If you’re lucky enough to own a home sauna, hot tub, or spa, your back garden has the potential to become a true retreat. The key is transforming the surrounding space into a calming sanctuary that complements the relaxation of your sauna or spa experience. With the right design, lighting, and styling, you can create a peaceful outdoor haven you’ll never want to leave.
1. Embrace Natural Elements
A sauna or spa feels most at home when surrounded by nature. Incorporate natural wood, stone, and greenery into your design to enhance the sense of tranquility. Tall bamboo, evergreen shrubs, or decorative grasses can act as natural privacy screens while adding softness to your garden setting.
2. Prioritize Privacy
Relaxation comes more easily when you feel secluded. Use fencing, pergolas, or trellises with climbing plants to create privacy around your sauna or spa area. Not only does this block outside distractions, but it also adds a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
3. Set the Mood with Lighting
After dark, lighting makes all the difference. Soft, ambient glow enhances the spa-like feel and extends the usability of your space well into the evening. Outdoor festoon lighting is a simple yet beautiful choice, draping above or around your sauna or spa to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
For larger gardens, connectable festoon lights (5m–100m) are perfect for covering patios and pathways with a consistent glow. If you prefer a sustainable option, the solar festoon string lights (10m) offer an eco-friendly solution powered by the sun.
4. Create a Comfortable Lounge Space
After a sauna session or soak in the spa, you’ll want somewhere to cool down and relax. Add comfortable seating such as loungers, cushioned chairs, or even a hammock nearby. Soft textiles like blankets and outdoor cushions can make the area feel even more inviting.
5. Add Sensory Touches
To elevate your garden sanctuary, engage all the senses. Place aromatic plants like lavender or rosemary around your sauna area, introduce a small water feature for soothing sound, and consider outdoor candles or lanterns for an extra layer of atmosphere.
6. Keep It Functional
While aesthetics are important, functionality matters too. Think about storage for towels, robes, and spa accessories. A simple bench with built-in storage or a weatherproof cabinet can keep everything tidy and within reach.
Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or hosting friends for a wellness evening, creating a back garden sanctuary around your sauna or spa will transform your outdoor space into the ultimate retreat. With natural touches, cozy seating, and atmospheric lighting, you’ll have your very own haven of relaxation just steps from your door.
