Forget bank-breaking extravagance – freshly laundered linens, a long soak in the bath and a cozy night indoors are all we need to live in luxury.
A study, which revealed the top 50 small luxuries US citizens value the most, has shown crisp, clean bed linens are what people prize above all else.
Even with all the gadget-related boons on the list, nearly a quarter of Americans would prefer to spend some quality time with a good book, go for a fresh haircut or enjoy a luxurious dip in the bath over more extravagant treats.
In fact, a humble one in five never indulges in the more extravagant side of life.
Filip Boyen, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, who commissioned the study, said: “In this cash-rich, time-poor world we now live in, it makes sense that people’s ultimate luxury is less materialistic and more experiential, placing value in the opportunity to stop, switch off and relax.
“With the New Year, 2018 should be the year we treat ourselves to the small luxuries and invest in the time to treat ourselves, wherever we are.”
The survey, which was conducted by market research company OnePoll, found men are most likely to opt for a long and lazy bike ride, a glass of fine whiskey and a trip to watch a sporting event when they need to indulge.
Women are more likely to favor an extra five minutes in bed, a mini-break in a hotel and a catch-up with friends over lunch.
Despite these basic tastes, 56 percent of those surveyed also admitted they crave a more luxurious lifestyle than they currently have.
Of those who were surveyed who are currently in a relationship, two-thirds said their partner treats them to enough of their favorite small luxuries, though husbands and boyfriends are more likely to be satisfied than their other halves.
Seventy-nine percent of men in relationships said their partners treat them like kings, compared to 59 percent of women who regularly receive the royal treatment.
Still, if couples found they were owed a treat from their partner, they would be most likely to choose a night out together over a romantic massage or an offer to do the dishes.
Sixty-two percent of those surveyed don’t think money can buy happiness, but if money were no object, with all the world’s luxuries open to them, 44 percent would go on their dream holiday and a fifth would take a trip around the world.
Filip Boyen added: “The research proves just how far the sentiment of luxury has come over the 27 years we’ve been in business.”
“Our small hotels know that it’s the thoughtful gestures that count and make a guest’s stay really special, as well as providing a culturally relevant setting in which people can take a step back and enjoy life’s small luxuries.”
Top 50 “Life’s small luxuries”
- Freshly laundered bed linen
- A fresh haircut
- Time to read a good book
- Having a long soak in the bath
- A cozy night in
- Watching the sunset/sunrise
- A lunch date with a friend
- Receiving a bouquet of flowers
- Going for a professional manicure
- Five minutes of “me time”
- Catching your favorite movie on TV
- Using a premium perfume/cologne/fragrance
- Getting takeout
- Paying for a professional cleaning service
- Hearing your favorite song on the radio
- When someone makes you a hot drink
- Going to the theater
- A short break in a hotel or B&B
- Receiving a hand-written letter
- Receiving breakfast in bed
- Enjoying a fine wine/whiskey
- Getting your car valeted
- Drinking a glass of champagne
- Luxury quilted toilet paper
- Ordering the most expensive item on the menu
- Buying tickets to a concert
- Buying new makeup
- Leaving work half an hour early
- A picnic
- When the clocks go back
- Getting tickets to a sporting event
- Ordering the most extravagant dessert on the menu
- Skipping the ads on YouTube videos
- Buying fresh artisan bread
- Buying yourself a bouquet of flowers
- Applying a facemask
- Getting an extra shot in your coffee
- Buying a new candle
- Hitting the snooze button
- Spending time away from your phone
- Reading a magazine
- Skipping the intro when watching Netflix
- Keeping an empty seat beside you on public transport
- A lazy bike ride
- Getting mobile data coverage unexpectedly
- Having a blow-dry at the hairdresser
- Getting a ride in a sports car
- Finding a plug socket on public transport
- Having someone cancel plans
- Getting a taxi / Uber