Creating a Luxury Resort Feel with Your Gunite Pool

A custom gunite pool is more than just a place to swimโitโs the centerpiece of your backyard and a gateway to the kind of relaxation youโd expect at a luxury resort. With thoughtful design, the right materials, and a few smart upgrades, you can create an outdoor living space that feels like a five-star getaway just steps from your back door.
In this guide, weโll explore how to create a luxury resort feel with your gunite pool, using professional design tips, feature enhancements, and ambiance ideas to turn your yard into a private oasis.
๐๏ธ Why Gunite Pools Are Perfect for Resort-Style Designs
Gunite pools offer unmatched versatility and durability, making them the ideal foundation for a luxury aesthetic. Unlike fiberglass or vinyl pools that come in pre-set shapes and sizes, gunite allows for:
Custom shapes (freeform, geometric, lagoon-style)
Integrated features like tanning ledges, infinity edges, or beach entries
Tailored finishes such as pebble, quartz, or glass bead
Unique add-ons like fire features, waterfalls, and swim-up bars
This flexibility allows you to match your poolโs design to high-end resort standards, elevating your entire backyard.
๐ Must-Have Features for a Resort-Style Gunite Pool
1. Infinity or Vanishing Edges
Infinity edges offer a seamless, spillover effect that mimics the look of an ocean-view resort. The water appears to drop off into the horizon, making your pool feel expansive and serene.
2. Tanning Ledges and In-Pool Loungers
Also known as Baja shelves, these shallow ledges allow you to soak in the sun while staying cool. Add in-pool chaise loungers and a built-in umbrella sleeve to complete the resort vibe.
3. Swim-Up Bars and Sunken Seating
A swim-up bar turns your pool into a social destination. Install underwater stools with a dry bar area on the opposite side for serving drinks and snacks.
๐น Bonus Tip: Add a pergola or pavilion over your bar area for shade and comfort.
4. Fire Features
Balance water with fire by incorporating:
Fire bowls on pool edges
A central fire pit with seating
A dramatic outdoor fireplace
These additions bring warmth and ambiance, especially at night.
5. Waterfalls and Bubblers
Sound is a major part of a luxury experience. Waterfalls, sheer descents, and bubblers offer soothing background noise and movement.
๐ด Landscaping Ideas to Enhance the Resort Feel
To complete the look, choose landscaping that softens the hardscape and brings color, texture, and privacy to your outdoor space.
๐ฟ Use Tropical and Mediterranean Plants
Resort-style gardens often include:
Palm trees
Bird of paradise
Hibiscus
Agave
Ornamental grasses
These plants thrive in poolside environments and bring exotic beauty.
๐ชต Natural Stone and Organic Materials
Use materials like:
Travertine decking
Flagstone pathways
Wood or composite decking
River rock accents
Natural textures give your space a spa-like, tranquil atmosphere.
๐ Smart Lighting for Nighttime Luxury
Nothing says โresortโ like perfectly layered lighting:
Underwater LED lights with color-changing options
Path and step lights for safety and ambiance
Up-lighting for trees and architectural features
String lights or lanterns for romantic vibes
๐๏ธ Comfortable Furnishings and Shade Structures
Create zones that encourage lounging and socializing.
๐ช Outdoor Furniture Must-Haves:
Plush sectional seating or daybeds with weather-resistant cushions
Hammocks or swing chairs for a tropical touch
Dining tables for al fresco meals
In-pool or poolside loungers
โ๏ธ Shade Solutions:
Cantilever umbrellas
Retractable awnings
Pergolas with curtains or motorized canopies
Palm leaf tiki huts for an island-style vibe
๐ถ Sound, Scent, and Atmosphere
A true resort engages all the senses.
๐ Music
Install outdoor-rated speakers and connect them to a smart system for playlists, ambient music, or even white noise.
๐ฏ๏ธ Aromatics
Use citronella candles, essential oil diffusers, or garden herbs like lavender and rosemary to create a pleasant scent profile.
๐จ Misting Systems
Especially in hot climates, a misting system adds comfort and enhances the luxury feel while reducing heat.
๐ง Add Luxury with Pool Automation
Upgrade your pool experience with automation features that can be controlled via smartphone:
One-touch control of lights, temperature, and water features
Remote filter and pump management
Scheduled cleaning and chlorination
Integration with smart home assistants
๐ฑ Enjoy convenience and control whether youโre home or away.
๐ก Design Consultation with Harpeth Valley Hardscape
At Harpeth Valley Hardscape, we specialize in designing and building custom gunite pools that feel like resort destinations. Whether you want a sleek modern retreat or a lush tropical paradise, we help you achieve your vision with:
3D design previews
Hand-selected finishes and materials
Expert integration of fire, water, and lighting features
Landscaping and hardscaping to complete the space
๐ Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward transforming your backyard into a luxurious resort escape.