Today, I reached the office earlier than usual. I poured myself a good cup of coffee and sat staring out the window. The weather was finally better than the harsh, hot days of the last few weeks. But looking out, I realised that it was cloudy with a chance of being mundane. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. But the post-covid schedule of commuting every day, being presentable at all times and the thought of unending social interactions had me craving a good break. Something a little different than my current ‘daily’.
While a vacation to Europe or Maldives would be great, unfortunately, I couldn’t possibly afford a trip–I don’t have the money for it and neither the time. With important projects coming up at work, I can only go for a weekend away. And the best way to get pampered, rest it all out and immerse in self-care within my budget is to check into a hotel, even if it's just a block away.
Staycations have become the easiest, cheapest and most convenient alternatives to holidays. Just take a day off close to a weekend and allow the nearest hotel to spoil you with all the treats you deserve. I mean, there’s nothing more relaxing than staying in a luxurious room with a bath and a view, room service, spas and pools at your mercy. And the perfect staycations include a bottle (or two) of wine, and indulgent skin and body care routine. I’m talking about products that you get too lazy to use at home or you just can’t use unless you have a nice bathtub (shoutout to bubble baths). Listed below is everything I would pack for my weekend staycation.
A Stress-Relieving Soak
Imagine a hot bubble bath waiting for you in a bathroom lit up with scented candles, your Spotify playlist playing in the background, and a bowl full of strawberries and cream sitting by a glass of sparkling wine. Yup, no one can deny the power of a good bath. And it’s fair to say that a good soak can truly chase away a bad day. After a long day, I lean to the Soulflower bath salts in lavender and rose geranium, Bath & Body Works Eucalyptus Spearmint Soak, and Victoria’s Secret Tease Creme Cloud Bath Salt.
Love Is In The Hair
It can’t be emphasised enough–your hair deserves some extra TLC every now and then. The weight of your daily stress along with environmental aggressors and pollution can have an adverse effect on your scalp and hair. So, during your staycation, indulge in a hydrating, calming and strengthening hair mask. Look for nourishing ingredients like olive, onion, macadamia, and fermented rice water. I personally love using the Plum Olive & Macadamia Mega Moisturising Hair Mask, and the Nykaa Naturals Fermented Rice Water & Bamboo Hair Mask.
Bubble Sheet Masks
Downtime always feels incomplete without a good ol’ hydrating sheet mask. The best part about sheet masks is that it’s fuss-free and you can just slap one on between errands or deadlines for a quick boost of hydration. However, if you’re planning a holiday, I deeply recommend getting your hands on a few bubble sheet masks and unwinding (preferably with your favourite cocktail by your side?). I’m currently in love with the Nykaa Skin Secrets Volcanic Ash and the Colorbar Bubble Away Sheet masks.
Find Your Sole-mate
People say pedicures are the cheapest version of therapy, and boy are they right! A good foot scrub and massage can make your day (or week). And while hotel spas can be ridiculously expensive, some amazing at-home foot care products can boost the health of your feet. I’d start with an exfoliating and softening foot scrub like the mCaffeine Naked & Raw Coffee Foot Scrub and follow it up with the Innisfree Special Care Mask–Foot. Don’t forget to moisturise after your mask. I use The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector.
That Buttery Glow
Right before you tuck yourself into the soft, silky bedspreads of a luxury hotel room, make sure you carry something to keep your body hydrated while you’re busy counting sheep. I turn to body butters because they deeply hydrate, soften, nourish and heal my skin overnight. And the best part–they smell heavenly! I suggest The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Body Butter, the Dot & Key Ultra Rich Cocoa Body Butter, and the Mario Badescu Coconut Body Butter.
