Turn your home into a year-round health retreat
Forget beige acrylic corner spas; there are some new and more aesthetically pleasing ways to turn your home into a private health retreat. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of investing in a sauna, ice bath, or plunge pool. Here’s to making your dream of stepping out your back door into a world of relaxation a reality.
Setting the stage for serenity
Ambience is key, so start by decluttering your designated retreat space, i.e. your garage or backyard. Create a calming atmosphere with soothing music, a diffuser, and soft lighting. Consider natural elements like plants or a water feature to enhance the tranquility.
Hydrotherapy at home
Hydrotherapy essentially means using water (in all its forms) to treat your mind and body. It can reduce pain and stress and help you recover from workouts. Here are some common hydrotherapy options you might like to incorporate into your home.
1. An outdoor woodfired hot tub
Handmade in Europe (and looking like it’s been plucked from a Scandinavian spa), this woodfired hot tub is the “hottest little tub around”. All you have to do is fill the tank with tap water, build a fire, and let it work its magic.
No chemicals are used, so you can use the leftover water for irrigation. Yep, it’s good for you and the environment! Setting you back about $6,000, the health benefits include muscle relaxation and improved blood flow.
If you want to stick to a traditional hot tub or backyard spa, mySpa Sydney has something for every budget.
2. A plunge pool
If you like the wooden hot tub look but don’t want to build a fire, check out this plunge pool. For a very similar price, it’s made from Australian hardwood timber and can comfortably fit two adults. Hook it up to your garden hose, and you’re good to go!
Invest in a heated plunge pool if you have more cash to splash (pun intended).
3. Ice bath
Ice baths, a staple in many cold therapy treatments, are gaining popularity for their potential health benefits. An ice plunge can boost metabolism, reduce muscle soreness, and increase energy. Here are some ice bath options:
- Grab an affordable inflatable ice bath for just shy of $100.
- You can buy the Ice Tub for under $800. It looks good in any backyard, and you can use it as a regular outdoor bath between icy dips.
- Buy a wooden ice bath to match your hot tub for $3,500.
4. Outdoor shower or bathtub
An inviting outdoor shower is a more budget-friendly option. You can DIY with this outdoor shower tutorial or choose a solar-powered shower for $300. Outdoor baths aren’t as affordable, but these stone baths sure look stunning!
5. Sauna
There’s no denying saunas have many health benefits. The dry heat promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension, and improves circulation. Luxo Living offers several outdoor wooden saunas, starting at $5,600.
For a more space-saving option, consider a one-person infrared sauna. Infrared technology delivers heat directly to the body, potentially offering traditional sauna benefits in a more compact and energy-efficient way. Kylin Sauna has options starting at less than $2,000, which can fit into a corner of your garage or backyard.
6. The power of hot and cold
A big part of hydrotherapy is contrast showers or hot and cold therapy. For example, jumping from your hot tub or sauna into an ice bath or plunge pool. So, for the ultimate backyard retreat experience, consider combining two of these elements. Relax in the sauna before a refreshing plunge pool dip.
By incorporating these elements into your backyard, you can transform your home into a year-round health retreat to rejuvenate your mind and body. Having said these, our expertise is in real estate, so always consult your doctor first if you have pre-existing health conditions.
Thinking about a home now, soon or in the new year?
I’m always happy to talk to people about local market conditions, preparing your home for sale and advice on downsizing. Please feel free to give me a call at Page&Co today - I look forward to chatting with you.
