Here's how to put together the best family spa day, ever, right in your home

Sometime in the future, when we retrospect on the year 2020, I hope that aside from the tough lessons, we remember the precious moments spent in the company of loved ones. Those that have made us realise in many ways that in the end, family is everything.

Back to the present, we’re all trying to explore and learn new ways to work together, unwind together, stay strong together… and realistically, even stay out of each other’s faces ever so often. Some of the activities that this lockdown introduced into my family-time would probably never have happened in a pre-pandemic world—like getting my father and brother to join me and my mum for a daily evening yoga practice on our terrace. Or me coming up with a Saturday night candle-lit dinner menu that is actually edible. Or each member coming up with a ‘Sunday Funday’ family activity. This weekend, it’s my turn, and I took the liberty to reach out to the best wellness and spa experts in the industry to make it a Sunday to remember. It would be wrong not to share all the fun things I’ve lined up for my folks. So, here it is, my special Sunday Spa Day, a day dedicated to unwinding with your whole family. Put on your comfiest clothes, and let the worries and chores know that you’ll get to them another day.

Set the Mood

By Colin Gary Hall, resident aromatherapist, Paro Botanica, The Chanakya

Locking ourselves in our homes has taught us the importance of maintaining our space. This means turning it into a sanctuary where you feel comforted, aligned and safe. “Essential oils help create an emotionally and physically healthy environment, as they can perfume, soothe, stimulate and detox,” says Hall, who suggests using them in different ways to balance out your mood and emotions. For a sleep and anxiety remedy, diffuse three to four drops of lavender or bergamot or both in an aroma diffuser, and let the essential oil molecules permeate the air. To boost energy, go for lemon, lime or lemongrass oils or a blend of Himalayan geranium, cedarwood or ylang ylang. Don’t have a diffuser? Make your own by filling a ceramic bowl with hot water and drop in your essential oil.

Need a substitute for essential oils? Grate some of the zest of an orange, lime or lemon in your ‘spa room’. Let it envelop the house with fresh, uplifting aromas. Or simply light your favourite non-toxic candles that are made out of plant wax.

Concoct a spa-tail, hair oil and facial steam

By Dr Taruna Yadav, senior Ayurveda doctor, Forest Essentials

Spa-tail

Have you ever been able to say no to ‘spa water’ while waiting for your turn? Add that extra touch to your’s with minimum ingredients but heaps of benefits for everyone, including your kids. Dr Yadav’s recipe is cooling, hydrating, detoxifying and packed with immunity-boosting herbs: slice one orange, one cucumber, two lemons, 5-6 ginger pieces and transfer them in a glass pitcher with 10-15 fresh mint leaves, 8-10 tulsi leaves and 6-8 cups of water. Cover and let it sit for 5-6 hours before serving.

Steam

“In Ayurveda, facial steam is a part of ‘swedana’, that helps remove toxins from the skin and clears out the pores,” says Dr Yadav, who explains that this process of thermoregulation dilates the blood vessels and improves circulation, which leads to generous oxygen and nutrient supply to the facial region and gives it a natural glow. Her soothing herbal steam recipe: Add 1 tablespoon dried rose petals, 1 teaspoon dried mint leaves, 1 tablespoon dried chamomile, 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds, 1 green tea bag, 5 drops of rose or lavender essential oil, 4-5 tulsi leaves.

Hair oil

To make Dr Yadav’s antioxidant-rich oil, mix 1 tablespoon pure almond oil, 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Warm the oil mix with the double boiling method, and add 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds, 1 teaspoon powdered dried curry leaves, and 5-6 tulsi leaves. Let the ingredients stay in the oil for 3-4 hours, then sift with a cotton cloth. Massage the herb-infused oil on the hair and scalp. Wrap a hot towel around your head for deeper absorption of nutrients. Leave it on for an hour and rinse with water and shampoo.

You can mask with us

By Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, founder and medical director, ISAAC Luxe

Everyone looks good (and funny) with a mask on, and even better once it’s off. If you’re feeling ambitious, whip one up for each family member’s concern. Dr Gupta’s two favourites:

Purifying mask

1 tablespoon homemade curd
1 teaspoon honey
1/4th lemon, juiced
A pinch of turmeric
Mix all ingredients and apply it on your face and neck. Keep it on for 15 minutes then rinse. Curcumin in the turmeric purifies and cleanses, while yogurt is a natural probiotic.

Glow mask

1-2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 grated cucumber
1-2 strawberries, mashed
1 tablespoon honey
Mix all ingredients and apply it on your face and neck. Keep it on for 15 minutes and rinse.Aloe vera is anti-inflammatory, cucumber soothes skin. Strawberries are high in vitamin C and salicylic acid that help with mild pigmentation and getting rid of blackheads. Hydrating honey has antimicrobial properties.

Bath and body

By Dr Manoj Kutteri, wellness director, Atmantan Wellness Centre

A rejuvenating spa day isn’t complete without a melt-all-your-tiredness-away bath. Start by prepping a full body scrub. Dr Kutteri’s recommendations are all kitchen-shelf essentials. Use combinations like almond powder, fine ginger peel and turmeric; or roasted moong powder, turmeric and oats powder, and mix them with a little hot water or yoghurt. He also has some tips to elevate bathtime:

• A salt scrub is a great way to feel refreshed during shower.

• A cotton tipped in essential oil can be used or hung on the shower so that when water touches it, it infuses the bathroom with delicate aroma.

• A foot scrub or a foot soak made with warm water, Epsom salt, rose petals and calming essential oils like lavender before the shower will prepare you for a comforting bath.

• If a bathtub is available, indulge in a 20-minute immersion in the tub with rock salt and rose essential oil.

Knead a massage? Spring with mindful moves

By Dr Jitendra Varshney, spa and wellness director, Six Senses Spa Mumbai

No, I didn’t forget the best part. I just kept it for a sweet, well-deserved ending. Essentially, the most basic goal of a massage is to get your blood circulation going and relax stiff muscles. Get these benefits by indulging in mindful group movements. Dr Varshney suggests making pairs and doing passive stretches followed by a silent or guided meditation to reconnect with self and family. Self-application of any oil, infused with herbs or blended with essential oil can give the same benefits of receiving a massage by a masseuse. You can learn some pressure points techniques using thumb pressure with long strokes and circulatory movements at joints. This will not only relax muscles but also improve the circulation and joint flexibilities.

There’s a reason why shoulder, neck and head massages—by grandma, with siblings, or given with love by your mum—have been a family-bonding activity in most Indian households. We love to make our family feel loved.

Also read:

A guide to essential oils: How to safely add them to your beauty and wellness routines

This body care routine will take your entire morning, but it’s worth the glow

10 beauty essentials that every serious beauty lover needs to try once