From selecting the ideal secluded setting to crafting a simple, restorative soak using garden flowers, bring spa day calm into everyday life with an outdoor bathing ritual.

Story by Michele Roldán-Shaw

Imagine the luxury of a spa day combined with the healing benefits of nature, all in the comfort and privacy of your own home. That’s the magic of an outdoor bath setup. With a relatively small investment, you can create countless hours of relaxation, customized to your taste and available to you at all times. Unlike pools and hot tubs, which often provide a setting for socialization, outdoor baths are about solitude, presence, connection with nature and indulgence in DIY self-care.

Selecting a site

When deciding where to create your outdoor bath, some important considerations are privacy, views, quietude and access to water lines. You could start with a semi-enclosed space, such as a screened porch or patio. You might find a secluded corner of your garden. Perhaps you build a custom deck or even a tree house. Be practical at this stage, but also have a vision. A Google image search for “outdoor bath” will inspire you.

Choosing a tub

Vintage clawfoot tubs are a classic choice, but they can be heavy, expensive and hard to find. Japanese wooden soaking tubs are also attractive, yet pricey. If you want a more affordable way to get started, a 100-gallon galvanized stock tank from Tractor Supply will run you about $150. Simply install a valve near the bottom to drain the tub, and connect a garden hose if you want to direct the water elsewhere, such as onto nearby plants, as long as you avoid harsh soaps or chemicals.

Enhancing privacy

You might choose a location that is up against a wall or otherwise partially enclosed. For sides that need screening, the quickest route is to install prefab privacy fence panels. You could also consider building a wall out of stone, planting bamboo or creating a “green wall” by training a climbing vine along a section of cattle panel or wire fencing between two posts. If you have a good view and enough distance from neighbors, leave at least one side open to create a more spacious feeling. For indoor-outdoor spaces such as a screened porch, you could use an Asian-style folding screen to partition the area.

Supplying hot water

Depending on your budget, you can have plumbers connect everything so your bath setup draws hot and cold water directly from your home. A simple, cost-effective solution is to use a tankless propane water heater designed for outdoor use. I have the Camplux 16L and love it. Although this still requires some light plumbing, a handy person can set it up with minimal time and expense. You can also heat your bath the old-fashioned way by building a fire under an enameled cast iron tub. Be sure to research safe methods.

Beautifying the space

This is where you can get creative and turn the experience into a mini getaway. Love tropical islands? Bring in ferns and philodendrons. Keep tropical plants in pots so they can be overwintered indoors. Crave the grounding influence of stone? Use flagstone or decorative pebbles on the ground. Consider garden statues, wind chimes, driftwood, tile mosaics or a string of patio lights. Choose elements that cultivate joy, calm and a sense of well-being.

Pro Tips

• Install an outdoor shower for cooling off and rinsing after your bath.
• Buy a bath pillow that fits over the tub so you can rest your head comfortably.
• Patio furniture provides a place to lounge and set your things.
• Boost the relaxing benefits of your bath with Epsom salt, bath salts, essential oils, flower petals, fresh herbs or herbal sachets.
• Stay hydrated with refreshing beverages such as fruit smoothies, coconut water, cold herbal tea, homemade lemonade or cucumber water.
• Set up a basin with ice cubes and a washcloth to cool your face while enjoying a hot soak.
• Bring a good book and leave your phone inside.
• Try your bath in every season — on mild winter afternoons, crisp spring and fall mornings and under the stars in summer.

DIY Bath Soak Recipe

Turn backyard blooms into a spa-worthy experience.

Build your base

• Add 1 cup Epsom salt
• Add 1/2 cup sea salt
• Fill tub with warm water

Pick your flowers

• Gardenia petals for rich, Southern fragrance
• Rose petals for a soft, classic soak
• Lavender for relaxation
• Rosemary for a fresh, herbal lift
• Mint leaves for a cooling effect
• Chamomile for gentle calm
• Pine or bay leaves for a grounding, woodsy note

Boost the benefits

• Drizzle 1 tablespoon coconut, almond or jojoba oil
• Add 1 tablespoon honey for skin-softening
• Include citrus slices for brightness
• A few drops of essential oil

Prep like a pro

• Tear petals by hand
• Lightly crush herbs to release oils
• Use a muslin bag or cheesecloth for easy cleanup