Soaking under the stars

Whether sharing a wine with friends, playing with your kids, or simply twiddling your toes, relaxing in a hot spa is a simple life luxury – here are some creative ways you can introduce a backyard oasis to your property

1. Spoilt for choice

Michael Cooper NZ

Key requirements for this new home included connectivity and a strong emphasis on outdoor living – to this end, giant sliders open to a spa, from Hot Spring Spas, a pool, outdoor living room and al fresco dining area.

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2. More fun in a smaller package

Erin Green, Natures Best Landscape

Circles within circles – despite limited grounds, this compact front garden and accompanying space-saving pool with inset spa, by Waterview Pools, achieve an airy, spacious feel.

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3. Private yet connected

Luke Robertson, Epic Landscape Design

At the end of this al fresco lounging space a wall of metal blades disguises the 4 Seasons spa tucked in behind – the slats echo cedar blades that form part of the home's facade detailing.

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4. Blue for you

Ian Barker Garden Design

This spa stands proud of its swimming pool environment which in turn is set at the uppermost point on the property – for differentiation, the spa is clad in smaller, brighter mosaics that the pool.

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5. Bubbling oasis

David Reid Homes Waitaki/South Canterbury

Spas are often connected to swimming pools but this one goes out on its own, creating an oasis of soaking within a desert of decking – the spa can be covered by a retractable kwila cover.

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6. Soaking in the natural world

Fowler Homes Auckland South

With schist accents and covered wood deck, this home reaches out to its creek and bush setting – an adjacent spa with operable Aurae Electric Louvre roof extends the opportunity to step into nature, whatever the weather.

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7. The high life

Soaking in the scenery. - Natural echo -

Lake Landscapes

This spa is situated at the uppermost point on the property – allowing occupants to enjoy the best possible views of the lake, mountains and the architectural home itself.

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