For some people, one of the best ways to get some much-needed rest and relaxation is to take a trip to a spa. The soothing environment allows you to forget your troubles and rejuvenate your appearance.

If you have an extra bathroom and enough space, you might consider updating it to get this experience right at home. Some methods will require a significant investment to upgrade the furniture, fixtures, and more. Others will simply add a few touches to make the bathroom more soothing.

One of the costliest but most effective options to bring a spa environment into your home is to add a whirlpool tub. Lisa Snowden-McCray, writing for the home improvement site RedBeacon, says this kind of tub will give you the opportunity to take a luxurious soak at the end of a long day or week.

You can also look at other bathtub options to find a stand-alone model that will improve the bathroom's aesthetics while still having a functional use for relaxation. Becky Harris, writing for the home design site Houzz, says some homeowners will even be able to recess the tub into the ground. This arrangement will allow you to step down into the water and make the room seem more spacious.

If such upgrades are out of your price range, there are a few more economical options to enhance the bathroom's atmosphere. Anne Miller, writing for the National Association of Realtors, says you can consider a portable spa motor, a waterfall faucet in the bathtub, or a showerhead with a massage setting.

Other major renovations will help turn the bathroom into a getaway within the home. Harris says you might consider a fireplace, a toilet that is more visually pleasing than the standard model, or a vessel sink.

If privacy is not an issue, consider expanding the window area. It is also possible to upgrade the windows while maintaining glass that will let natural light in while blocking views from the outside.

Some relaxing music will help improve the mood. Snowden-McCray says a professional electrician can install a sound system in the room, letting you play your tunes from tucked away speakers. Jennifer and Kitty O'Neil, writing for HGTV, say a small CD player is another, more inexpensive option.

Renovations to the room should seek to improve its flow and make it appear larger. Harris says you can accomplish this goal by using a floating or open vanity, clear glass on the shower stall, or a continuous flow of tile from the floor to the ceiling. You can also add a natural touch using wood accents or pebbled tile.

A simpler way of improving the room's appearance is to change its color. White will work well, as will muted tones. Snowden-McCray suggests colors such as blue or tan.

Soft lighting will also provide a tranquil atmosphere. Switch out the existing lights with ones that provide a more muted glow. Alternatively, you can set up a dimmer switch to control the light levels.

Filling empty spaces with furniture will transform the appearance of the room. Miller suggests a simple chair and floor lamp, which will give you a place to sit down and perhaps give yourself a pedicure. The O'Neils say a simple wooden stool and foot bath will also go a long way toward bringing a spa environment to your bathroom.

A number of inexpensive touches will be especially effective. Add photos of relaxing scenes, such as natural landscapes. Candles, scented oils and soaps, orchids and other plants, and fluffy towels will all enhance your comfort.

Make an effort to keep the bathroom clean once you've completed the transformation. If you continue to visit the bathroom for everyday use, try to stow away items such as toothbrushes and mouthwash. Keep the towels folded and plants watered, and check in frequently to see if the room needs a touch-up.