Hi friends! Over the years, in my attempts to fully explore our sensual nature, I’ve been experimenting with tub soaks in various forms.
An intentional, mindful, tub soak can be very therapeutic and may even be done as a form of self-care; something I'd argue is essential, in this fast-paced, increasingly stressful society we live in.
I enjoy sharing, planning & crafting pampering, unforgettable multi-sensory experiences. If you want to know how I do it, read on!
I’ve collated many of my experiences, tips, and tricks here - in the hope that it inspires you likewise to explore. DO send me your tips too, I intend to keep this article updated and refined as a reference we all can contribute to and share!
This article uses the lenses shared in an earlier post, “A Sensualist’s Toolkit”, as guidelines for the various sensory components every tub soak could incorporate. If you haven’t read it, I recommend reviewing it to better understand the sensualist approach used.
Where relevant, I link to generic Google searches to help you identify some of the products referenced.
Food (Taste), Lighting, Sound, Scent and Touch/Texture all feature in this customised Tub soak!
Note: I do not get any benefit from linking or recommending any brand or product in this article. The links are for your convenience and are simple Google searches that should localise to wherever you are in the world. If you have any questions about where or what to buy, feel free to email me for clarification.
Structured as a host of options in 9 categories, your guided choices below will combine to create a unique sensory soak that’s perfect for you!
Option categories
1. Theme / Overall Approach
2. Type of tub soak, clear vs bubble bath
3. Choice of scent
4. Flower petals
5. Mood lighting
6. Music
7. Taste!
8. Other modifiers
9. Protips
Without further ado, let us dive into the various factors and considerations when planning a sensual tub soak (for ourselves or for another person).
1. Theme / overall approach
back to category listA selection of items I’ve used in a setup! Scissors, rope, speakers, mood lighting, scented bath salts, blindfold, LED ball lights, rose petals…
Wait… why rope? See section #8 - Other Modifiers.
The theme is the first thing you should decide on, because, this choice helps to guide the rest of the choices below.
We can choose keywords to help us in our planning and ideation such as:
(A) Relaxing and re-centering
(B) Sensual
(C) Erotic
(D) Appreciation / gratitude
(E) Mindful discovery
And the list goes on - limited only by our imagination!
Also, you don’t have to choose only one keyword, you could plan for transitions between different ones - extremely challenging, and more on that later!
2. Type of tub soak, clear vs bubble bath
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Usually, the type of tub soak is the second option I consider, because this decision also affects the suitability of some of the other choices below.
There isn’t a single best answer to take, and how I approach this is entirely by mood and feel - of course, adapted to what you feel the recipient would like. Go with the option that appeals and inspires!
Some choices are:
(A) Epsom salt-based soaks - Great for therapeutic and muscle relaxant purposes, what I like is that you can adjust the amount of Epsom salts in the water while controlling the scent separately.
Tip: I usually use a mix of pure Epsom salt (for its therapeutic effects) and scented bath salts (for scent, see section #3 below).
(B) Bubble bath mixtures - This can add a playful, and somewhat child-like touch of fun to your tub soak. One that works for me is this brand - Dr Teal’s - but do your own research too!
(C) Scented bath bomb - A simple, fuss-free way to quickly get a tub soak up and running, scented bath bombs can come in clear or bubble options.
From experience, this option tends to be more expensive but more convenient than either (A) or (B) above.
3. Choice of scent
back to category listChoose a scent based on the outcomes / mental state you want to evoke. Scents can help greatly in adjusting our mood, bringing back memories, building associations, and more.
Some favourites are:
(A) Lavender - Well-liked for good reason, but can be a little too common and mundane at times.
(B) Oceanic - Gives us the mental association with sea breezes and bright open skies.
(C) Rose - Floral and passionate.
(D) Ylang-ylang - Exotic and more…
There’s a whole world of scents and essential oils for us to experiment with in creating custom, luxurious, and unique tub experiences. Think woody, earthy, herby, and more!
Note: If the recipient of the tub soak has sensitive skin, scent can be delivered via incense, scented candles, and other options that do not leave scent chemicals in the tub water. Pure Epsom salts may then be a good option.
4. Flower petals
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Petals can up the ante on an amazing experience. I’ve found that petals tend to float on the water's surface and that they don’t work as well with bubble baths.
Petals are beautiful on their own, so adjust your lighting choices below to work well with them or vice versa.
Because of that, I’d suggest clear, non-soapy Epsom salt-based baths and simpler lighting options when used with petals.
