For many travelers, hopping in an RV and cruising to a secluded destination is the definition of a relaxing retreat. RV trips aren’t all sunshine and roses, though; they require an awful lot of preparation, space comes at a premium, and the whole experience puts into focus how much we rely on our modern conveniences like running water, limitless grid electricity, and not worrying about where our sewage goes. Despite those challenges, most RV travelers find a way to enjoy their limited space and amenities while relaxing in the tranquility of nature. 

But what if you could transform that space to replicate a rejuvenating spa experience, only far from the ruckus of the city? These are some top DIY hacks for turning your RV into the perfect spa retreat.

How to Recreate the Spa Experience in Your RV

A good spa experience is a delight to all of the senses, releasing all of your tension with relaxing sounds, delicious treats, a tranquil aesthetic, soothing smells, and luxuriously soft towels and outfits. 

Thankfully, reconfiguring your RV trip into a spa retreat usually requires little more than some extra planning and packing — no major renovations needed. Here’s how to create a retreat while enjoying the freedom on the open road.

Create a Relaxing Ambience

To get your spa date off right, you can set the tone with some calming decor. Add a few strings of fairy lights throughout the RV, or hang them around your campfire seating for a magical outdoor experience. Peel and stick panels are an easy way to brighten up any room in your RV with a personal touch.  

Assemble the Softest Spa Outfit

Storage space comes at a premium in an RV, so many travelers pack a limited number of outfits. To create the perfect spa experience, though, you’ll want to splurge on an extra cozy ensemble — fuzzy socks, slippers, some silky pajamas, or a soft blanket to wrap up in after a shower. Everything should feel light and comfortable against your skin.

Organize the Essentials

Clutter is the enemy of relaxation, so keeping a tidy space will go a long way toward creating a spa experience in your RV. Add some organizers to your cabinets and drawers to ensure everything is in its proper place. This will not only reduce the number of items strewn around your living space but will make it much easier to find everything you need during your spa retreat.

Find a Peaceful Parking Space

Getting away from the noise and crowds is what RVs do best, especially if you come prepared for boondocking. More adventurous travelers can pick up a map, find a patch of public land far from a major road, and go completely off-grid. 

If going without flush toilets or grid electricity isn’t part of your spa experience, though, book a space at a campground during the week or outside the regular tourist season. With the next camper a few spaces over, you can enjoy some alone time without forgoing all the usual conveniences. 

Upgrade Your Shower Space

If there’s one area of your RV that is almost certainly not luxurious, it’s the shower. RV showers can be cramped, utilitarian, and have abysmal water pressure; for most of us, that’s just the nature of life on the road. 

However, there are options for growing your shower, like an expandable shower rod that curves outward to provide 20-30% more space. You can also install a rainfall showerhead with a wide spray pattern or high-pressure head that’ll better utilize the RV’s limited water capacity. Your shower experience would also benefit from upgrading your bathroom’s exhaust fan, as many stock fans are underpowered or annoyingly loud.    

To really give yourself some breathing room, consider installing an outdoor shower. This not only removes you from the confined spaces of the RV, but your rig will also stay cleaner if you’re not tracking all of the day's dirt and dust inside.

Treat Yourself

It’s a vacation, so why not bring all of the goodies that fill your heart with joy? A nice bottle of wine or your favorite herbal tea? Some fancy chocolates that are only for special occasions or that book you’ve been putting off because you just never had the time? Maybe an essential oil diffuser to fill the RV with soothing aromas? You decide what feels good on your spa retreat. 

Pack a Portable Hot Tub

Home hot tubs often require 240v hookups and use upwards of 7,500 watts of electricity every hour, far more than your RV’s power system can handle. Fortunately, there are a variety of collapsible tubs that can be heated with propane or wood, and some don’t even need electricity for a pump. They take a few hours to heat up, but you can’t beat a soak in a hot tub in the middle of nowhere. 

Take a Spa Getaway with Cruise America

If you want to get away from it all and spend time relaxing in nature, give Cruise America a call! We have convenient RV rentals all around the country for your spa getaway. Contact us today to reserve your RV rental!