The Backyard That Pays You Back
Summer has a way of reminding us that some of life's best moments happen outside.
Morning coffee on a quiet porch. Kids chasing fireflies until the sun goes down. Friends gathered around a fire pit long after dinner is over. These are the memories guests are chasing when they book a vacation rental, and increasingly, they're willing to pay more for them.
For years, hosts focused almost exclusively on interiors. Beautiful kitchens, statement wallpaper, designer furnishings. While those details still matter, today's guests expect the experience to extend well beyond your front door.
The backyard has quietly become one of the highest-return investments you can make.
Think Beyond the Pool
Not every property has room or budget for a resort-style pool, and that's okay.
The most successful outdoor spaces aren't always the most expensive. They're the ones that invite guests to slow down, gather together, and make memories.
A few thoughtful additions can dramatically change how guests experience your property:
A fire pit with comfortable seating
String lighting that creates ambiance after sunset
Outdoor dining spaces built for long dinners
Hammocks tucked beneath mature trees
Cowboy pools for a refreshing, budget-friendly alternative
Cedar hot tubs or barrel saunas
Outdoor games like cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga
Cozy porch swings and reading nooks
These aren't just amenities. They're experiences.
The Rise of Wellness Travel
Travelers are increasingly searching for places that help them recharge, not just places to sleep.
That shift has made wellness-inspired outdoor features some of the fastest-growing investments in hospitality.
Think:
Cold plunges
Infrared saunas
Outdoor yoga decks
Meditation gardens
Hot tubs surrounded by native landscaping
Walking trails
Outdoor showers
Guests aren't simply booking a house anymore.
They're booking how they want to feel during their stay.
Think Harvia, who was at the 2025 Summit!
Landscaping Matters More Than You Think
A beautifully designed landscape doesn't have to require constant maintenance.
Native plants, layered textures, seasonal flowers, gravel pathways, and thoughtful lighting can create an elevated experience while keeping long-term costs manageable.
Privacy is another investment that pays dividends.
Strategic fencing, hedges, pergolas, and mature trees make guests feel like they've escaped somewhere special, even if your property sits in a neighborhood.
Create Spaces That Bring People Together
One of the biggest shifts we're seeing in vacation rentals is a move away from oversized amenities toward intentional gathering spaces.
A large dining table often gets used more than an outdoor kitchen.
A fire pit creates conversations that guests remember for years.
A simple porch with rocking chairs can become the backdrop for morning coffee rituals.
When you're planning improvements, ask yourself one question:
"Will this encourage people to spend time together?"
If the answer is yes, it's probably a worthwhile investment.
Question of the Week
If you had a $5,000 budget to improve your property's outdoor space, where would you invest first?
