A hotel garden is not just a green space, it is a key element for offering guests an immersive, relaxing and memorable experience. It is the place where nature encounters design, creating a welcoming and distinctive atmosphere.

Whether it’s a boutique hotel in the heart of the city or a rural retreat, the garden is an excellent opportunity to stand out from the competition and increase the appeal of the facility.

This is why we have decided to dedicate this article to exploring a hotel garden and how to furnish it in a way that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with practical ideas, professional advice and current trends. 

We will discover how to transform an outdoor space into a beautiful and relaxing oasis, capable of leaving an indelible mark on the guest experience.

Defining the purpose of the garden

Before even starting to think about design, it is essential to establish the main purpose of the garden. 

The answers may vary considerably depending on the type of hotel and the clientele you wish to attract. 

Here are a few possibilities:

• Relaxation and well-being: A garden designed for relaxation could include quiet areas with comfortable seating, water fountains and scented plants to boost well-being. The aim is to create a serene atmosphere where guests can disconnect from their routine and unwind;
• Entertainment and socialising: If the garden is to host events, aperitifs or dinners, it will be essential to provide spacious areas, tables and modular seating to adapt to the needs of the clientele. An area dedicated solely to socialising can become the hub of the hotel, especially during the summer months;
• Connection with nature: In some cases, the garden can be an opportunity to educate guests about biodiversity, with botanical gardens, nature trails or areas dedicated to local flora;
• Aesthetics and photogenicity: A well-kept garden can become an attraction in itself, an ideal backdrop for eye-catching photos, perfect for sharing on social media. An instagrammable garden not only attracts new clientele but also strengthens the hotel’s branding.

Defining the purpose will help guide every subsequent decision, from the choice of plants to the furniture, ensuring consistency and functionality.

Choosing the right plants

Plants are the heart of the garden and must be chosen carefully to ensure a harmonious, pleasant environment in line with the hotel’s identity. 

The choice of plant species not only affects the overall aesthetics of the space, but also the atmosphere you want to create and the ease of maintenance.

Here are some key criteria to consider when making your choice:

• Climate and maintenance: Opting for plants that are native or resilient to the local climate reduces the necessity for intensive care and ensures healthy growth. Plants such as lavender, rosemary or oleander are ideal for Mediterranean climates, while ferns and hostas are well suited to more humid areas;
• Colours and scents: Combining plants with seasonal blooms and pleasant scents creates an immersive sensory experience. For example, jasmine, mint and lavender not only beautifully adorn the space, but release relaxing fragrances;
• Heights and textures: Alternating trees, shrubs and flowers of different heights and textures adds depth and dynamism to the garden;
• Privacy: The use of hedges, climbing plants or rows of trees can create more intimate and private areas, ideal for guests seeking tranquillity.

Involving a landscape designer can make all the difference, guaranteeing an optimal choice of plants and a well-planned layout. Not only will the garden be beautiful to look at, but it will also become a functional oasis, offering guests unique moments of pleasure.

Creating functional areas

A well-designed garden is divided into functional areas, each with a specific purpose, to ensure that the space is not only beautiful to look at, but also practical and able to meet the different needs of the guests. 

This division allows you to optimise the use of the garden, creating distinct areas that can be used for relaxation, socialising, entertainment or contemplation. 

Each area must be designed to offer a unique experience, harmonising with the others, creating a coherent and balanced whole. 

Here are some ideas on how to organise the areas:

• Relaxation Area: This includes comfortable seating such as outdoor sofas, hammocks or poufs. The addition of parasols or gazebos is ideal for providing protection from the sun;
• Dining Area: If the hotel offers a dining service, an area dedicated to outdoor meals with tables and chairs, accompanied by the right lighting to create a welcoming atmosphere, is a must; 
• Paths and Walks: Paths can be created with natural stone, gravel or wood to guide guests through the garden, making walks more pleasant. Benches or rest areas can be added along the way for added comfort;
• Play Area: For hotels that cater to families, a small play area with safe, colourful equipment can be a great added value;
• Wellness Corner: For hotels with a gym or wellness area, creating a space for yoga, meditation, or other outdoor spa treatments can transform the garden into a true oasis of well-being.

The key to all this is to balance aesthetics and functionality, making sure that each area is easily accessible, well defined and integrated into the general context. 

