14 luxurious spa bathrooms ideas for ultimate relaxation

Published Date: January 12, 2023

a bathroom with a glass shower and a sink
You may not be able to treat yourself to spa treatments every day, but adding spa-inspired touches to your home can make your daily routine feel a bit more indulgent, and a lot more relaxing. Best of all, it doesn’t require a renovation — just small design elements in bathrooms big or small. These 14 design ideas can transform your bathroom into a tranquil retreat. After all, you deserve it.

1. Repaint with a soothing palette 

Your bathroom should be a calming oasis, and the best place to start is with a gallon of paint. Give your bathroom a simple facelift with a new coat of paint, ideally in a soothing tone. Soft blues and greens are always a great choice, but if you’re looking for a bolder look, take a monochromatic approach to avoid visual clutter — for example, pairing a bold wall color like burgundy or emerald green with complementary wallpaper or accent tile. 

2. Go all white

Think about your favorite spa. It probably features a lot of white and neutral tones, from the robes to the towels to the steam room tile. An all-white or neutral-toned bathroom immediately gives you that spa-inspired feel, while making the space look airy and bright (and it’s easy to clean). Plus, a white backdrop makes little design touches stand out, whether you choose an ornate mirror, framed artwork or a bronze bathtub tray. 

3. Invite in some natural light

There’s nothing worse than a dark, cave-like bathroom. Natural light can turn even the smallest bathrooms into inviting spaces. Whenever possible, let in natural light through windows or skylights, and reflect it back with mirrors. Concerned about privacy? Add some lightweight, flowy curtains or have your windows frosted — you’ll keep the neighbors from peeking in, while still allowing the light to shine in. 

4. Use nature-inspired colors and textures

Real wood and natural stone can add a feeling of zen to your bathroom. Cedar and teak are both good options, as they’re less susceptible to moisture damage than other types of wood. Go big with a wood soaking tub or pebble-shaped floor tiles. Or, simply add a bamboo tray, marble storage containers or woven baskets for holding towels. 

5. Add some houseplants 

Another way to bring a spa-like feel is to add some houseplants. Tropical houseplants are a great choice, as they love the humidity your shower and tub produce. Hanging or trailing plants add a verdant, jungle feel, while low-light plants like ferns, ZZ plants and pothos are ideal for bathrooms without a lot of natural light. 

6. Accessorize with a bathtub tray 

Stylish bathtub trays come in a variety of materials, including bamboo, marble and metal. Accessorize your tray with a small candle, tiny potted succulent, container of bath salts or handmade soaps. You can even find trays designed to hold a book, a teacup or a glass of wine. Just measure to make sure the tray (sometimes called a bath caddy) will fit the width of the your tub. 

7. Ditch the packaging

Invest in coordinated dispensers to hold your shampoos, conditioners, hand soap and body wash. You’ll simply refill the containers when you’re running low (this strategy also allows you to buy larger-size refill containers, cutting down on single-use plastic waste). With this quick swap, your shower shelf and countertops will look more like a high-end spa, and less like the shampoo aisle at the grocery store. 

8. Invest in plush towels 

Fancy towels are the perfect example of a small, everyday luxury that can change your daily routine for the better. Replace worn, dingy or mismatched bath towels with new, plush towels that coordinate with the colors of your revitalized space. They’ll look great on the rack and feel great after a shower. Be sure to buy a couple sets — that way you’ll have enough, and you can display the extras rolled in a floor basket or folded neatly on an open shelf. 

9. Hide your personal care products 

Make a habit of stashing your personal care products like razors, cotton balls and clippers in avanity drawer or cabinet between uses. A clear countertop creates the feeling of a spacious retreat, even in a small bathroom. Drawer and cabinet storage solutions are a great way to ensure that every item has a designated space and can help you stay organized even on busy mornings. 

10. Swap out your shower head 

Changing your standard shower head to a rain shower head is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to add some pampering to your bathroom. Many can be installed on your own in minutes, and optional features include multiple spray settings, LED lights, handheld units and water pressure-boosting functionality. 

11. Add high-tech touches 

You might not think of your bathroom as a particularly high-tech space, but there are quite a few additions that can increase convenience, comfort and smart-home functionality. Water-resistant Bluetooth speakers add some soothing music to your space and a wall-mounted towel warmer is great for cold winter mornings. Or set the mood with app-enabled ambient lighting. 

12. Upgrade the lighting

Speaking of lighting, if you want a truly spa-inspired bathroom, builder-grade overhead or vanity lighting simply won’t do. There are so many ways to upgrade your bathroom lighting. For example, swap traditional vanity lighting for a sleek backlit mirror. Or install an eye-catching chandelier over a freestanding bathtub. Perhaps the easiest upgrade is installing a dimmer switch for your overhead lights. That way, you can lower the lights and rely mostly on candlelight during a relaxing bath. 

13. Try aromatherapy 

Creating a relaxing spa environment isn’t just about visual cues. Scents also play a huge role in relaxation and stress relief. Consider using essential oils in an aromatherapy diffuser or on a heated towel. Scented candles are another great option. 

14. Hang interesting artwork

Your bathroom might not be the first place you think of when it comes to hanging artwork, but a few nicely framed pieces can give the space a polished, finished look. Black and white prints, nature-inspired paintings and architectural pieces add a nice touch. 

Find your dream spa bathroom with Pacaso 

Pacaso second homes are professionally designed and packed with luxurious touches, including spa-like bathrooms. With homes available for co-ownership in crave-worthy destinations across the United States and beyond, you’re sure to find a property with the spa bathroom you deserve. Check out our listings and discover homes with massive soaking tubs, high-tech steam showers, heated floors and incredible views.

Jen Headshot

Jen Lyons


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