Guide to Designing a Resort Patio Area

Are you starting a resort or looking to upgrade your resort’s outdoor facilities? One effective way to turn a resort into a sought-after destination is to design and create patio areas that vacationers will never forget.

When you design the area, it may be helpful to consider the patio as an extension of your guests’ accommodation — a concept that drives home how vital this space is. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to start planning — from types of resort patios and important considerations to furniture options, weatherproofing solutions and lighting tips.

The Importance of a Good Patio Design

Guests come to resorts for many reasons, and a change of scenery and a place to relax make the top of that list every time. Pristine, functional outdoor spaces are integral for offering guests an outstanding experience. With guest expectations growing each year, design elements must be on point to attract and retain guests.

A resort’s outdoor design is the ideal opportunity to impress guests and grow the company’s reputation as a resort with premium facilities like patio areas.

The advantages of having a well-designed outdoor area are also undeniable:

• More bookings: Resorts can draw in more guests by offering a range of facilities, from spacious patios and pools to indoor entertainment areas and bars.
• Higher customer satisfaction: For guests, getaways are about the experiences and memories — but a resort’s amenities go a long way in providing guests with what they expect on a vacation.
• Greater social media presence: Guests are more likely to share snaps of a resort when eye-catching facilities capture the essence of their stay. And, of course, with a great social media presence comes more buzz around your resort and a possible rise in bookings. The collective effect is that you also elevate your branding and recognition.

Types of Resort Patios

Patios can follow almost unlimited layouts and styles — there are always innovative ways resorts can adapt existing styles to patios and other facilities. Styles that incorporate classic pieces and accents create a timeless and luxurious atmosphere. Traditional, modern and rustic styles particularly stand out as options that impress guests. These streamlined styles are simple to incorporate and customize to give your resort patio a unique look.

Traditional Style Patio

Traditional styles focus on simple, clean lines, symmetry and historical accents and elements, like Victorian or neoclassical touches. Traditional styles also include warm, inviting tones, natural light and deep, rich colors with neutral tones. Traditional patios usually feature fire pits and barbecue facilities to make the surroundings as inviting as possible. The patio space can also include some antiques to create the appearance of regal furniture and complete the look and feel of a traditional patio.

Modern Style Patio

A modern patio is ideal if your resort has a contemporary aesthetic, and you can use it to speak to the sophistication of your resort. For a modern finish, consider these elements:

• Focus on simple, clean lines, squared edges and defined angles throughout the design.
• Find interesting ways to mix materials like porcelain paving slabs with a concrete effect.
• Tiered seating and levels allow you to play with space and create a modern aesthetic.
• Be intentional about lighting — opt for sleek chandeliers or minimalist lighting that mixes warm and bright tones.

Rustic Style Patio

A rustic patio is ideally suited to resorts with a tropical theme since the style seamlessly incorporates natural elements. The design also prioritizes comfort without compromising on aesthetics. A rustic style typically features natural materials and textures like cobbled stone walkways and wooden beams. You can also highlight a lot of greenery in your rustic design, including shrubs lining the entranceway, hanging plants and exotic flowers. Adding a water feature and fire pit is also an excellent way to bring the natural elements into your rustic patio design.

Considerations for Patio Design

Designing a patio space that attracts and impresses guests is all-encompassing. The design reflects your resort’s aesthetic, builds a brand and shows how the resort taps into resources to create a comfortable and luxurious experience for guests. The resort’s design is also a unique selling point and a chance to set your establishment apart.

Guest Comfort

Luxury is non-negotiable for resort designs, but what truly stands out for guests is luxury that provides comfort. Your resort can optimize the outdoor area by making it as user-friendly as possible in several ways:

• Add shade and fabric structures: Whether you have a tropical resort or a getaway in a cooler climate, covered areas that provide shade are essential to comfort. Guests will always need a spot to cool off or find some shelter from glare, wind and other elements. Having a permanent shade structure is also an excellent way to extend the resort’s peak seasons, as guests can use outdoor facilities despite the weather.
• Provide comfortable seating: Ergonomic seating is a must! Comfortable furniture encourages guests to linger longer and get the most out of the patio area. It also helps to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Depending on the resort’s design goals, you could opt for outdoor sofas, ottomans and cushioned chairs.
• Make the space accessible: One of the most important elements in any design is to make the space as accessible as possible and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Some accessible features that your patio area can incorporate include proper spacing for someone who uses a wheelchair or other mobility aid to move throughout the facility, surfaces at the appropriate height and slip-resistant pathways.
• Position close to amenities: A conveniently placed patio area close to other amenities like restrooms, pools, bar areas and changerooms will be far more effective than one situated away from your other attractions.

