Your Bubble Bath Could Be So, So Much Better—Here’s How According to a ‘Bath Butler’

These days, there are all sorts of quirky job titles floating around the world of hospitality. Water sommelier, s’mores butlers, K9 concierge. The list goes on. As someone who’s receiving pitches all day long, it can be hard to get my attention. But when I heard that the Regent Santa Monica Beach had a Bath Butler on staff, I was immediately intrigued. Considering we are heading into peak hygge season, it seemed the perfect time to tap into the expertise of Melody Haynes, Director of the Sunset Travel Awards-winning Guerlain Wellness Spa & Retail Boutique at Regent Santa Monica Beach on how to build the perfect bath. Here’s what they had to say.

Create a sense of place

The most memorable hotel rituals connect you to the destination. Our Bath Butler takes inspiration from the Pacific and the rhythms of the coast, bringing that sense of place into the guest room. At home, recreate that feeling by considering the entire environment: a homemade herbal tea, curated playlist, fresh botanicals, and soft lighting can transport you somewhere else entirely. Like the the mountains? Lean into candles that harken the scent of pine and sandalwood, and low-key folksy music to match. Want to be transported to an alpine lake? Think crisp, transportive scents that have earthy, aquatic notes and ambient tunes or mellow acoustics. 

Curate the vibe ahead of time

Part of creating a luxury bath experience is having every detail thoughtfully prepared in advance. Set the water temperature, lay out plush towels and a robe, arrange your bath, and body products, and have everything you’ll need within reach. Once you step into the bath, there should be nothing left to think about. Lighting is key too. The last thing you want is to be adjusting light and volume once you’ve stepped into the tub and are covered in suds. 

Anastasiia Krivenok/Getty Images

Choose a signature scent 

Scent can completely transform a bathing ritual and set the mood for the season. For fall, we recommend Guerlain’s Spiritueuse Double Vanille, with notes of smoky, woody amber, vanilla, rum, spices, and cedar, or Néroli Outrenoir, with notes of black tea, vanilla, orange blossom, and smoky woods. Both create a warm, enveloping atmosphere that brings a sense of comfort and richness to the ritual. Some other Sunset favorites are the botanically-inspired scents at Future Society, which makes their candles using of previously extinct flowers (and yes, that’s a good thing).  

Make skincare part of the soak

Rather than treating the bath and skincare as separate routines, make beauty part of the experience. At Regent Santa Monica Beach, the Bath Butler incorporates Guerlain cleansing and body products alongside elevated tools like a dry brush and natural sea sponge, transforming a simple soak into a head-to-toe ritual.

Prioritize the post-bath experience 

A bath ritual shouldn’t end when you leave the water. Wrap yourself in a plush robe, continue with nourishing body care and give yourself time to enjoy the quiet afterward. One of the greatest luxuries of a hotel bath is that the experience encourages you to linger, relax, and simply slow down.