Long afternoons, glowing lantern light, and oversized tropical leaves swaying in the breeze—the best summer patios feel less like a backyard and more like a boutique resort escape. The good news: You don’t need a  plane ticket or a poolside cabana to create that atmosphere at home. With lush plants, natural textures, and relaxed styling, even a modest patio can become a summer sanctuary.

The secret to achieving that elevated vacation-at-home feeling is bold foliage paired with heat-loving blooms. Statement plants such as Northern Wonder™ Banana, Cleopatra canna, cordyline, lantana, and   elephant ears can instantly give an outdoor space a tropical look—even in colder climates when grown as seasonal container plants.

Start With a Tropical Anchor Plant

Every resort-inspired patio needs a focal point. Large-leaf tropical plants create the sense of abundance luxury outdoor spaces are known for.

Northern Wonder™ Banana is ideal for adding height, movement, and privacy. It can reach 10 to 15 feet tall and works beautifully in large containers or planted near seating areas to frame the patio. (Hardy Banana)

For dramatic color, layer in Cleopatra Canna. Known for its tropical green-and-purple foliage and striking yellow-and-red blooms, this canna performs beautifully in containers, borders, and sunny summer displays.

To complete the look, tuck elephant ears around the base of taller plants. Their oversized leaves soften hardscaping and help create the lush, layered appearance found in resort gardens. In containers, elephant ears thrive best in large, sturdy pots with consistently moist soil.

Think in Layers, Not Rows

One of the biggest differences between a basic patio and a resort-style retreat is plant placement. Instead of lining pots in straight rows, arrange containers in loose groupings with varied heights and textures.

Use this simple formula:

• Tall plants for structure
• Mid-height flowering plants for color
• Trailing or mounding plants for softness

Cordyline’s upright, colorful foliage contrasts beautifully with the broad leaves of banana plants and elephant ears. Lantana adds long-lasting color while attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds throughout the summer.

Cluster pots in groups of three rather than spacing them evenly apart. Mixing planter heights creates depth and gives the patio a curated, collected look.

Choose a Relaxed Resort Color Palette

Resort spaces rarely feel overly coordinated. Instead, they rely on natural materials, sun-washed colors, and a few bold accents. 

For a sophisticated summer palette, combine:

• White or sand-colored cushions
• Black, teak, or rattan accents
• Terracotta and woven planters
• Tropical greens with pops of coral, orange, red, and magenta

The vivid flowers of lantana and Cleopatra canna provide plenty of color, so keep furniture and textiles understated for balance.

Create Outdoor Rooms

Luxury resorts make even small outdoor spaces feel intentional. Recreate that effect by dividing your patio into simple zones.

Consider adding:

• A lounge area with cushioned seating
• A dining nook with lantern lighting
• A plant-filled corner for morning coffee
• A small bar cart or beverage station

Large tropical plants work beautifully as natural dividers. A grouping of banana plants and elephant ears can separate seating from dining areas while adding softness and privacy.

Add Warm, Layered Lighting

Nothing transforms a patio faster than lighting. Skip harsh floodlights in favor of layered ambient light.

For a resort-inspired glow, combine:

• String lights overhead
• LED candles on tables
• Solar lanterns along pathways
• Uplighting beneath large tropical plants

Lighting elephant ears or banana leaves from below creates dramatic evening shadows and instantly elevates the atmosphere.

Finish With Resort-Worthy Details

The final layer is all about comfort and texture. Add oversized outdoor pillows, lightweight throws, citronella candles in decorative vessels, and trays for serving drinks outdoors.

A small fountain or tabletop water feature can also add soothing sound, helping mask neighborhood noise and enhancing the sense of escape.

Most importantly, leave room for the patio to feel relaxed rather than overly styled. The best resort spaces invite you to linger.

Best Plants for a Resort-Style Patio

For an easy tropical-inspired combination, try:

• Northern Wonder™ Banana for height
•  Cleopatra Canna for vibrant blooms
• Elephant ears for bold foliage
• Cordyline for vertical contrast
• Lantana for colorful, pollinator-friendly flowers

Together, they create the layered, lush atmosphere that defines resort-style outdoor living—no passport required.

Need help? Visit Natorp’s experts to create your outdoor paradise.