14 Ways to Make Your Outdoor Space a Spa-Like Sanctuary

Home design isn’t just about looking good these days — it’s about feeling good too. Properties with wellness features are having a moment, and owners are going all in to make their homes feel like spas, inside and out. The trend in “wellness real estate” extends beyond the obvious health benefits: It’s also great for your property value. Homes designed around the concept of wellness can sell for 10 to 25 percent more than other comparable listings, according to the Global Wellness Institute. If you’re considering some upgrades, your backyard is a great place to start. Read on for inspiration!

Lounging in a comfy chair can reduce joint pain, improve circulation and help you feel more rested. Go ahead, kick up your feet!

Bring birds to your yard with a functional feeder and enjoy their melodic chirping. A recent study found that even six minutes of birdsong can reduce anxiety.

There’s power in plants: Lavender and chamomile can reduce anxiety, peppermint perks you up and rosemary improves focus. Crush a sprig of whatever you need between your fingers and breathe deeply.

Combining movement with fresh air is a win-win: This is why wellness retreats and high-end hotels have been offering outdoor yoga classes for ages. Take a cue from this contemporary yard and create a yoga terrace with zen vibes. Keep mats, blocks, bands and towels handy in a weather-tight trunk.

Flowers are pretty, but rocks can be surprisingly calming — and way lower maintenance. Choose a bed you’d otherwise seed and install some interesting stones instead. Search your yard, a dry riverbed or a local quarry and look for ones with distinctive shapes, textures or colors.

Just a minute in icy water can reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, according to Cleveland Clinic. And your levels of dopamine (those happy hormones) will go way up. This one, from the HGTV Smart Home 2025, adds a spa-like feel and offers a stylish solution for a practical self-care accessory. Now that’s cool!

Warm lighting will let you spend even more time outside on nice days, and lanterns are a perfect way to set the mood. Plus they’ll tell your body it’s time to wind down.

The calming, melodic tones from a wind chime are like sound therapy and can help calm your nerves and reduce your blood pressure. Bonus: They are easier to make than you think.

A study from the National Institutes of Health found that listening to water sounds had a more positive effect on health than other outdoor sounds. And the burbling can block out noise from busy roads.

Lean into the idea of “outer order, inner calm” by using a screen to block any stress-inducing clutter like kids’ toys, gardening tools or the neighbor’s yard. You can buy one that suits your space, or make your own from wood, mesh rebar and hanging plants.

Arrange a comfortable and secluded space to practice meditation, which has been proven to help memory and focus. Even something as simple as a tucked-away patch of grass or a small bench can provide the right setting.

Walks in nature are known to lower cortisol levels, so wander in your own backyard! Carve a path through trees or existing garden beds, lay down some pea gravel (pick it up at the hardware store), then add stepping stones.

Ground yourself by actually getting on the ground. Sitting on plush pillows is great for your posture and core strength, and it can help your digestion too.