The Search for the Perfect Outdoor Bathing Experience
The dream of a private wellness oasis on our balcony in Spain had been alive for a long time. Imagine balmy summer evenings, the sun setting into the Mediterranean Sea, and us, relaxed with a glass of Cava in the water. It was a beautiful image, but the reality of an overhanging balcony in our apartment complex in Villajoyosa brought with it the necessary challenges.
A traditional jacuzzi or a massive hot tub was quickly ruled out. Not only are they considerable in size, but the weight – filled with thousands of litres of water and two people – would be too much for the construction of our balcony. Safety was paramount, but that didn’t mean we had to give up our dream.
After careful research, we found the ideal solution: the Gardentub. This bath is specifically designed as a stylish, compact, and lightweight alternative. We ordered a beautiful, white Gardentub, complete with a modern, black tap and shower, from Auralis Living. The placement on our balcony felt like a milestone. Finally, our personal escape, an oasis of calm, was a reality. It proves that you don’t need a huge garden or a luxurious villa to create your own wellness paradise. A smart choice and a little creativity is all you need.
Logistics and the Spanish Lifestyle
The installation itself was surprisingly simple, but a classic logistical problem that many city dwellers recognize soon arose. To make the Gardentub winter-ready (which, let’s be honest, in Villajoyosa amounts to only a few cooler months), or simply to refresh the water, the tub needs to be emptied. And it just so happens that our balcony doesn’t have a drain. This is the only real challenge in our otherwise perfect scenario.
At the moment, we are still busy finding a permanent, elegant solution. We are considering a mobile pump with a long hose, or perhaps even an innovative greywater recycling system for our plants. In the meantime, it’s a matter of giving our very friendly downstairs neighbours a kind look. Fortunately, they do have a drain, and with a little politeness and a promise of a bottle of good wine, this is a workable, albeit temporary, solution for now. It’s part of the ‘working with what you have’ in apartment living.
Our connection to Villajoyosa, the picturesque coastal town on the Costa Blanca, is strong. We are there regularly, and the plan is to move there permanently in the foreseeable future. The weather here is a game-changer. Temperatures in Spain are simply much more pleasant and constant than in the Netherlands. This automatically means you use the Gardentub much more often for what it does best in a warm climate: cooling off.
What could be more wonderful than stepping into the bath after a long, hot summer day – when the Spanish sun finally begins to set? It has become a ritual. Gently bubbling in the water as the air cools down, we watch the sunset together and enjoy a ‘cavatje’ (small glass of cava) with some local tapas. It is pure, unadulterated luxury, every time.
Usage, Maintenance, and Sustainability
Although a cooling bath after a hot day is blissful, we, as true ‘cold-sensitive people’ (koukleumen), are not planning to use the Gardentub as an ice bath. We are skipping the Wim Hof method trend; our pleasure is to be found in the warmer side of the spectrum, or at least at pleasant, invigorating temperatures. It is a place for relaxation, not for extreme sports.
What also greatly appeals to us about the Gardentub is the minimal maintenance required. This fits perfectly into our relaxed Spanish lifestyle. You don’t have to spend hours adjusting pH levels or adding aggressive chemicals.
The only regular maintenance is the removal of the greasy edges that arise from, for example, make-up or sunscreen. For this, we use the supplied grey sponge in combination with an organic cleaning agent. The choice for an organic agent is conscious: we do not want chemical agents in our water or on our terrace. However, this brings with it a greater challenge when it comes to water management.
We are currently working on finding a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to avoid having to fill the bath with new water every time. The cover provides excellent protection against coarse dirt, such as leaves, but the filtering of finer pollution and, more importantly, the destruction of (harmful) bacteria without chemical agents is a complex puzzle. We are exploring options such as natural salt solutions or UV purification techniques that fit within the organic philosophy. It is a pursuit of a closed, sustainable water cycle, which will only enhance the experience.
The ‘Attention’ and the Extra Glamour
Because we have strategically placed the Gardentub on the corner of our balcony, it attracts quite a bit of attention from downstairs neighbours and passers-by. We are proud of our setup, and the reactions are often surprised and positive.
In the coming weeks, we will make the setup even more beautiful by highlighting it with atmospheric, waterproof lighting. This will draw even more attention, especially in the evenings, and make the atmosphere even more luxurious. The only ‘pity’ about this is that all that attention means we really have to use swimwear – a small sacrifice for so much luxury and pleasure!
With the Gardentub products, we have succeeded in creating our own, small-scale, but incredibly delightful wellness facility on our own terrace. This is, for us, the definition of modern, affordable luxury. It is more than just a bath; it is a piece of daily holiday, a moment of peace, and a perfect addition to our future life in Villajoyosa.
