5 WAYS TO TURN YOUR BACKYARD INTO A RESORT OASIS THIS SUMMER

Fabulous summer travel plans canceled? I feel your pain. And even though our summer travel plans look A LOT different this year...ugh COVID...that doesn’t mean you can’t have yourself a little staycation right at home!

Below you’ll find 5 easy ways to turn your backyard/patio/living space into your very own luxury resort oasis.

Now you can totally do you, but I went with a tropical resort meets millennial pool party aesthetic...You’re gonna need some help visualizing that right…?

CHECK OUT MY VIDEO THAT WALKS YOU THROUGH EACH STEP!

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Step 1: Pick a spot in your backyard, on your porch, or heck even in your living room (if you live in a high rise) that will be your “oasis”.

Hot tip: I like to find a naturally shady spot so I’m not boiling in the direct sunlight.

Once you have your spot, it’s time to decorate! Let’s make it fabulous, but also let’s not break the bank lol. Use some things you already have and supplement what you don’t.

Here’s a quick checklist of all your backyard oasis essentials:

Inflatable kiddie pool ( these are selling like hot cakes RN but I love this one or this one)
Electric pump to blow up said pool
Pool floaties if you want to be extra
Inflatable glittery ball because why not??
An outdoor umbrella
A lounge chair (or two)
A table to set your cocktail on ;)
A cute beach towel
A cooler to keep your beverages cool
A great book (click here for my favorite travel reads)
A portable speaker or airpods
A portable fan might be helpful

Step 2: Look the part by putting on your favorite resort wear outfit

Isn’t half the fun of vacation buying new vacation clothes?!? I can’t be the only one who gets excited about the new swimsuit I ordered just for my trip right?!

So let’s try and replicate that feeling this year by treating ourselves to a new swimsuit, coverup, caftan, dress, whatevs! Once you have your space all set up, throw on your new lewk and just imagine you’re somewhere FABULOUS!

Here’s some of my favorite resort wear picks!

*click the image you want to shop

OH, and if you’re like me and can’t have just ONE new thing, well then let me suggest trying out Rent the Runway’s new 1 or 2 swap membership plans. They’re more affordable and a great way to introduce yourself to the renting world!

I have a code for $100 off two months of RTR’s 2 swap membership. Just click here to sign up and use code RTRALLEP at checkout!

Step 3: Create a signature cocktail for your oasis

All of my favorite resorts have some sort of signature cocktail that I always over indulge in (lol whoopsie) so I think if we’re really going to buy into this whole backyard oasis thing, you’re gonna need your own signature cocktail.

I went with an Aperol Spritz because they remind me of European summers and when I’m sipping on them I kind of forget that we’re not invited to Europe right now (sobbing…).

This drink is refreshing, delicious and totally instagrammable (if that’s your thing).

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ice
3 ounces Aperol
3 ounces dry Prosecco
A splash of club soda or sparkling water
Orange slice for garnish
Copa glass (or whatever floats your boat)

Here’s the recipe:

Fill glass with ice until it’s pretty much full
Pour in Aperol (I typically eyeball it), add prosecco and then the slash of club soda
Finish by putting the orange slice in the glass
BOOM THAT’S IT!

If an Aperol Spritz isn’t your vibe, then you HAVE to check out this Around the World in 80 Cocktails book for some inspo!

Step 4: RELAX!

Snag your favorite summer read (here’s a list my favorite travel books), slather on the sunscreen and sit back and relax!

Also, make sure you have a bomb poolside playlist to really set the scene. I LOVE to listen to Bossa Nova music because it makes me feel like I’m somewhere fabulous in South America…

Here’s my favorite Bossa Nova playlist:

Step 5: Cool off with a homemade spa towel

You know you’re somewhere incredibly luxurious when the staff comes by the pool to offer you some chilled towels that smell like heaven. And on a hot summer day, they really hit the spot.

Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

A bowl of ice water
A few drops of your favorite essential oil
A few washcloths

How to make them:

Fill bowl with water and ice
Splash a few drops of essential oil in the water
Submerge the washcloth & ring out
Roll it up
Repeat

Make sure to store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

If you wind up making your own backyard oasis I want to see your photos! Share them on Instagram tagging me (@allepierce) & using the hashtag #AbroadInMyBackyard so that I can see your masterpiece!

If you’re looking for more ways to “travel” from home during quarantine make sure to check out my 27 ways to travel from home post!

And if you’re looking for some videos to satisfy your wanderlust right now, make sure to check out my Santorini video and Delhi vlog on the Alle Abroad YouTube Channel.