Fonts of prosperity

Water features offer many benefits, both emotionally and aesthetically, and they can be enjoyed no matter how small your garden is, or even if you live in an apartment. "Water features make for a peaceful interlude in a stress-filled world," says Sunil N. Sawlani, Managing Director of Royal Gardenscape showrooms in Al Barsha, Dubai. "The sound and sight of this natural element can be soothing to the eyes and relaxing to the mind."

Sawlani adds, "The element of water is a wonderful way to incorporate a vital aspect of nature in your own home. Take, for instance, the placement of bubbling fountains, gurgling spouts and cascading waterfalls in the garden. The sounds and sprays they cast off subconsciously offer the feeling of calmness and coolness. Additionally, the mere sight of water becomes mesmerising eye candy, breaking up an otherwise static landscape."

Water features have a long history in landscaping and quickly become the focal point of any garden, says Reem Heather Dabbas, marketing manager from landscapers TerraVerde LLC who install and maintain many types of water features. "Self-contained portable fountains are readily available in various styles and countless designs, making them a versatile embellishment for adorning the balcony."

For home owners who have the luxury of a larger garden though, the opportunities are boundless. "Depending on your preference, water features can range from minimalist Zen-like natural stone elevations with a cascading flow, to elaborate sculpted cherubs holding a gushing spout. Whatever the style, the  soothing sound of gurgling water in a decorative container offers aesthetic appeal," says Sawlani.

There are several guides to help you get the right water feature, adds Dabbas. "One important matter is factoring in the available space. This will help in choosing the type of feature that will be suitable for your garden. Larger options include ponds and water fountains, whereas smaller options may include a water feature pot.

"Options that incorporate free-falling water require a basin, and will need an adequate area to catch splashing water. The other alternative is in designs where the water flows down the sides of the feature, limiting the space needed as a surrounding."

Correct placement

Once a water feature is chosen, then you may want to consider something else — feng shui. After all, in the ancient Chinese belief it is said that water can bring good fortune.

"In feng shui, it has been said that water brings prosperity," says Sawlani. "Located correctly in the garden, water brings wonderful opportunities for generating wealth. Hence, the ideal placement would be when the main door of any space faces a body of clean, flowing water. If the water seems to be flowing towards the main door, it will be doubly auspicious, as the correct flow of water brings increased income and great fortune.

"Other areas of the garden to place water features include the north direction, which is represented by the element of water. The southeast and east sectors are the wood element sectors and also benefit greatly from water. The southeast governs the wealth luck of the home, while the east symbolises health and longevity."

Another way to keep healthy and enjoy your garden at the same time is to install a swimming pool. Dean Scott, Absolute Pools, Business Development Manager, says, "Outdoor living is a huge part of the lifestyle in Dubai and people are taking advantage of the climate, which enables you to enjoy your garden for approximately nine months of the year, or even more for the people who cantake the mid-summer heat and/or havea chiller in their pool."

Choices for swimming pools vary dramatically depending on the size of the garden, although most developments stipulate that the swimming pool must be two to three metres away from the boundary walls. Permission is also required for most of the new communities.

If you are unable to have a swimming pool in your garden, there is no need to miss out on the enjoyment that a water feature brings.

Dabbas says, "You are only limited by your imagination, available space and budget. Virtually any object can be converted into a water feature, which adds to the personality of this innovative element of the garden."

Sweat it out

You may be forgiven for thinking a sauna is more suited to European climes, but Dubai Healthcare City-based Barr + Wray FZ-LLC, is busy installing saunas for many local residents who recognise their benefits.

Peter Rietveld, Managing Director, Barr + Wray FZ-LLC, says, "The heat experience sauna is used to train many important body functions and it strengthens the metabolism. By perspiring, the skin is renewed, detoxified and dead skins cells are removed. The sauna also improves blood circulation and promotes better sleeping behaviour."

For anyone wanting to reap these benefits, there is a large range of saunas available, including garden saunas and log houses. At Barr + Wray they install Klaf saunas, who are the leading sauna manufacturer. According to Rietveld there are numerous designs and possibilities to create your own bespoke thermal experience and you can choose from a host of accessories to complement your sauna, from coloured lights and extra humidity, to loudspeakers so that you can listen to your favourite tunes as you relax.

The smallest Klaf sauna, measures at 110 x 140 x 196 cm, which includes everything that a sauna requires. Prices for Klaf saunas start from approximately Dh20,000.