This way, the garden becomes a versatile and dynamic space, able to be adapted to the different needs of guests and be transformed according to the occasion, whether it be an intimate moment of relaxation or an outdoor social event.

Choosing the right furniture

Garden furniture, and especially that of a hotel, must balance practicality and beauty. 

Not only must each selected item be beautiful to look at, but it must also be practical, sturdy and able to withstand the elements, guaranteeing comfort and durability. The choice of furniture must reflect the hotel’s identity, creating an atmosphere that invites all guests to relax and fully enjoy the space.

Here are some elements to consider and invest in when furnishing a garden:

• Chairs: Complementary to the table, outdoor chairs are an absolute must when considering outdoor furniture. They must be comfortable, sturdy and be consistent with the overall style of the garden; 
• Lounge chairs: Choosing an outdoor lounge chair means adding an item to your garden that encompasses the extraordinary power of simplicity and comfort. Whether it’s a chaise longue for sunbathing or a padded lounge chair for relaxing in the shade, this piece becomes a genuine reference point for relaxation; 
• Sofas: Essential in any environment where relaxation is sought, outdoor sofas are those pieces of furniture that link ambiance, style and comfort. Ideal for creating cosy conversation corners or lounge areas, modular or corner sofas offer flexibility and a touch of elegance;
• Tables: For dining areas, modular or extendable tables offer flexibility, adapting to different needs, from romantic dinners to group lunches;
  
• Coffee tables: A coffee table is that component that combines both practicality and elegance, making your space unique and adding a touch of sophistication to the seating arrangement.
  
• Lamps: Lighting is key to creating atmosphere. A good lamp can completely transform the garden into a magical place after dusk.

Integrating water features

Water has a relaxing effect and conveys a feeling of exclusivity to a garden, making it even more appealing and welcoming. 

Here are some solutions to consider:

• Fountains: They create a pleasant background sound and a visual focal point, improving the overall ambiance;
• Ponds: Perfect for larger spaces, they can be home to aquatic plants and ornamental fish, adding a natural and stylish touch;
• Swimming pools or hydromassage tubs: Space permitting, a well-designed swimming pool can become the centrepiece of the garden, offering an area for guests to relax and enjoy themselves. Even a small infinity pool or a hydromassage tub surrounded by greenery can greatly enhance the area, creating a sense of well-being.

Adding a personal touch

The garden is an extension of the hotel’s identity and, as such, should convey its personality and unique style. 

Some ways to make it distinctive include:

• Cultural themes: Incorporate elements linked to the history, local culture, or traditions of the area, through native plants, handcrafted sculptures, and architectural features that reflect the region.
  
• Visual branding: Use a colour palette consistent with the hotel’s image, add discreet logos to furnishings and personalise spaces with exclusive details.
  
• Special events: Organise gourmet dinners, wine tastings, musical evenings, or light shows to make the most of the garden and turn it into an exclusive meeting point for guests.

Maintenance and care

A well-maintained garden is essential to ensure a consistently pleasant experience that meets the guests’ expectations.

Some practical suggestions include:

1. Regular cleaning: This includes removing dry leaves, pruning plants and checking that the furnishings and structural elements are always in excellent condition;
2. Seasonal updates: Replace plants and decorative items according to the season to ensure a consistently well-kept and attractive appearance.
3. Efficient irrigation: Make sure the irrigation system is always in working order and properly calibrated to avoid waste and keep the plants healthy.
4. Guest feedback: Asking guests for their opinion can provide valuable insights on how to improve the garden and make it even more welcoming and enjoyable. 

Maintaining a pristine garden is not just a question of aesthetics, it is an important investment that enhances the guest experience and strengthens the hotel’s overall image.

Conclusion

Furnishing a hotel garden is an opportunity to create an unforgettable experience for guests. With careful design, a well-considered choice of plants and furnishings and a touch of creativity, the garden can become a genuine feature of the hotel. 

Whether it’s a relaxing oasis, a place to socialise or a living work of art, the garden has the power to transform the guests’ stay into something extraordinary.

Investing in the garden not only means embellishing a space: it means creating memories, emotions and a deep connection with nature. 

And in an increasingly hectic world, this is a value that travellers will truly appreciate.