Your Guide to Creating a Personal Backyard Retreat
Check out our guide to creating your own personal backyard retreat! It’s a must-have, especially because life moves fast.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your health and happiness is hit pause. Just like eating nutritious meals or getting regular exercise, self-care is a vital part of feeling your best.
For many, that means a trip to the spa where you can escape from everyday stress to focus on mind, body, and soul.
Spa treatments like massages, facials, and hydrotherapy aren’t just enjoyable. They can reduce stress, improve circulation, encourage better sleep, and leave you feeling renewed.
The downside? Frequent spa visits can be pricey and time-consuming. Booking appointments, driving across town, and working sessions into your busy calendar can take away from the very relaxation you’re seeking.
The great news is you can capture that same luxurious, restorative spa feeling without ever leaving home. With some thoughtful planning, your backyard (or even a cozy indoor corner) can become your personal wellness sanctuary where you can unwind, recharge, and focus on yourself whenever you want.
Here’s how to create your own Ultra Modern-inspired hot tub retreat.
Set the Mood with Lighting
Lighting is one of the simplest ways to change the feel of your space. Warm, soft light instantly makes an area more inviting. Use multiple light sources for a layered, soothing glow. Think lanterns, candles, or string lights overhead.
Outdoors, landscape lighting can highlight plants or architectural features.
- Add LED candles or hanging lanterns to tables and walls, or choose adjustable-color lighting to set the tone for different moods.
- A few well-placed lights can transform your backyard into a calming haven.

Choose a Relaxing Color Palette
The right colors make a big difference in creating that spa-like calm. Shades inspired by nature, like soft greens, tranquil blues, sandy beige, and warm stone tones, set a peaceful mood. These hues work beautifully on furniture, rugs, throw pillows, and even the cabinets of high-end hot tubs.
Pastel accents such as blush pink, buttery yellow, or peach can add personality without feeling overwhelming.
Avoid overly bright or neon tones. Stick with muted colors that blend seamlessly with your surroundings for a timeless, restful effect.
Add a Soothing Soundtrack
Sound has a powerful influence on relaxation. A gentle playlist can transport you right into spa mode. Soft piano, acoustic guitar, ocean waves, falling rain, or bird song are all classics.
Install quality speakers for an immersive experience, whether indoors or outdoors. Weather-resistant models are ideal for patios, and today’s wireless systems make it easy to control the music from your phone or smart assistant. Once you’ve got the setup, create playlists that instantly help you unwind.
Harness the Power of Scent
Aromatherapy is an easy way to set a spa mood. Scents can calm your mind, lift your spirits, or help you sleep better. Try:
- Candles for both fragrance and soft, flickering light
- Fragrant plants like jasmine, lavender, or honeysuckle in your garden
- Essential oil diffusers with lavender for stress relief, eucalyptus for mental clarity, or citrus for an energy boost
- Wax warmers for long-lasting scent without an open flame
Choose aromas that make you feel your best and enjoy the added sensory layer to your relaxation routine.

Invest in Comfortable Seating
Comfort is everything in a spa retreat. Deep-cushion chairs, reclining loungers, hammocks, or sectional sofas give you space to stretch out and truly relax. For outdoor setups, choose weather-resistant fabrics and add soft pillows or throws for extra coziness.
Arrange your seating to encourage both conversation and quiet moments. And if stargazing is your thing, make sure at least one chair has the perfect night-sky view.

Elevate Your Retreat with a Hot Tub
While lighting, colors, scents, and sounds set the stage, nothing matches the pure luxury and wellness benefits of soaking in a hot tub. At Ultra Modern Pool & Patio, we know a high-quality hot tub is more than just a backyard feature. It’s your go-to destination for relaxation, connection, and self-care.
Hot tub benefits include:
- Stress relief from massaging jets and warm water
- Pain reduction for sore muscles, arthritis, and back tension
- Improved circulation for better overall wellness
- Better sleep when you soak before bed
- Greater flexibility and mobility from loosened joints and muscles
- Mood boosting during those cold, grey winter days
When choosing your hot tub, consider seating capacity, features, and placement. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your space, your budget, and your lifestyle.
Make the Most of Your Hot Tub
To keep your hot tub experience perfect year-round:
- Place it in a private, sheltered spot with a great view.
- Soak regularly for 15–30 minutes.
- Keep the water between 100°F and 104°F.
- Stay hydrated before and after soaking.
- Try gentle stretches or meditation while in the water.
- Maintain clean, balanced water.
Incorporate Massage Tools
Not everyone can book a massage every week, but you can enjoy similar benefits at home.
Foam rollers, handheld massagers, massage chairs, and of course, your hot tub’s hydrotherapy jets, can relieve tension, improve circulation, and help muscles recover after activity.
Let Nature Do Its Work
Never underestimate the power of greenery. Surrounding yourself with plants, flowers, and trees adds life, color, and serenity to your spa retreat.
Even small spaces can flourish with hanging planters, vertical gardens, or a few potted beauties.
Your Self-Care in Your Personal Backyard Retreat
Your home spa can be as simple or elaborate as you like. What matters most is making it a place where you can truly unwind. Whether that’s a candlelit soak in your hot tub, morning yoga on the deck, or simply sipping tea surrounded by your favorite plants, it’s about creating moments that restore you.
At Ultra Modern Pool & Patio, we’re here to help you design a space that brings the spa to you. Come see us today and learn how Wichita’s favorite hot tub, sauna, pool, cold plunge, and patio furniture store can help!