Weather Conditions

No matter where your resort is located and what kind of climate your region has, weather conditions can and will affect outdoor spaces. Whether your climate experiences extreme heat, strong winds, heavy rain or high humidity, a good patio design has to account for days when the weather isn’t as nice.

Here are some effective ways to weatherproof the resort’s patio area:

• Use shade structures: Waterproof shade structures provide your guests with a cool and sheltered area protected from the sun and UV radiation and allow them to enjoy the patio area even when it rains. Opt for high-quality shade structures that you can maintain for years to come.
• Add a fire pit: A fire pit is a multi-functional feature that adds to the aesthetic and practicality of your patio area. Guests will enjoy lounging on the patio on cold days or lightening the mood on cool evenings.
• Use outdoor cushions and rugs: Outdoor cushions and rugs are functional and perfect for decorating the patio. They enhance your design, provide comfort and can be weather-resistant so they do not fade from excessive sun exposure or become soggy when it rains.
• Choose weatherproof lighting: Installing weatherproof lighting helps your guests see clearly at any time, no matter what the weather is doing. Installing weatherproof lights is also a wise decision to prevent lights from short-circuiting due to moisture.
• Opt for weatherproof materials: Opting for furniture made with naturally weather-resistant and durable materials is paramount for the patio space. Furniture made from quality plastic, wicker, stainless steel and teak can help you avoid pieces that become waterlogged and rust, corrode, chip or rot. Another option is investing in durable furniture that won’t easily blow over in strong winds.

Space Use and Layout

Space requirements for a resort patio will depend on several factors, including the size of your resort, the maximum number of guests you can accommodate and the layout of the area you will use for the patio.

Maximum Capacity and Overcrowding

Naturally, the most important space requirement is the capacity to host most of your guests. Consider the maximum number of guests you may have at any given time and design your patio to house at least more than half of your guests simultaneously. Of course, you may increase this number if you have the budget and space to enlarge the patio area, but practicality and means take precedence here.

The other concern is designing the area in such a way that you can avoid overcrowding. Two effective ways of improving fracture to reduce overcrowding include:

• Define the area’s primary use: The most effective way to avoid overcrowding in the patio area is to clearly define the area’s function and display that at all entrances. For example, you may ask patrons not to bring food or games into the area, especially if other facilities cater to those purposes.
• Sufficient seating: Providing enough strategically placed seating is a good way for guests to spread out and be comfortable. With a clever seating layout, you can distribute guests evenly even when the patio is busy.
• Flow management: Designing your patio to flow well with other amenities encourages guests to explore all facilities. Having a well-placed map of the resort can help guests feel oriented and make it easier for them to determine which areas they would like to visit and how to get those facilities quickly. The setup can help distribute guests to different resort areas without creating congestion. Having unifying features throughout your design also contributes to a good sense of flow and cohesion.

Privacy

While patios are public spaces, there are ways you can add a touch of privacy to these busy areas. Depending on your design, the patio may be in the middle of the resort’s other amenities, like the pool or bar. This can make it challenging for patrons who simply want to enjoy some outdoor relaxation. Providing elements that add some privacy can help your guests feel like they have a private oasis while still being conveniently positioned near busy hubs.

Here are a few ways to make the patio feel more exclusive:

• Add draping outdoor curtains to the pergola.
• Install a privacy screen for the patio.
• Line entrances with tall trees, vines and other plants for privacy.
• Add a water feature to drown out background chatter and allow more privacy for conversations.

Materials for Patio Design

While a wealth of materials could bring the resort patio’s design to life, ensuring the materials are well-suited to outdoor living is vital. Whether you opt for wood, concrete or stone, these materials are durable and suit a range of design choices.

Wood

Wood can be an excellent choice for the patio’s decking and other accents. Wood is a beautiful, natural material that elevates the look of any area — and it is also highly versatile. However, natural wood requires maintenance, like sealing and staining, to keep it pristine. If you opt for wood, choose naturally rot-resistant wood like cedar or pressure-treated wood that can withstand the elements better. Good wood options for patios include:

• Teak: Teak is a durable wood that can last many years in various climates. Due to its high oil content, teak is moisture resistant and will not easily rot. This makes it one of the best woods for an outdoor space.
• Cedar: Like teak, cedar is naturally resistant to rot and pests. It also holds up well under various weather conditions. Cedar is a popular option for wooden decking, fences and furniture. It is a beautiful and versatile wood that can suit all patio styles.
• Composite or synthetic wood: Composite woods — a mix of wood fibers and plastics — or fully synthetic woods can be more durable and longer lasting than natural wood. Synthetic woods require little maintenance apart from keeping them clean.

