The summer holidays are here and it's time to unwind. After a year of working hard, routine and festive entertaining, we need to recharge.
While previously this may have meant an overseas holiday, a resort stay with cocktails, a break from the kitchen, relaxing massages and lazy days by the beach.
Today, we're more inclined to stay closer to home, and at the Sovereign Hills Display Village we show you 10 ways you can still have it all without the packing, long haul flight and leaving the comfort of your abode.
1. Make a splash with your own poolside resort
Summer calls for lazy days poolside. Get that resort-style feel with water features, greenery and a comfy space to read a book or sip a margarita in the shade. Refill, please.
2. Have a VIP membership to your own Sports Bar
Don't miss a minute of test cricket or the Australian Open this summer by integrating a stylish sports bar into your alfresco/pool area. With handy bi-fold windows, plenty of seating for the whole family and beer on tap, you will feel like you're at the Gabba, only better. Howzat!
3. Feeling exotic? Soak up the sun from a cleverly landscaped outdoor space
Be transported to another world each time you step outside. Inspired by the coastal areas of Spain, Italy and France, a Mediterranean landscape is best known for its casual elegance. The fragrant herbs and lavender, stone retaining walls and flooring, and comfy seating invite you to sit, enjoy a glass of wine and admire your surrounds.
4. The outdoor kitchen is the perfect culinary companion
Nothing is more convenient than having everything you need right where the action is. Forget the endless trips indoors for cold drinks and barbecue utensils, these days it's all about the outdoor kitchen. The barbecue chef will love the in-built grill and bench space and you will love the bonus of keeping the mess and smoke outside this summer.
5. Take time to just relax! Order in and eat outside
Sun-kissed and loving summer? Then let the vibe continue into a chillaxing evening. Simply order in your favourite meal and head out to your alfresco dining area and let the feast begin. Finish with some frozen fruits and yoghurt, a quick clean up and you're done.
6. Give the kids a tech break and help them rediscover nature
Keep the kids off the devices by getting back to basics. Get started on your eco-friendly gardens full of herbs and veggies, fresh eggs from your own chicken coop and sweet natural honey from your very own hive. The kids will learn as it grows and your taste buds will thank you for the delicious produce later.
7. Bring the outdoors to your indoor spaces with balmy tropical accents
Embrace tropical British Colonial interiors this staycation and transform your living and bedroom spaces into a cooling island escape.
This trend pairs rattan, timber and bamboo furniture with colours and patterns reminiscent of the tropics, linens and an abundance of greenery to refresh the space. It will make you feel as though you've travelled around the world without having left home at all.
8. Indulge in wine o'clock... you're on holidays after all!
Kids exhausted and settled for the evening... Tick! After a long day of lounging in the sun poolside or socialising with friends, quality time with a significant other over a glass of wine and an indulgent treat is a must to wrap up the day. Create a space in your home to showcase and prepare your drink of choice and use the good glassware, remember, you're on holidays.
9. Rejuvenate in your own private bathroom oasis
A much coveted aspect of any resort-style holiday is de-stressing with pampering. Create a place in your home where you not only need to go, but can't wait to visit. You can turn your bathroom into a relaxing oasis with spa-like touches from fresh fluffy towels, to scented candles, sea-salt scrubs, aromatherapy oils and tranquil sounds.
10. Turn your bedroom into a seaside sleep sanctuary and drift away
One of the most important features of holidaying is relaxing and recharging, and nothing is more inviting and relaxing than a luxe master bedroom. Create a place that makes you go 'ahhh' with good quality linens, pillows and cushions and window coverings which allow that all-important sleep in.
Discover more 'holiday at home' ideas at the Sovereign Hills Display Village - York Street, Port Macquarie. Open daily from 10am - 4pm.
