From cooking and dining alfresco to sipping cocktails by the pool bar, there’s every reason to enjoy a laid-back resort lifestyle back home

Whether your ideal resort-style R&R is taking wild rides down a waterslide, socialising beneath the stars or just floating about to the peaceful sounds of nature, there’s no need to redeem those frequent flyer miles.
Your getaway can be as close as your backyard, thanks to poolscaping — the products and accessories that add beauty and value to your property … and can transform a pool area into a personal resort.

Natural Look, Man-Made Fun
Waterslides are one popular way to customise your pool area and give it that exciting, “on vacation” feel. You can choose a one-piece, easy-to-install slide that twists and turns or, budget permitting, let your imagination run wild and create a customised, thrill-a-second ride to rival a Disney attraction.
And there are no worries about having a playground look, thanks to faux rock and boulder treatments that provide a natural feel and appearance to the sturdy, weather-proof slides. Made from lightweight concrete and crafted into almost any shape and finish imaginable, faux rocks provide a more secure, less slippery footing, without the sharp edges of the real thing. More landscape/pool designers and contractors are turning to this medium for its ability to be moulded, textured and coloured to exactly replicate the look and feel of a real rock formation.
Instead of a diving board, consider an oversized, natural-looking “jumping rock” for kids (of all ages) to practice their cannonballs. Alternately, the sight of falling water — courtesy of a waterfall or fountain — can produce the most relaxing and popular elements of your poolscape, especially when it flows over or around a tuck-away grotto, the perfect hideout “cave” for kids (or for parents to escape from them).
Augment your pool area with lush plantings to complete the feeling that you’re on vacation at your own address. Especially with up-shooting outdoor lighting, a border of palm trees provides a reasonably priced, eye-pleasing tropical feel. When placed in movable planters, these plants can be brought indoors during the cooler-climate winters.

Great Gatherings
In addition to all that fun in and around the water, one of the best things about pool ownership is that it provides the perfect place to gather and entertain friends and family. While the pool itself is a natural hub, remember that well-placed planters, fountains or creative landscaping provide not only a focal point but also carve out distinct gathering or conversation areas.
New materials and weatherproofing techniques in outdoor furniture mean you can have poolside comfort as upscale and elegant as that in your living room, with armour-like durability. But think beyond just a table and chairs: Consider upholstered chaises, daybeds and oversized floor pillows for seating, and small occasional tables for placing drinks and food. An indoor-outdoor rug helps define the space and make it feel more homey.
A wet bar — perhaps installed along with a grill and other outdoor kitchen appliances — is a wonderful way to add some cocktail-time elegance to your pool area.
Party well into the night, or whenever the mercury dips, with a wide range of heaters. From small lanterns to tall torchieres, electric or propane models are easily placed around the perimeter of your poolscape or on tabletops. A firepit, now the must-have accessory, can be designed into any poolscape décor; if you think you’ll be using it a lot, consider a permanent installation with gas hookup for instant heat and light at the touch of a button.
Worried about those sweltering afternoons? A misting or fog system sends a refreshing, mild spray into an outdoor area. It’s the perfect accompaniment for sweltering evenings, and a way to keep the party going. An oversized umbrella is a quick fix to keep a round table or other small area in the shade, while larger, rectangular gazebos are typically used to protect a lounging or cooking area.

Sensory Delights
Lighting is one of the quickest and most effective ways to transform your pool area into a tranquil retreat or liven it up as Party Central. Thanks to the high-tech marvel of low-cost LED lighting, you can create nearly any mood. A mix of path lights for walkways, spotlights for garden sculptures and other focal points, or even string patio lights in trees, arbors and deck edges create romance and visual appeal — both metaphorically and literally.
New trends include some old classics, from revolving disco balls to scented, flower-shaped floating lights. Also consider unique dual-purpose products, such as rainbow-hued fountains that refill pool water lost to evaporation while providing a spectacular light show with its rotating glow.
Don’t overlook the sensation of sound when you set about creating your ideal backyard gathering place. An outdoor stereo system with cleverly designed, rock-shaped speakers blends into your landscaping while providing a harmonious accompaniment to your relaxation, pleasing in both sight and sound. Breakthroughs in technology provide outdoor sound equivalent to that of top-quality indoor stereos. And many now come with wireless connectivity, making installation a breeze. You can also pipe your favourite music softly through hanging planters or planter boxes.
Enhance the mood of your home getaway in a simple way with wind chimes and colourful windcatchers. A luminous gazing ball or resin statuary can enhance a more formal or Old World setting, while a birdbath is always a great way to bring colour, sound and activity to your personal resort at home.
Whatever your tastes or budget, you don’t have to resort to resorts for a getaway adventure. Your escape can be steps away … with no travelling hassles or airport security checkpoints.

Outdoor Furniture

WESTMINSTER FURNITURE S.L.
www.westminstermuebles.es

WHITE DESIGN COMPANY
www.whitedesignco.com

ROCHE BOBOIS
www.roche-bobois.es

NORDIC MUEBLES
www.nordicmuebles.com

Shading

CAPE REED S.L.
www.capereed.com

THE SHADE SAIL COMPANY
www.theshadesailcompany.com

Pools and Spas

MARBELLA POOLS AND SPAS
www.marbellapools.com

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