Concrete

Concrete has a high tensile strength, making it a suitable load-bearing material. It is also a cost-effective option that can be installed fairly quickly, which is a bonus if the patio area you need to cover is particularly large.

Using concrete doesn’t mean the patio area has to look plain or uninviting. Some concrete — particularly stamped concrete — is designed to be decorative and give you the look and feel of natural materials like stone or wooden planks. Exposed aggregate concrete is another excellent option for a unique and eye-catching finish. It has an exposed top layer that displays a decorative mix of sand, gravel, pebbles, granite and stones.

Concrete does require a fair amount of maintenance to keep it in good condition and prevent excessive cracking.

Stone

Natural stone adds beauty and elegance to any outdoor area. It is a sustainable option that requires minimal upkeep. Some of the best stones for patios are:

• Flagstone: Flagstone creates beautiful patterns that add to the visual appeal of the resort’s patio. It is easily customizable and versatile since it comes in various colors and textures. Flagstone is a low-maintenance and long-lasting stone.
• Slate: Slate is a durable, decorative hardstone that can easily withstand decades of heavy foot traffic if you maintain it properly. This makes it an excellent choice for a resort patio that is bound to be busy.
• Travertine: This stone is an excellent choice for several reasons. It is naturally slip-resistant, ideal if the patio and pool areas are close together. Travertine also stays cool to the touch and is fade-resistant. It has a beautiful tiled look.

Furniture for Resort Outdoor Spaces

A resort’s outdoor furniture can transform patios into functional and cohesive spaces that guests enjoy to the fullest. Consider these additions:

Lounge Chairs

Chairs serve many purposes — including a decorative function — but above all, they must be comfortable and durable. These are the two most popular options:

• Adirondack chairs: Adirondack chairs are the quintessential patio chairs. The seat is low to the ground and has a sloped backrest in a reclining position. They are decorative and suit many aesthetics. These are some of the best outdoor chairs for relaxation and comfort.
• Daybeds: Daybeds are the ultimate option for lounging and taking it easy. Hanging daybeds are bound to make a lasting impression. They are comfortable and capture the feeling of being in a resort perfectly.

Tables

If your resort’s patio area will be a place where guests can eat a drink, then outdoor dining tables are essential. Even if the area will be a drinks and food-free zone, a large table can unify all the patio’s other elements and transform it into a much more cohesive space. A few well-placed side tables will also make the patio more functional and optimize space.

Resort Patio Lighting

Lighting makes the patio usable day and night and is also perfect for elevating the patio’s look and feel. LED or globe string lights create a warm, soft and relaxing atmosphere — ideal for an otherwise busy space. Depending on your design preferences, you can add paper or metal lanterns. A few strategically placed solar spotlights provide the resort with an eco-friendly lighting option that easily brightens the area.

Landscaping for Resort Patio Design

No resort patio design would be complete without landscaping. The best landscaping cleverly combines natural elements with standout features like statues for a relaxing and impressive finish:

Plants

The right plants depend on your climate and what you want to achieve for the patio. Perennials are an excellent choice if you want flowering plants that add pops of color and fragrance to the space, and they are low-maintenance. You may want to opt for some shrubs to line pavings and entrances, tall trees for privacy, or vines for a tropical finish.

You can keep your plants thriving and your patio area maintained by having shade or fabric structures that shelter the plants from the elements.

Water Features

Water features like ponds and fountains elevate the patio (and the entire resort) and transform the space into a tranquil haven. Water features provide guests with a visually appealing area, and the calming sound of water promotes relaxation and reduces stress. These features also benefit the resort’s wildlife, such as birds, bees and butterflies, appealing to guests who are taking a break from the city.

Outdoor Sculptures

Statues provide aesthetic appeal and help set the mood in outdoor areas. They can also be culturally, historically and educationally significant. You can erect statues with plaques that showcase the history and heart of the resort or local community.

Additional Elements of Resort Patio Design

It is often the little touches that make a design user-friendly. The resort patio could include these features for ultimate guest satisfaction:

• Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits.
• Patio heaters.
• Outdoor kitchen facilities like grills.
• Music and sound systems.

Choose USA SHADE for Resort Patio Shade Structures

Are you ready to enhance your resort with a patio design that is practical and visually impressive? At USA SHADE, we can help you prepare your patio for guests year-round with our customizable commercial shade structures.

We are industry leaders in designing and engineering quality shade structures that can improve the appearance and functionality of your facilities. With our shade structures for resort patios, your guests can fully enjoy your establishment’s facilities, and your resort enjoys a valuable and long-lasting investment tailored to your specifications.

Explore our range of products or contact us today to discuss your patio design with our helpful team!