8 Ways to create a resort-style backyard: Designer tips using fire features

What makes a home feel like a 5-star luxury resort without the price tag? When we think luxury, we think of clean lines, minimalistic but elegant decor, soft lighting and a calming ambiance. Everyone needs a sense of escape once and a while, but jetting off to a tropical island isn’t always realistic. So if you need some TLC and need some inspiration, here’s how to design an oasis right in your own backyard. 

1. A centrepiece to build upon:

At Solus we may be a bit biased, but we believe that every garden retreat needs a spark—a fire feature that creates ambiance, warmth, and a natural gathering point.

• Looking to lounge? Pairing the Halo Low firepit with a comfy lounge chair creates the perfect solitary space to catch up on a good book. Its low profile and sleek design create a minimalistic but cosy aesthetic, with the added bonus of keeping your toes toasty.
• Aiming for a more communal setup? The Hemi and Luna firebowls make stunning focal points for intimate conversation. Their smooth and polished surfaces bring a softer aesthetic while still delivering all the visual impact you want in a luxury garden.
• And if you love sharing a meal and a laugh with friends, our firetables are for you. The classic Firetable suits smaller patios beautifully, while the Tavolo—with its generous surface—becomes the perfect hub for entertaining.

2. Lush Landscaping for a Tropical or Spa-Like Feel

• Use layered planting: tall grasses, palms, bamboo, or evergreens.
  
• Strategically place a few oversized planters with architectural plants for instant drama, framing your seating area.
  
• Incorporate fragrant plants like lavender, jasmine, or rosemary to enhance relaxation with some natural aromatherapy.
  

3. Comfortable, Resort-Inspired Seating

• Choose deep, cushioned lounge chairs and modular furniture that can double as a foot rest after a long day
  
• Mix seating types for the luxury of choice: loungers, sofas, poufs, and low-slung chairs. Pick whatever suits your mood!
  
• Opt for neutral, soft-toned fabrics that won’t be overwhelming to recreate a “spa” vibe.
  

4. Ambient Lighting to Set the Mood

• Use warm, indirect lighting: lanterns, path lights, and uplighting for trees that invite you into the space.
  
• Add fairy lights for a soft resort-style glow that creates a magical backdrop to your evening.
  
• Place lighting strategically to highlight the fire feature as the focal point, adding extra drama to the flame.

5. Add a Water Element for a Balanced Atmosphere

• Consider a water bowl, small fountain, or reflecting pool. Gently flowing water is a staple amongst resort and spa designs for good reason!
• Our Dome water feature is constructed out of a polished metal dome, enclosed in a rounded concrete vessel that adds a subtle touch of sparkle as light reflects off its polished surface.
• Our Scupper water feature is similar to our Dome, but allows the water to cascade down, creating beautiful sound and movement.
• Our Water Box consists of a circular metal disc surrounded by a handcast concrete box. This fountain is perfect for those who enjoy a modern garden and sleek feel.
  

6. Curate Multi-Sensory Ambience

• Incorporate outdoor speakers for gentle background music or a fun vibe that keeps the party going well into the evening
  
• Use natural materials (e.g. wood, stone, concrete) to elevate texture and mood. Synthetic materials often lack the calming quality of natural materials, which we feel help create a space that is cohesive with surrounding nature

7. Add Shade and Shelter

• Everybody loves to feel the sun on their face, but shade and shelter are important! Use pergolas, cantilever umbrellas, or shade sails for some protection from the midday sun.
  
• Create cosy “cabana-like” nooks with curtains or privacy screens. This is a particularly great tip for those in built-up areas or if your garden is overlooked.

8. Keep Comfort in Every Season

• Aside from a quality firepit, adding outdoor heated blankets, or stashing a few pairs of fuzzy socks for cooler nights is a great idea.
  
• Choosing weather-resistant textiles is not only practical, but ensures that your furniture stays luxurious year-round.
  

Transforming your backyard into a resort-style retreat is ultimately about creating an atmosphere that feels relaxing, elevated, and effortless. By layering lush landscaping, choosing comfortable lounge-worthy seating, incorporating thoughtful lighting, adding soothing water elements, and ensuring shade and year-round comfort, you can turn your outdoor space into a true sanctuary. And when these details come together around a striking fire feature as your focal point, the result is a garden that feels luxurious, inviting, and entirely your own—offering all the serenity of a five-star escape without ever leaving home.