kuwait City

Time
The most essential step is to set aside the time. Close the door, disconnect from the world outside and focus on your routine or ritual.

Temperature
Fundamental to a restorative bath is water temperate. Definitely a personal preference, some find a hot bath immediately soothing, while others believe in the health benefits of cooler water. A warm bath that is a few degrees above body temperature seems to be best for your skin and immune system.

Haven Bath at Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Luxurious infusions
As you fill your bath, add a cocktail of herbs, salts or oils to the hot water to infuse them. Not only will these add additional healing, or invigorating properties to the water, but scent can really influence our mood. Be present when filling the bath, the sound of running water is almost meditative and the infused steam can help relieve all sorts of aliments.

Lunar Bath in the Spa at Hyatt Regency Thessalonika, Greece          Lunar Bath at Lon Retreat, Point Lonsdale, VIC

Setting the mood
Think about each of the senses when setting the scene – lighting, scent, sound and touch. Natural, or gentle mood lighting can be either uplifting or calming, scented candles create a soft glow and have the added benefit of scent, affecting concentration and emotion. You may prefer to soak in silence, focusing on breath and meditation or listen to a relaxing playlist to still the mind, or connect you to nature or fond memories. A brush, gentle exfoliant or soft cloth, used in rhythmic motion, adds touch to the experience.

Lunar Bath at Anantara Naladhu Resort, Maldives

Ensure you have everything you need within reach and will be comfortable. A bath pillow or rolled towel will support your head and neck and a soft fluffy towel or bathrobe nearby, is essential to complete your experience. A long, hot bath can be dehydrating so ensure you have water, tea or even a glass of champagne nearby for that extra luxurious, sensory indulgence.

Sublime Bath at Lon Retreat, Point Lonsdale VIC                Reflection Bath at Williamstown Residence, VIC

The ritual
Your personal bathing ritual may be soaking for a long time with a book, listening to something to stimulate your mind, meditating, or a routine of beauty treatments. Whatever your ritual is, be mindful of each step in the routine, aware of each sensation and appreciative of the time you have given yourself to focus on your self-care.

Made to Measure Haven Bath at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

The space
There is more than one way to enjoy the ritual of bathing. You may be fortunate to have a beautiful private bathroom sanctuary at home, or book a getaway in a fantastic hotel or retreat with a sensational tub and view. For a truly indulgent routine, a spa treatment with a bathing element might be the most restorative of all.

Take the time. You deserve it!

Custom Lunar Bath at Akyra Manor Chiang Mai, Thailand