Design of outdoor spaces for holiday rentals

December 2023

The first thing guests notice about a holiday rental is its exterior – sometimes, it’s a key reason for booking. We want to ensure they get a great impression of our property. Let’s explore how careful exterior design and landscaping can turn your property into a dream destination, ensuring guests have an unforgettable experience from the get-go.

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Tips for enhancing the exterior of your holiday rental

Understanding how exterior design influences guests’ booking decisions is crucial. An appealing and well-maintained design creates a positive impression from the start, generating excitement and high expectations for your holiday home. This is because the exterior design helps set the overall atmosphere, whether it’s a lush garden with a charming terrace or an elegant entrance with flowers that create an atmosphere in line with the destination and property design.

In some cases, sensory experience plays a crucial role. Imagine your property is in a mountain and countryside destination, and upon arrival, guests are greeted by the scent of flowers wafting through the exterior, as part of the decor. This adds a unique sensory touch that contributes to the overall guest experience and expectation creation.

Principles of exterior design for holiday rentals:

Al planificar el diseño exterior, es esencial considerar principios clave para mejorar la experiencia de tus clientes. Estos son:

Visual appeal:

• Use vibrant colours along with decorative elements that harmonise with the property’s design and the local geography, whether it’s a beach, mountain, or countryside.
• Ensure plants and decorations reflect the nature of the community where your property is located.
• Create outdoor spaces, such as terraces or gardens, ideal for guests to enjoy and engage in outdoor activities.
• Outdoor furniture should be comfortable and functional.

Durability and safety:

• Select durable materials to facilitate property maintenance.
• Ensure the design doesn’t compromise the safety of visitors, especially families with children.

Privacy and ambience:

• Design spaces for guests’ privacy.
• Implement efficient watering practices and suitable lighting systems in garden spaces.

Environmental sustainability:

• Prioritise the use of native plants and sustainable materials.

Information for guests:

• Provide clear information about the use of outdoor space in brochures and informational materials.
• Highlight relevant features of the property’s exterior design in the advertisements you publish.

By following these principles, you’ll not only enhance your property’s appearance but also create a pleasant and functional outdoor environment for your guests to fully enjoy their stay. Additionally, you’ll capture sensational photographs for the holiday rental website where you advertise.

Design of common areas:

The design of common areas outside your holiday rental plays a crucial role in providing guests with memorable experiences. Here are some important considerations:

Pool area

Transforming pool and hot tub areas into authentic relaxation oases when renting out your holiday home can make a difference in the guest experience. Here are some key strategies:

• Opt for visually appealing designs that harmonise with the property’s overall aesthetics.
• Use quality materials and colours that convey calmness and sophistication.
• Install comfortable and durable furniture around the pool and hot tub.
• Ensure an adequate number of loungers, umbrellas, and tables.
• Surround the area with local plants for shade and privacy.
• Consider using decorative pots to add touches of colour.
• Incorporate soft and ambient lighting to create relaxing atmospheres during the evenings.
• Submersible lights in the pool can add a special touch.
• A hot tub with adjustable water jets can offer personalised relaxation experiences.
• Provide quality pool towels and consider offering additional items like sunscreen or water toys for the little ones.
• Offer options for playing soft and relaxing music.
• Maintain optimal water temperatures for the pool and hot tub.
• Use architectural elements or vegetation to create visual divisions.
• Implement a regular maintenance program to ensure facilities are in optimal condition.

Garden area

Transforming exterior gardens into authentic natural landscapes is an excellent way to rent out your holiday flat to guests, creating a unique and pleasurable experience. Some key strategies to follow are:

• Opt for a landscaped garden that avoids visual saturation, using zen elements like stones, gravel paths, and orderly vegetation.
• Incorporate water elements, such as fountains or small ponds, to add a serene touch.
• Strategically place comfortable seating.
• Use outdoor furniture or hammocks to create relaxing resting areas.
• Introduce a variety of plants, flowers, and trees to create a green and lush environment.
• Design winding paths or trails that invite guests to explore the garden.
• Use natural materials, such as stones or wood, to create a harmonious connection with nature.
• Include shaded areas with umbrellas, pergolas, awnings, or trees so guests can enjoy the garden even on sunny days.
• Create specific areas for activities like yoga, reading, or even picnics.
• Integrate artistic elements, such as sculptures, to add visual interest to the garden.
• Plant aromatic flowers or herbs to fill the air with pleasant fragrances.
• Plan a garden maintenance program to ensure it remains in optimal condition.
• Keep paths clean and ensure plants are well cared for.

Transforming gardens requires careful planning and execution, but it can provide guests with an ideal natural space for their holidays.

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