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I often sit down to evaluate which features of a lodge, what I consider to be “eye candy”, make me relax on arrival.
Our senses are attuned and hungry for beauty. Most of us experience a place via what we see, what we hear (water, wind, birds, animals), what we smell and what we touch. These are just four of the sensory stimulations we base our experience on, when visiting a weekend getaway. We go there to see things which stimulate us but also make us relax.
Designers of spas and upmarket lodges know this and spend much time perfecting what we see and experience.
Virtually all of these exquisite places have one thing in common: Attention to small detail in order to impress the customers’ senses.
Without being a copycat, you can easily borrow these wonderful features for your own property. You do not need a multimillion mansion overlooking the Khomas mountains to bring this concept home.
Using a combination of elements helps. A pool with 3 m of monotone paver around it will do little to raise the eyebrows. Instead use a coping stone which does not blend in with the surrounding area. (Pretty much like wearing the correct lipstick.)
This can be combined with green grass or decking, or both. What are we choosing to place on the deck; are the plants way to one side or are they incorporated in the pool area? The combination of the correct plants does magic. Purchase plants with longer leaves, like small palm trees, to accentuate the sound of the breeze. Make very sure not to invest in a tree which messes a lot.
To complete the luxury lodge look, set out some sleek deck furniture that will be able to brave the intense sun and dry heat. Your best bet would be light, powder-coated aluminium frames paired with UV-resistant textilene sling fabric.
Take some time and look at the pots in which these plants are planted. Don’t settle for just an ordinary plastic or white pot. Make sure the plants are well looked after, as yellow leaves will do little to bring the island feeling home.
Now we get to the pool. Be very, very careful of dark pool colours. It makes the pool appear smaller and uninviting. Use mosaic on the steps and at the water line. No, not the regular stick-on type. Use genuine mosaic.
Take some time to make sure you use the correct lights inside the pool and where they should be placed. Examine all the vantage points.
How do we cover the pool? A PVC roll-up station is practical but a steel construction on the side of the pool does very little to make the pool appear attractive.
The use of a small water feature is the final touch to emphasize the sound of water.
Lastly the pool water must be crystal clear… Speak to us about all the little secrets here.
These are just a few ideas. Please pop in at Lic and let us share more thoughts with you.
Until next time.