5 Essentials for a Backyard That Feels Like a Tropical Getaway

Looking to turn your backyard into a tropical escape without leaving home? Whether you’re skipping travel plans this summer or just want to make your outdoor space feel more like a five-star retreat, we’ve got you covered. From resort-worthy shade solutions to elevated outdoor essentials, these handpicked products help create a relaxing, vacation-inspired atmosphere right in your own backyard.

At Tropical Vibes, we usually stick to showcasing our own products. But we’ve been getting so many questions lately about what we use, love, and recommend outside the brand that we decided to open up the universe a bit. These are things we personally use or wish we’d invented—all thoughtfully selected to align with our version of an Everyday Escape.

Here are five of our "Tropical Vibes Approved" favorites that help bring the tropics home, one good decision at a time. Heads up: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we use, love, or wish we’d thought of first.

Sonos Roam Portable Smart Speaker

Great sound changes the energy of a space. The Sonos Roam is compact, waterproof, and sounds incredible whether you’re hosting friends or hanging solo. It’s our go-to for backyard dinners, sunset playlists, and setting the mood on a slow Sunday.

LAFCO Sea & Dune Candle

This candle smells like what we wish every vacation rental smelled like: clean, fresh, and ocean-kissed without going overboard. It burns for hours and comes in a beautiful handblown glass vessel that doubles as decor. Light it, close your eyes, and you might just forget you're still at home.

BELLAFORTE Shatterproof Tumblers

These tumblers look like glass, feel like glass—but won’t shatter when someone gets a little too expressive while telling a story. We use them for poolside cocktails, sparkling water with lime, or whatever tropical concoction the moment calls for. They keep it elevated and practical. Plus, they come in a variety of tropically inspired colors.

Shibumi Shade Classic

We saw this wind-powered canopy a few years ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It offers 150 square feet of breezy, elegant shade and sets up in minutes—no poles to jam into the ground, no chasing shade across the yard. It’s a smarter solution to staying cool, and we only wish we’d thought of it first.

Vivere Double Hammock with Stand

A good hammock nap is dangerously close to a beach nap—and that’s saying something. This hammock is roomy, vibrant, and doesn’t require trees or hardware. Set it up in a corner of the yard, add a playlist and a refreshing Tropical Vibes rum drink, and you’ve just upgraded your entire summer.

Ready to Create Your Own Everyday Escape?

These aren’t just products—they’re part of a mindset. One that says your home should feel as good as your favorite getaway. We’ll be sharing more of these curated finds as part of our Tropical Vibes Approved series.

If there’s something you’re hunting for, let us know. We’re always looking for beautiful, functional ways to help you bring the tropics home.