Who says you have to travel to feel pampered? With a little intention and a bit of effort, your home can become the ultimate five-star staycation.
I recently shared a guide to planning the perfect weekend getaway — a quick escape to recharge, explore, and indulge. However, while I still love the thrill of discovering a new hotel or sipping cocktails by the beach, there’s something equally exhilarating about choosing to stay in. This time, I’m switching things up with the ultimate guide to transforming your home for a staycation.
Whether you’re solo, with your girls, or just need a break from the everyday rush, this is your permission slip to unwind, indulge, and fall in love with your space all over again.
Create a space so serene — it exudes elegance every time you walk in
Start with your environment. Think of it as setting the scene for your dream vacation. Tidy up any clutter, open a window for fresh air, and add small touches that make your space feel elevated. Crisp white sheets, a spritz of linen spray, rose petals on the table and floors, and a scented candle can completely shift the mood of your home from “routine” to “resort.”
Pro tip: Invest in one or two special staycation items, like a luxury robe, a velvet eye mask, or a silky throw blanket. These little luxuries create a psychological switch that gets you in the vacation spirit.
Indulge in spa rituals that pamper your soul
Reimagine your bathroom as your spa. Run a warm bath with Epsom salts and essential oils, light a candle, and play soft instrumental music or ocean sounds. Add a glass of infused water or wine, a good book, or a face mask to the mix.
Don’t have a tub? No problem. An indulgent shower with a scented shower steamer and a slow body scrub ritual can be just as soul-soothing.
Wrap up in a fluffy towel or robe and take your time with post-shower skincare. Slow it all down. Let it feel intentional.
Read also: The best spots that require no passport for a weekend getaway
Turn your everyday meals into a sensory experience with minimal effort
One of the best parts of having a staycation at a resort? The food. So, treat yourself to elevated bites at home, without turning it into a full kitchen production.
Think easy but elegant: a breakfast tray with Greek yoghurt, berries, and honey drizzled on top. A chilled bottle of wine with chocolate-covered strawberries; a charcuterie board for one (or two) with dark chocolate and your favourite cheese.
Set a table. Light a candle. Use the “good” dishes. Eat like you’re somewhere special — because you are
Dress for the version of you that’s on holiday
Even if you’re not leaving home, dressing up shifts your mood. Choose pieces that feel soft and feminine, or chic and effortless. A flowy caftan, a silk set, a breezy maxi dress, or your favourite lounge set in soft neutrals. Add dainty jewellery, and a light fragrance can do wonders for your mood.
The goal is to feel good in your skin. To dress for you, and acknowledge that you are your own guest of honour.
Disconnect to reconnect with yourself
Finally, give yourself the gift of being unavailable to the world, the noise, the endless scrolling. Turn on “Do Not Disturb,” stash your phone away, and pick something that feels nourishing instead. For your staycation, you can journal, nap, and read that book you’ve had on your shelf for months. Let your thoughts meander.
Staying in doesn’t mean missing out. It means opting in to rest and prioritise yourself. Whether it’s a single day of pampering or an entire weekend of peace and pleasure, the secret is this: when you treat your home (and yourself) like a five-star experience, it becomes one. And sometimes, that’s the right kind of escape we need most.
