It doesn't have to be like this, I told myself. I may never have a roll-top bath, or a walk-in drench shower, but there are definitely a few tweaks that can be made to help recreate the spa feeling at home.

Lighting. Lighting is the most important factor here. Nothing speaks more of the harsh reality of normal life than a grim, bright, unforgiving overhead light. So candles are essential, preferably scented ones by Diptyque, Jo Malone or Aromatherapy Associates. The Relax Pillar Candle by Aromatherapy Associates is made with essential oils of Myrrh, West Indian Bay and Geranium and smells beautifully exotic. Using candles, or a Mathmos projector beaming soft images onto the wall, also makes a less-than-spotless bathroom look instantly much better.

Forget about half-heartedly sploshing a capful of Radox under your running bath water and try mixing up your own salt-scrub instead. I blend brown sugar or Epsom salts with sweet almond or olive oil, and add a few drops of whatever essential oil fits how I want to feel after my bath. Lemon is refreshing, sandalwood is heady and sleep inducing, rose is good for hormonal and 'wobbly' states. Because this blend is so nourishing, it's not necessary to moisturise your skin after bathing in it- anyway that can feel a bit too laborious, especially after a nice glass of wine (another good addition to the spa-at-home bath). If you were actually in a spa, remember, the Therapist would do that whole moisturising part for you.

If you want to use lotion or body butter afterwards, try stashing it on the radiator or heating vent while your bathe. That way when you rub it in, it'll be deliciously soothing and warm. Just take care not to heat it too much, and beware of it shooting out of the bottle.

When the bathroom is steamy, spritz a hot, damp flannel with soothing essential oil. Then step into the bath, hold the flannel to your face and take deep breaths of the fragranced steam. This trick is deeply relaxing (and an essential step in Aveda's top-notch Elemental Nature Facials).

You never get bored lying in hotel baths if you have company with you, or if there's a T.V. in the tub. For those who don't have a telly inbuilt into their own bathroom, I can recommend a portable DVD player (put in a sensible place of course). They don't require wires and certainly help lend that hotel room feel.

A decent robe and slippers fit the bill far better than that ratty old t-shirt and pair of tatty socks you wouldn't be seen dead in out in public.

Finally, make sure you flinch all the complimentary toiletries upon leaving a hotel and use them at home. The smell will instantly transport you back to your infinitely more glamorous hotel room.

Now all you need is a view of the Tyne Bridge, some efficient room service, and a permanent, good looking live-in lover to complete the ambiance. (You know who you are...!)