Some choices are:
(A) Rose petals (red only) - A most intense and passionate association, extremely heady and intoxicating visual sight.
(B) Rose petals (all shades) - Beautifully lush and indulgent, they are equally breathtaking.
(C) Other petals and types - A sensory delight in the range and type of colours and shapes and sizes.
(D) Fruit(!) - I’ve been told that cut fruit can be added to the bath to enhance it - that’s on my to-do list!
You can’t really go wrong with petals and they aren’t that complicated to prepare - simply go to the nearest flower wholesaler / florist and tell them you’d like to buy petals. Most will sell them by the bag!
Tip: Before you use them, pick out the wilted and damaged ones.
5. Mood lighting
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Another key element and an essential part of ambience. Don’t miss this out. Never miss this out! Had to say this thrice!
Here are some options:
(A) LED tealights / Tealights - These can be arrayed around the tub on a flat surface. For safety and simplicity, I tend to prefer using the LED versions. This variant isn’t water-resistant and should be kept dry as far as possible.
(B) Floating tealights / Floating LED tealights - These usually float on the water. For safety and simplicity, I tend to prefer using the LED versions. They can be very hard to clean and quite a pain to take down - as you have to dry each light individually.
(C) RGB ball lights - These are usually USB-powered and water-resistant. They can be arrayed around the tub and you won’t need to worry about water getting in them so you’ll have more flexibility in arranging them around.
(D) Fairy lights - These are also usually USB-powered and water-resistant but usually come in only one colour (white / warm white / or yellowish). They can be arrayed around the tub and you won’t need to worry about water getting in them, so you’ll have more flexibility in arranging them around. However, do note that fairy lights are pretty darn difficult to install and pack back as compared to option C above.
(E) Projection lights - These are also usually USB-powered and NOT water-resistant. Don’t place them too near the tub, but set it strategically to project light against the surrounding area.
You may use more than one option of the above and combining them can lead to many different visual effects! Just use your imagination and aesthetic taste… (Some combinations can be terri-bad… avoid!!!)
6. Music
back to category listMusic plays a critical part in a tub soak experience. Please, curate a list beforehand that aligns with your overall theme and approach to your tub soak.
At the same time, remember to bring some decent speakers to help play your choice of music - almost anything is better than using tiny mobile phone speakers to play music - not good at all!
My two most common choices are:
(A) Spa-like - Relaxing, mindful, meditative. Here’s my Spotify meditative list
(B) Sensual, passionate - Sexy music you want to move your body to. Here’s my Spotify sensual list
However, the range of music is so broad and limitless, experiment with different playlists, and help to curate shared playlists for further inspiration from others.
Aligned with my article “A Sensualist’s Toolkit” we’ve already covered the senses of Touch, Smell, Sight, Hearing above. What’s next?
7. Taste!
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Interestingly enough, this sense can definitely contribute to a sensory tub soak experience too!
Here are some options to consider:
(A) Wine or choice of drink - I don’t tend to favour beer, but a nice red / white wine / dessert wine / whisky or even specially curated cocktails could really enhance the tub soak experience.
(B) Charcuterie & cheese board - Extremely umami and sensory in nature, paired with wine - already unbelievable. What more, in combination with everything else?
(C) Chocolates - Also an umami choice with lots of complex flavours that can be slowly savoured, chocolate is very suitable for sensory taste exploration.
(D) Savoury snacks - In a pinch, easy to procure and also a good choice to have - chips / crisps etc.
(E) Desserts - Sweet flavours work well and here I share my secret surprise of choice: a popping candy that should be tasted together lip to lip - literally ‘fireworks’ going off in our mouths!
Note: If you are doing a bubble bath tub soak, bubbles tend to get in the way of more elaborate food setups. As such, keeping to a nice glass of wine might work best in this case, or, have a hand towel nearby for wiping away bubbles when needed.
Again experiment and base your choices on the person who is receiving the sensory tub soak (that could be you, yourself too).
At this point, if we haven’t yet, we’re getting into ‘ultimate experiences’ territory - truly luxurious, pampering, unforgettable moments!
8. Other modifiers
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Other modifiers, for ambience, etc. are grouped here. Some are crazy flights of fancy - but, why not!
(A) Dry ice - On my to-do list, I imagine a lost world that’s mysterious, misty, and right out of a fantasy setting. Constantly moving and flowing, the area we are in, is transformed into a different world altogether.
