New England’s natural beauty makes it a premier vacation destination. Yet with the right elements, your own backyard can become the exclusive getaway you’ve always dreamed of—no travel required.

At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we’ve helped countless homeowners transform their outdoor spaces into personal retreats that rival high-end resorts. Here’s your guide to creating the ultimate New England staycation experience.

1. The Foundation: Creating Your Water Retreat

Water features form the heart of luxury resorts and should anchor your staycation space as well.

A premium Sundance® hot tub creates an instant resort atmosphere with benefits that extend throughout the year. The Optima® model seats 6-7 people comfortably, making it perfect for family gatherings or entertaining guests.

Patented Fluidix® jets provide customizable massage experiences comparable to resort spa treatments. Features like the CLEARRAY® system ensure pristine water quality without the chemical smell often associated with public facilities.

For active staycationers, swim spas offer exceptional versatility in a compact footprint. The Hydropool Executive Trainer 19EX provides exercise opportunities alongside relaxation spaces.

The AquaPlay 13FFP accommodates 8-10 people, rivaling the social experience of boutique hotel pools. Self-cleaning technology ensures your water is always resort-quality without demanding maintenance during your staycation.

Complete your water retreat with a traditional or infrared sauna. They create authentic Nordic spa experiences in a compact space. The combination of hot tub and sauna creates the contrast therapy experience found at premium wellness resorts.

A man relaxing in winter in a swim spa.

2. All-Weather Comfort

New England’s climate demands thoughtful solutions to maximize outdoor enjoyment throughout the year.

Create protected spaces with pergolas featuring retractable canopies for adaptable sun protection. Strategically placed fire features near hot tubs extend evening enjoyment in cooler seasons.

Choose materials that remain comfortable regardless of weather. Textured stone stays slip-resistant when wet yet cool underfoot in summer. Composite decking doesn’t absorb excessive heat around pool areas.

3. Creating Your Exclusive Resort

True luxury includes freedom from unwanted observation and convenience at every turn.

Use layered evergreens for year-round privacy. Slatted screens filter views rather than blocking them completely. Flowing water features mask conversational sound for acoustic privacy.

Create transition areas that support water activities with weather-protected changing spaces and towel storage solutions. The SmartTub® System allows remote management of your Sundance® Spa, adding resort-like convenience to your backyard retreat.

A family eating dinner on a staycation in the backyard.

4. Seasonal Staycation Experiences

New England’s distinct seasons offer unique staycation possibilities throughout the year.

Winter Wonderland

Embrace the cold season with heated pathways to your hot tub or sauna. Position fire features for both warmth and visual interest. There’s nothing quite like soaking in your Sundance® 880™ Series spa while snowflakes gently fall around you.

Spring Renewal

Orient seating toward emerging gardens visible from hot tub positions. The Hydropool AquaSport provides the perfect vantage point to enjoy early-blooming plants while maintaining comfortable water temperature despite spring’s variable weather.

Summer Retreat

Create shade structures that protect during peak sun hours. Install evening-focused lighting for extended enjoyment. The AquaPlay 13FFP offers refreshing relief on hot summer days while providing entertainment space for family and friends.

Autumn Experience

Position your hot tub to capture New England’s spectacular foliage views. Add fire features that complement the seasonal palette. A Finnleo sauna session followed by a soak in your hot tub creates the perfect end to a crisp autumn day.

A woman relaxing on her backyard staycation.
Photo by Will Reddaway [WR Photography]

5. Staycation Scenarios

With your space properly equipped, consider these themed staycation possibilities.

Transform your backyard into a wellness sanctuary with morning swim sessions in your Hydropool swim spa, midday sauna therapy, and evening hydrotherapy in your Sundance® Spa.

Create a romantic getaway with sunrise coffee in private seating areas and evening dining under gentle lighting, followed by stargazing from the comfort of your spa.

Keep the whole family engaged with swimming and water games in a larger model like the AquaPlay 13FFP, outdoor movie nights, and evening hot tub sessions.

Host friends with defined conversation areas around water features and lighting that adapts from daytime brightness to evening ambiance.

Creating Your Custom Staycation Plan

At Great Bay Spa & Sauna, we understand that every property and lifestyle is unique. We’ll help you select the ideal hot tub, swim spa, or sauna for your needs and develop strategies for maximizing enjoyment throughout New England’s varied climate.

Visit our Portsmouth showroom to explore the Sundance® Spas, Hydropool swim spas, and Finnleo saunas that could become the centerpiece of your personal resort. With thoughtful planning and quality elements, your backyard can deliver experiences that rival—and in many ways exceed—those found at premium resorts, all just steps from your door.