Flicker and Flame

Welcoming Light Into Your November

Glow, steam, shimmer—let the rituals begin. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we’re leaning into the glow. Think spa lanterns flickering at twilight, candles casting golden halos on windowsills, and steam curling into the hush of a November night.

At Sensate, we believe light isn’t just about seeing, it’s about feeling. It’s a ritual, a way to soften the edges of the day, to mark transitions, and to invite warmth and presence into our spaces and our bodies.

This month, we’re celebrating the power of light, whether it’s the gentle gleam of our outdoor spa or the joy of crafting your own candle at home. And what better way to honour that glow than by making your own?

A hands-on ritual to warm your evenings

Creating a candle is more than a craft—it’s a moment to slow down, get a little melty, and pour some love into something that lasts. Holly, our resident candle maker, has whipped up a step-by-step guide that’s perfect for cozy nights and thoughtful gifting.

What You’ll Need:

- Wax – Choose from:

Soy (natural and clean-burning)

Beeswax (natural with a subtle scent)

Paraffin (common and easy to use)

- Wick – Size depends on your container’s diameter

- Container – Glass jar, tin, mug, or any heat-safe vessel

- Fragrance (optional) – Essential oils or candle-safe fragrance oils

- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl

- Stirring stick – Wooden skewer, chopstick, or spoon

- Wick sticker – To hold the wick in place

- Thermometer – To monitor wax temperature

How to Make It:

1. Prepare Your Container

Clean and dry it thoroughly. Stick the wick to the bottom centre using a wick sticker. Wrap the top of the wick around a stick laid across the container to keep it upright.

2. Melt the Wax

- Double Boiler: Place wax in a metal bowl or pot over boiling water.

- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30–60 seconds), stirring in between.

- Target temperatures:

- Soy: 65–70°C

- Paraffin: 70–80°C

3. Add Fragrance (Optional)

Let the wax cool slightly (5–10°C below melting point), then stir in your chosen scent—about 1ml per 100g of wax.

4. Pour the Wax

Carefully pour into your container, leaving a little space at the top. Keep the wick centered.

5. Cool and Set

Let the candle sit undisturbed for several hours (ideally overnight). If it shrinks, top it off with more wax.

6. Trim the Wick

Once fully set, trim the wick to about ¼ inch.

A Final Flicker of Inspiration

As you light your handmade candle, take a moment to pause. Let the glow remind you of the warmth that lives within, even as the world grows colder. Whether you're soaking under the stars at Sensate or curled up at home, may this season of light bring you rest, reflection, and renewal.

Ready to experience the magic of Sensate after dark? Our spa glows with fairy lights, lanterns, and warmth, even in the depths of November! Book your visit here.

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Let’s continue this journey together. Explore more on our website and subscribe to the Sensate Spa and Studios newsletter for special offers, enchanting updates, and more inspiration to renew, restore, and revitalise your senses.

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