(B) Blindfolds - Sometimes, not seeing can be as fascinating as seeing. Using blindfolds strategically to surprise, or to heighten awareness as well as our other senses, can help blow our minds many times over!
(C) Rope and restraints - Perhaps a little counter-intuitive, how could a tub soak work while being tied up or restrained? Well, strangely enough - it could, and does work. Yes, it does, in conjunction with blindfolds and transitions (points 8B above and 9B / 9D below).
Important tip: Do take note, some rope types (e.g. hemp or jute) contract when wet, and may be harder to handle / release after. Always have safety scissors / shears ready in case you need to cut the rope. Do some test practices beforehand to also get a better feel for how your rope reacts when wet.
(D) Mental and verbal - Don’t forget to set the stage with the right mindset, and the right attitude. Our minds are suggestive, and the right choice of words can help to trigger things in the direction you desire.
(E) Massage / sensual massage - It is definitely possible to combine a bit of massage into a tub soak - how luxurious and pampering is that?
(F) Scrubdowns or exfoliant body scrubs - Using a rough sponge / exfoliating glove / body scrubs can be quite an enjoyable sensory deep-cleanse and part of a tub soak experience! Usually, this is done before the soak, towards the end of a soak, or after the soak.
9. Protips
back to category listFinally, here I share some last tips that one might want to consider in planning for a tub soak.
(A) Temperature - When setting up the tub soak, adjust the water temperature as it comes out, to a temperature slightly warmer than what the recipient enjoys. This should give you a good temperature that can be adjusted cooler as required. It’s easier and more effective to make a hot bath cooler by adding cold water than to try and make a cold bath warmer by adding hot water.
Do note that at some locations, as the tub fills up, the hot water runs out - so check occasionally to ensure that the bath is being filled up and is warm enough.
(B) Transitions! - Many of the examples above, ask us to choose options for the tub soak, some of which sound mutually exclusive.
However, it is possible for us to choose multiple options (not all at once), BUT, transitioning them throughout the experience. One option transforming into another over time.
For example, we could start with relaxed vibe and then intentionally transition to a more erotic energy midway through…
… A lavender-scented candle is snuffed out and replaced by musky incense; while the music that is playing also transitions to a lush, sensory, heartbeat tempo… Wine is poured… You get the drift!
All these transitions, when combined, greatly increase the beauty and complexity of an experience.
(C) Sensory deprivation - We deliberately reduce our senses only to strategically release them back. By blocking a sense out, we can introduce enhanced sensitivity in our other senses, and also an altered state of mind. Be careful when experimenting with this, don’t do it alone, and please do it small steps at a time.
(D) Transitions in & out - Don’t think of the tub soak experience as standalone, but rather, a connected series of events that flow from one to another. Thus we need to be mindful and think about how the experience should start, and how it should end (or rather, transition away).
For transitions in, putting our mobile phones aside and starting with a mindful breathing exercise can help to set the tone for the soak.
For transitions out, applying moisturiser / body oils / lotions can add to the sensory experience as well as help smooth any wrinkly skin. Also, preparing a nice plush towel or bath robe on hand when stepping out of the tub, would elevate the experience.
(E) Don’t forget connection! - At the end of the day, our experiences are coloured by the connections and meaning underlying them. Thus, anything we do with connection is automatically multiplied in effect. And likewise, without connection, the experience is reduced. After building up the details, get back to the essentials and the rest will flow.
Tip: Once prepared, during the actual tub soak, get back to key principles and enjoy the experience and connection. You’ve put in the effort, enjoy it fully!
Thank you!
I curate tub soak (as well as sensual / sensory) experiences - if the above sounds amazing, but, also sounds daunting to execute - feel free to ping me to enquire about experiencing a unique sensual tub soak.
I hope the above pointers give you inspiration and ideas for a truly unique tub soak of your own! Also, a greater insight into the considerations that go into planning a sensory tub soak.
By varying many of the options listed above, we can create many unique and meaningful experiences that contribute to life-positivity.
One small request - please do share your thoughts with me about whether I’ve missed anything - I’d love to hear from you.
Over time, valuable insights and suggestions may find their way into an updated version of this article. Check back now and then for updates and new ideas!
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p.s. To everyone that I’ve prepared / shared tub soaks with - you’ve contributed greatly to the information shared in this article, thank you! I couldn’t have done it without these practical trial-and-error experiences. Still learning, exploring, and grateful! Thank you!
Cheers,
Mike