In many cultures around the world and throughout history, bathing has been a ritualistic act. A bath cleanses impurities and calms the spirit. Immersing oneself in water can feel exhilarating beyond belief. In the twenty-first century, we have the technology to make our bathing experiences transcendent every time. Here is my recipe to a bath that makes you feel rejuvenated, happy and healthy.

1. Squeaky Clean Utilities

Toto, the manufacturer and not the cute little dog, makes quality baths with hygienic features built into every part of their valves and plumbing. The anti-return valve for instance keeps bath oils and impurities from building bacteria up in the jets. There is nothing so upsetting as spotting a ring of dirt on the inside of a jet, or feeling nervous that the basin isn’t completely clean.

The Nova from Jacuzzi

The Nova bath model from Jacuzzi uses the same technology. This company can produce whirlpool baths that also maintain a clean and healthy system.

2. Soothing Massage

A lot of people love jets, but I personally find them noisy and irritating. When a jet blows full blast on part of my skin, the area will become red and itchy. Does anybody else have this problem? Toto engineers created an air bath option for their customers. These smaller, quieter jets distribute air bubbles throughout the bath evenly, resulting in a much more relaxing spa.

Guinevere Bathtub from Toto

The Guinevere Soaker is shown on the manufacturer’s website having these features installed. It has a safety bar on the inside to help users get in and out with ease.

The Mio from Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi offers the subtle air jet experience as well. The Mio bath tub is a popular choice because it can produce both the invigorating whirlpool effect or the more calming bubbling soak. One works for morning to get you ready for work and the other for night to help put you to bed.

3. Beautiful Surroundings

Edwardian Tub from Jacuzzi

Jacuzzi makes this lovely free standing bath tub with claw feet that I’ve always wanted. I had a friend in New York who had a studio loft apartment and she had to share a public toilet with everyone on her floor. In her studio, between the kitchen and the ladder up to her loft she had a free standing tub. It was so adorable! At parties she would fill in up with ice and beer.

4. Comfort

How can you float away when the rim of the tub is jammed in the back of your neck?

Tara Whirlpool Bathtub from Jacuzzi

The Tara whirlpool bathtub has that extra room for extra comfort as well as contoured back rests. This is that tub in which your only worry is falling asleep and getting a mouthful of bath water.

Finestra Whirlpool from Jacuzzi

The door makes it easy and safe to enter and exit the tub. The Finestra whirlpool is guaranteed never to leak for as long as you own it. Rest easy knowing this bath is also safe for bath salts and oils.

5. “You” Time

Designate a special segment of time for bathing. Don’t allow pending obligations to weigh on your brain. Ask the kids to play a game together. The perfect bath is never complete without the sensation of letting go of the filth rinsing off your skin, the worries, the dissatisfaction, or the exhaustion. Let it wash away and go right down the drain.

So these are the ingredients for blissful bathing. Don’t forget the occasional candles and glass of Merlot for extra alone time luxury. The mind needs meditation, and a bath every now and again gives us time to quiet our thoughts and remember how to relax.