Warm weather, a change of scenery, and a few days of relaxation – you’ve waited all year for that summer vacation. However, it’s not always easy to skip town for a getaway. It can be a hassle carving out a block of time and taking off work for a week or two, not to mention the airfare, hotel, and rental car costs. And the big travel extravaganza is more hectic than relaxing, (isn’t relaxation supposed to be the whole point of vacationing in the first place?)

Fortunately, traveling isn't your only vacation option… there’s also the “staycation” – a vacation spent at home. Yes, you can actually feel like you are on vacation without leaving home. You can even turn every weekend into a staycation.

But in order to make your staycation feel as much like a real getaway as possible, your home will need to have certain elements. It’s far too easy to get sucked back into work or the household chores, so it’s best to spend most of your time outside. Revamp your humble backyard into a dream destination.

Leave the phone and laptop behind and step outside (shoes optional). Here are seven ways to turn your home into a staycation resort.

Beautiful swimming pool

The swimming pool at this Martha’s Vineyard estate contains custom granite coping and paving. The decking is Woodbury gray granite with a thermal finish. Three retractable fountains along the pool’s west side can be activated for an elegant water feature. Project by Jonathan Keep Landscape Design.

A beautiful swimming pool is a necessity for an outdoor oasis. Granite coping provides a durable and welcoming touch around the pool’s edge. Sandblasting the granite coping helps reduce slipping. Bluestone also makes perfect pool coping due to its non-slip properties.

You will truly feel like you’re staying at a resort when there is a deck or patio around your poolside retreat. Granite pavers, thermal bluestone and natural flagstone are commonly used for pool decking and patios. One of the wonderful things about granite and natural stone is that they are virtually maintenance free. They also handle temperature changes very well, resisting any damage from the freeze-thaw cycle.

A shaded area to lounge. Project by Jonathan Keep Landscape Design.

Lining your resort-style patio with lounge chairs, side tables and umbrellas will provide a place for you and your family or guests to relax after a swim with a snack or cold beverage, either shaded or soaking up the sun.

And of course, a poolside cabana takes the staycation cake. A cabana adds a level of casual sophistication to the landscape, and offers contemporary beauty, comfort, protection and privacy.

relaxing spa

Surrounded by lush hostas, coneflowers, astilbe and star clusters, this spa is made from weathered quarry veneer with a bluestone cap. The step is a single Woodbury gray thermal top, rock face step. Bluestone pavers were used as stepping stones.

A backyard spa is the best way to relax your body and mind while on staycation. Just like with pools, granite coping provides a durable and welcoming touch around spas. Swenson can provide the materials for you to create both in ground and above ground spas. 

A spa incorporated into the deck in your backyard is a luxury for relaxing soaks. This thermal bluestone pool deck is perfect for the pool and spa surrounded by natural charm. Project by Seoane Landscape Design.

SEE MORE LUXE POOL AND SPA DESIGNS FEATURING GRANITE AND BLUESTONE

Fully Functional outdoor kitchen

This outdoor kitchen is situated on the patio next to the pool at this Barrington, RI home. The countertop stones are Woodbury gray and were sandblasted. Project by Magma Design Group.

Experience outdoor living at its finest with a fully functional kitchen on your patio. You can say goodbye to that rolling barbecue cart. Having a grill is great, but an outdoor kitchen opens up new possibilities in the world of outdoor cooking. You’ll be able to turn an everyday meal into something special.

Start with a base of granite pavers. Choose from seven different Swenson granite colors to match your surrounding landscape. Swenson’s twelve stock pattern sizes allows you to create a custom look without a custom price tag pricetag.

Upgrading your everyday kitchen would be pricey but outside you can add a few small elements over time that can totally upgrade your outdoor experience. Adding a small fridge and a durable granite countertop is enough to cut your trips back and forth to your indoor kitchen in half (and isn’t that the hardest thing about cooking outdoors?). Building countertop a base around your grill and finishing the facades with thin veneers will give your “kitchen” a custom look. If you’ve got additional budget consider incorporating a pizza oven. Guaranteed you’ll use it even into autumn.

Learn how to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen with natural stone veneer and countertops.

delightful outdoor dining area

What a tranquil, serene environment to enjoy a meal. The table and chairs sit atop a thermal bluestone patio. New England Style Wallstone creates a natural border that blends with the wooded area beyond.

With an outdoor dining area, you will certainly get that staycation vibe. Set up your table and chairs on a natural stone patio and dine alfresco. Caledonia granite, Woodbury Gray granite, bluestone and irregular bluestone are all ideal for patios.

You can go very extravagant with your dining area, or simple with just a table, chairs and umbrella. A pergola will really transform the look of the space.

cozy outdoor fireplace 

This stunning outdoor natural stone fireplace creates a cozy space to kick back and lounge. Back Meadow Fieldstone, bluestone hearth and mantel.

In the installation above the fireplace wall conveniently allows plenty of storage for firewood and creates a natural separation from the raised planting area. Bluestone pavers elevate the look of the patio like a well-chosen area rug does for an indoor living room.

Those summer nights can get chilly, but rather than retreating indoors to end the day, bring those inside elements out. An outdoor fireplace adds warmth to your patio and gives you one more reason to enjoy being outside. It will also give you a longer outdoor living season.

Fieldstone is a beautiful, strong and durable material for an outdoor fireplace. 

READ MORE ABOUT OUTDOOR FIREPLACES HERE

BACKYARD FIRE Pit

Swenson’s fire pit is the perfect DIY kit. Made from Woodbury Gray granite, with a 30” diameter cast iron ring and tilt back cooking grate included. There are 16 blocks per tier. Each block weighs roughly 50 lbs. It's the DIY project you can complete before dark.

You don’t need a tent set up in the middle of the woods to enjoy a campfire. Add a lo-boy granite seat around your fire pit and create a campfire getaway in your own backyard. What a perfect way to end the night. Then you can go straight to your comfortable bed, rather than a sleeping bag or air mattress. Wake up refreshed and ready to start the next day of your staycation.

This fire pit is certainly one of a kind. The granite oceanfront seating area and fire pit were crafted from reclaimed granite. Project by Great Works Landscaping.

CHECK OUT THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DIY GRANITE FIRE PITS

Vibrant Flowers

Annual flowers line the entrance to this Rye, NH home. The outdoor living space is anchored with custom cut Woodbury Gray granite pavers. A Woodbury gray rock face step was used on the back deck. Project by Great Works Landscaping.

Add a crisp border for your garden with stone edging to keep landscaping manicured. From cut granite to rustic cobblestones, Swenson has many options to fit your unique site.

A granite walkway bordered with annuals in vibrant reds and purples runs along the east side of the pool, connecting the houses at this Martha’s Vineyard estate. Project by Jonathan Keep Landscape Design.

Your local Swenson Granite store can help you enjoy relaxation all summer long without having to leave home by working with you to choose your features and plan the project from start to finish. We can help you with choosing your stone, custom one-of-a-kind projects, and give you tips for DIY projects.

See pool and patio designs to inspire your own summer staycation. Download our inspiration guide here.