A GLIMPSE AT GWYNETH’S SPA HAD US ALL YEARNING FOR SOME PAMPERING – THESE TAKEAWAYS ARE ACHIEVABLE AND, YES, AWESOME
THE REAL DEAL
In the Montecito home of Gwyneth Paltrow, the aesthetic of her wellness retreat is ancient bath spa meets modern indulgence. It was all designed by Romanek Design Sudio.
GET THE LOOK Tiles, Bantam Tileworks. R.W. Atlas shower fixtures, Waterworks. Sconces, Shiplights. Planters, Willy Guhl
It’s approaching 2023 and let’s be honest – there’s nothing more essential to our wellbeing than self-care. And, while we’re on this topic, what if we told you that an itinerary of sauna, steam, relaxing jets and cucumber water doesn’t need to be limited to a weekend getaway? These creature comforts – which, put together, spell ‘spa’ – could be an at-home luxury, too. That’s right – we’re asking you to partake in the freshest (and possibly the most indulgent) new trend: at-home spas that epitomise ‘me time’.
The makings of an ideal spa, you ask? Romanek Design Studio’s spa for Gwyneth Paltrow’s Montecito home, pictured, comes to mind. It’s a sybaritic space with a long, deep pool, where form, f low, proportion, material, colour and texture converge to create a soul-nourishing interior. More like an ancient bath spa-meetsmodern indulgence, with unexpected materials, vivid tiles and open showers, it’s a cocoon of pure luxury and bliss. ‘We conceptualised this spa as an underwater journey,’ says Brigette Romanek, founder of Romanek Design Studio. ‘It makes you exhale. Serenity is achieved by the soft, pale green and blue tiles not really breaking the lines.’
For those who have room to spare (or ample creativity), you can transform an outdoor area, the bathroom or even the balcony into a space that hosts the tension-easing comforts of a prefab or custom-built sauna, a steam shower, a Jacuzzi or even a plunge pool. Along with special installations, using plush materials such as marble, built-in or sink-in tubs and ornate vanity units can also add to the zen-like appeal of the bathroom. Plus, with the peppering of your favourite elixirs to the water (essential oils that have restorative properties, or bath bombs that moisturise the skin), there’s nothing stopping you from letting go. Relax, rejuvenate and treat yourself to some ‘me time’ – you deserve it.
LUXURIOUS DIP
Nothing spells luxury quite like a sunken, built-in tub. They remind us of outdoor pools, yet they’re much sleeker, smarter, and have an inherent sophistication to them. To create seamless, uninterrupted views in the bathroom, choose uniform tiles for the floor and the tub – preferably muted ones that invoke a restful vibe. A sculptural stool and foliage will add to the overall environment. ‘We designed this space to be as beautiful on the inside as that of the view outsid
