The Ultimate Staycation Guide: A Head-to-Toe Spa at Home

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Set the Mood

Start by putting on some music — atmospheric ocean waves or the "Beach Vibes" playlist by Spotify will work in a pinch — then light one of the candles below. Diptyque Mimosa is bright and floral, reminiscent of clean sheets on a clothesline. Volupsa Arcadia is a stronger, spicier, woodsier scent.

Tiki torches - Thinkstock / Stockbyte /Getty Images; Voluspa candle - from brand website; Diptyque candle - from website

HAIR

If you’re usually a two-minute shower taker or even an every-other-day-er, this is the time to take it slow (preferably while your roommates are away, don’t want to start any wars). Davines Momo Line is derived from the Cartucciaru melon, which is found in Sicily. This line is specifically for hydration; the key to soft, shiny hair. The scent is crisp and refreshing.

Palm tree - Medioimages / Photodisc / Getty Images; Davines Momo Collection - from brand website

BODY

While your hair is soaking in conditioner, reach for The Body Shop Argan Oil Rough Scrub or Red Flower Indian Jasmine Revitalizing Sea Salt Scrub to slough off dead skin and outdoor grime. Argan oil is known as "liquid gold," and for good reason: It's rich in Vitamin A and E as well as antioxidants. Despite the name, this product is actually quite gentle on the skin; the shell pieces are suspended in a velvety gel. For something a bit more heavy duty, turn to Red Flower’s Salt Scrub. Rinse off and breathe deep, you smell lovely.

Sailboat - Steve Mason / Photodisc / Getty Images; Woman with bowl - Image Source / Stockbyte / Getty Images; Body Shop Scrub - from brand website; Red Flower Salt Scrub - from brand website

Follow up with two-step moisturizing: & Other Stories Moroccan Tea Body Souffle and Korres Jasmine Body Butter are both intensely hydrating without being too heavy. & Other Stories has a refreshing mint scent, while Korres is heady without being overpowering. Follow with Monoi Tiare Tahiti Coconut Oil, a blend of coconut oil and gardenia, to lock in softness.

Beach - Karl Weatherly / Photodisc / Getty Images; Coconut - Visage / Stockbyte / Getty Images; Korres Jasmine Body Butter - from brand website; & Other Stories Body Butter - from brand website; Monoi Tiki Oil - from brand website

FACE

Save your face for the second-to-last step, and start the process with Rituals Vitality & Energy Mask. It contains Tibetan roseroot and papaya extract, and is light but powerful. It has the consistency of a lotion so be generous with your distribution. Wipe off after 15 minutes and follow with a layer of moisturizing BUTTER Face Elixir to leave skin super dewy and soft.

Palm tree on beach - David De Lossy / DigitalVision / Getty Images; Rituals Mask - from brand website; BUTTERelixir - from brand website

LINGERIE

After all of that oil sinks in, slip into something light. The Gauze Romper by Skin is the perfect blend of playful and sexy — peachy-pink, sheer and functional (it has pockets!). For a more classic option, there's Samantha slip by Julianne in Blush. It’s simple, but still romantic.

Hammock - Medioimages / Photodisc / Getty Images; Romper and slip - from brand website

MANI / PEDI

Finish your beautifying by painting your nails in two poppy colors reminiscent of the Caribbean. Butter London has a line of beautiful shades that are ‘3-free’ — that means they do not contain dibutyl phthalate (DBP), toluene or formaldehyde. Use Jaffa, a potent orange, on your nails and Macbeth, a shocking coral, on your toes. (Or vice versa!)

Tropical flower - Jupiterimages / Photodisc / Getty Images; Butter London polishes - from brand website

That's it. Now, curl up on your couch with an umbrella drink, or at least a sweet tea. Repeat the process when necessary.

Credits: Photo collages and watercolor by Brittany Holloway-Brown