Have you been thinking about avoiding the road trips and creating a better place to relax at home? It’s easy to get started. Add a few comfortable places to sit, some soft lighting, plants, and a hot tub. This kind of backyard oasis can completely change the way you spend your evenings. Instead of heading inside after dinner, you’ll find yourself staying outside just a little longer. (And more visits from friends and family may follow!)

If you’ve been thinking about making your backyard feel a little more inviting, here are a few ideas that can make a big difference.

There’s something about a hot tub that naturally brings people together. Someone climbs in, someone else pulls up a chair nearby, and before long, everyone is talking.

Instead of tucking your spa into a forgotten corner of the yard, make it the centerpiece. Let everything else flow around it.

Not everyone is in the water at the same time, and that’s okay. A couple of comfortable chairs, a loveseat, or even a picnic table nearby gives people a place to relax while they chat. Some of the best conversations happen with wet towels around your shoulders instead of while you’re actually soaking.

You don’t need a giant privacy fence to make your backyard feel like your own little escape (but it helps!)

Sometimes, all you need are a few shrubs, climbing plants, a pergola, or even some tall ornamental grasses to make the space feel quieter and more tucked away without closing everything in.

Backyards have a completely different personality after the sun goes down. If you add some string lights, lanterns, or a few pathway lights, it’s a quick and easy way to make everything feel warm and welcoming. It’s amazing how a little lighting can turn “let’s head inside” into “let’s stay out here another hour.”

The oasis you are creating is, well, outside, and nothing transforms an outdoor space faster and more completely than plants. But you don’t have to become a master gardener to create a lush setting.

Planting trees, shrubs, and flowers is a great idea, but spas are often on paved surfaces. In the hot Kansas sun, you might find that drought-resistant potted plants are the way to go. Lantana, purple fountain grass, lavender, rosemary, Russian sage, sedum, or even a dramatic agave are all good choices that instantly change the vibe. Or stick with easy-care windbreaks like Wichita blue juniper, diabolo ninebark, or smoke bush to soften the space and make it feel more relaxed. Adding a little green goes a long way.

Relaxation isn’t just about what you see. It’s also about the sound you experience.

The sound of moving water, leaves rustling in the breeze, or birds settling in for the evening can help you leave the day behind. If your spa has a waterfall feature, even better.

Bluetooth speakers on your spa make it easy to add soft background music, which can be especially helpful if you have noisy neighbors or a busy road nearby.

The nicest backyards are the ones that don’t require a lot of setup when guests arrive. So, it makes sense to keep a basket of towels nearby. Set up a cooler or small table that makes it easy to serve drinks and snacks at a moment’s notice. Bluetooth on your spa makes it super easy to add some music if the mood feels right. It doesn’t have to be fancy; it just has to be easy.

The Kansas sun is no joke. That’s why creating a little shade extends the usability of your backyard retreat.

Create shade in the parts of your yard you use most. An umbrella, pergola, or even a few well-placed trees can give you a comfortable place to read, enjoy your morning coffee, or simply spend more time outside when the sun is high.

One of the best things about owning a hot tub is that every season has its own charm. There’s something special about soaking on a cool fall evening or watching snowflakes drift down while you’re warm in the water.

Jumping into a warm spa on a chilly night is one of life’s great pleasures. Once people experience it, winter often becomes their favorite time to use the spa.

Creating a beautiful spa is nice, but at the end of the day, you want it to be a place your friends and family will be drawn to.

Whatever you decide to do with your backyard oasis, make sure you get in some late-night conversations, host birthday celebrations, and keep kids laughing.

And create a spot that is also a peaceful place to spend evenings after a long day when it’s finally time to unplug. That’s what turns a backyard into a favorite place to be.

The best backyard retreats aren’t the ones that look like they belong in a magazine. They’re the ones that get used. Start with what you have. Add things that make you happy. Maybe it’s a few new plants, better lighting, or finally making room for that Aahs Spa you’ve been thinking about.

Before you know it, you’ll be spending more evenings outside than in, and wondering why you didn’t do it sooner. Make an appointment to visit our Hillsboro showroom to get inspired and get started on your oasis today.