BAINA Bathe
Volume 29.
Bailey Meredith

Bailey Meredith is the co-founder of BAINA. She grew up amongst the lush green backdrop of New Zealand where she met childhood friend Anna Fahey, a connection that would later evolve into a business partnership, and a brand centred around bathing. As the creative director of BAINA, and an aesthete at heart, Bailey finds inspiration in art, nature, architecture, and the beauty of everyday objects. Her affinity for the practise of bathing flows into her personal, and professional life, carving out essential time for self, and through BAINA, encouraging others to do the same.

In this intimate reflection, Bailey shares her deeply personal connection to the art of bathing—a daily ritual that transcends routine to become a sacred practice of self-nurture. For Bailey, the bath is more than a place of cleansing; it's a sanctuary where time slows down and the day's tensions soften.

"Bathing is a place of retreat, a place of solace to return to at the end of a long day. An anchor to reflect on the day that has passed, allowing my thoughts to settle away from outside noise. It’s also my way of nurturing myself. The beauty of bathing lies in its accessibility—a simple yet grounding ritual that requires nothing extravagant. It's a daily regime that offers precious moments of solitude and self-connection.

It is a practise I return to daily. If it is a bath that's calling—I bathe. In the evenings, I always light a candle and add magnesium salts to ease into relaxation. On Sundays, I might pour a glass of red wine, apply a face mask, and refill the tub with warm kettle water. I could stay in there for hours."

"I like to keep my routine simple. It’s often the simple repetitive self-care actions that keep me most grounded. A hot bath has always been the perfect antidote to the day for me, and a rare opportunity to find time for self. Adding magnesium salts is a new addition to my bathing routine, to calm my nervous system and aid with falling asleep.

Bathing is a deeply personal ritual, and creating the right atmosphere can make it truly restorative. At home, I prefer a soft light to create a calming environment. I like to feel contrasting temperatures, so I open the windows, inviting in the cool outside air, complementing the rising steam from the tub. Once immersed, I apply a nourishing face mask, as part of my skincare routine and to unwind. Every bath, I light a candle, opting for a warm, earthy scent—these notes have become my personal cue to decompress, and soften."

"For as long as I can remember Ive only ever lived in one house that didn’t have a bath. Those 2 years in Melbourne were genuinely not as joyous as the rest. Luckily Anna lived in a house with a bath and I often would visit mid-week with the sole purpose of using their tub. An unspoken offering- I didn't have to ask. She knew why I was on her doorstep and she welcomed me in with open arms. I cherish evening baths right before bed, savouring the luxury of having no obligations or place to rush off to. It’s a time when I can truly unwind, lingering in the warmth and letting myself soak for as long as I need."

"I have vivid memories of my mother perched on the edge of the bath growing up, creating bubbles with a bar of soap and her hands. I was mesmerised by her then, and I carry that magic with me—often enchanting my niece with the very same bubble trick."