Have you ever dreamed of having a backyard that makes you feel like you’re on vacation? We sure have. But how do you achieve that feeling of being at a high-end resort when you’re at home? Well, it isn’t easy, but we know a thing or two about creating backyard paradises.

In this blog, we’ll go over all of the elements you can add to your backyard to make it feel more like a private resort. So put on your sun hat and let’s get started by talking about one of the most important aspects of a resort-style backyard: privacy.

How to Achieve a Resort-Style Backyard

Start by Building in Privacy

If you want your backyard patio to feel like a private resort, you should start by making it private. It’s hard to relax when you know your neighbors could be spying on you. And it’s hard to feel like you’re “getting away from it all” when you can see your neighbors’ trash cans.

One of the simplest ways to fix this is by adding some privacy walls. There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your patio design. We can help you install wood walls, stone walls, decorative fencing, or slat walls.

If privacy walls feel too heavy, you can also get creative with your greenery. We’ve helped plenty of homeowners make their backyards more private with shrubs and hedges.

We recommend adding both walls and creative landscaping. Layering your privacy walls with plants gives your backyard a unique look. Have you ever seen a metal fence covered in ivy leaves? Beautiful.

Bring in Shade Structures for Shade and Definition

Any true resort-style backyard has a shade structure. Without a shady spot to sit in, even the best patios will be uncomfortable in the summer. Shade structures block the sun and make your outdoor living spaces feel more intentional.

Pergolas are one of the most popular backyard structures because they give your patio a nice balance between open air and coverage. They won’t protect you and your guests if it’s raining, but they give you some partial shade. You can leave them undecorated for a modern look or dress them up with climbing plants for a softer “resort garden” feel. If you want more protection from the sun and the rain, you’ll probably want a pavilion or a covered patio.

Pergolas, pavilions, and covered patios are just a few of the shade structures we can help you install. There are plenty more options to explore in the list below. Contact us today to tell us about the vibe you want to achieve, and we’ll help you pick the best shade structure for your home.

Retractable awnings
A gazebo
A pool house
Shade sails
Trellises

Add Some Luxury Custom Furniture

You won’t find stiff patio furniture at a high-end resort. Private resorts have luxurious, lounge-style furniture. We recommend furniture with thick cushions and wider frames so you can lean back and relax. Sectionals are a great choice because they make your outdoor living space feel more like an indoor living room. Materials matter too. Teak is a good choice because it ages beautifully and adds warmth to a space. Woven wicker is a popular choice if you want to add some texture. If you want something more robust, look for furniture made of powder-coated metal.

Layer Your Lighting for Evening Ambiance

We recommend layering your outdoor lighting, which just means using more than one type of light. It’s better to use several soft sources instead of one bright fixture.

String lights are a popular choice for overhead lighting. Another idea is to add low-level lights along your walkways or around the edge of your resort garden. You can also use accent lighting to bring attention to the key features in your backyard. You can add small uplights to highlight trees, stone walls, or the unique architectural structures of your home.

Work a Fire Feature into the Space

A fire feature instantly makes your backyard warmer and more inviting. There’s something simple and familiar about sitting around a fire at the end of the day. It slows people down. Fire pits draw your guests in and encourage them to stay longer. There are a lot of options when it comes to fire features:

Stone or concrete fire pits
Gas fire tables
Linear fire features you can build into low walls
Portable fire bowls

Include Some Kind of Water Feature for a Relaxed Resort Feel

Water is another element you should think about adding to your backyard, especially if you like lagoon-style layouts. Water features drown out distractions and make your backyard feel peaceful. And the best part is that you don’t need to shell out for large water features to get this effect.

Here are some ideas for smaller water features for your backyard:

Decorative water bowls
Bubbling fountains
Reflecting pools
Koi ponds
Rock stream features
Pondless waterfalls
Rain curtain water features
Wall-mounted spillways

Add an Outdoor Kitchen or Bar for Easy Entertaining

Food and drinks bring people together. That’s why every true resort-style backyard has some kind of kitchen or bar space. Anyone can make food inside and bring it out to their patio. But when you prepare the food outside, your patio becomes an experience. Even a built-in grill with counter space can upgrade your patio. If you want to add kitchen features to your patio, we can help you install grills, counters, sinks, beverage fridges, pizza ovens, storage, and more.

Set Up a Simple Outdoor Sound System

Sound is one of the most overlooked features in a resort-style backyard, but it makes a real difference. When you visit a high-end resort, there’s almost always soft music playing in the background to help you relax. Here’s how you can create that same feeling in your own backyard. The simplest solution is to just buy an outdoor Bluetooth speaker. But if you want something more permanent and impressive, we can help you install a professional sound system.

Finish With One Standout Luxury Touch

The best resorts surprise and delight their guests. If you want a private resort backyard, we recommend adding one luxury custom feature that feels a little indulgent. Here’s a short list of surprise features you can add to your backyard resort:

An outdoor shower or cold plunge tub
A hammock
A putting green
A bocce ball court
An outdoor movie screen

Contact Ciminello’s Landscaping for Patio Design Services Today

Ready to turn your backyard into a private retreat? Our team at Ciminello’s can help you add all of these features to your backyard. We can design and install lush landscaping, shade structures, outdoor lighting, fire and water elements, and more.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get a free estimate on our patio design services.

What Makes an Outdoor Space Feel Like a Private Resort?