Orlando Bloom's outdoor spa is a masterclass in privacy planting – his pergola and hedges are so inspiring

When building an outdoor spa, the amenities like a cold plunge and sauna are often the first consideration, but the surroundings are equally important. A secluded environment is essential for total relaxation.

Orlando Bloom's backyard spa is the blueprint. We spotted the privacy planting in a video about his new Renu Therapy cold plunge. Though the cold plunge itself is stylish, what we noticed most was the actor's dedication to privacy across the space. From a massive hedge in the background to the structure above the plunge, it offers total seclusion.

This two-pronged approach to creating backyard privacy is a favorite among experts. James Higgins, Gardening expert at Grass247, explains: 'Pergolas and overhead structures are great when looking at privacy ideas for gardens, as these will shield you from above, blocking your neighbours' view. When looking longer term, you can also consider planting some trees around the boundary of your garden. Trees will contribute height and offer a canopy that can aid any privacy or garden screening that you’re after.'

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Luckily, this technique works well in any backyard. James states: 'Pergolas can create a sense of enclosure and cosiness in your garden–ideal for any seating areas–and will create a focal point for your outdoor space which will come in handy for any outdoor entertaining.'

There are many ways to accomplish this. James suggests: 'You can also add hanging baskets and climbing plants to introduce even further privacy in the garden. Plants such as wisteria are a beautiful addition to a pergola when flowering and will bring further shade to the area. If you’re unsure about a structure like a pergola, you could introduce canopies or umbrella shades to create more overhead privacy on any seating areas. These can be moved or packed away, offering some flexibility with your garden screening.'

Though Orlando Bloom's massive hedges are stunning, recreating them in a smaller backyard is not always possible. Instead, you can use planters to create a similar effect with more ease.

'One of the easiest things you can do to add some privacy to your garden is to bring in some large planters with taller plants and trees,' advises James. 'These can create a more natural boundary for your garden, especially if you have your own section in a shared garden, and offer a quick fix for any immediate problems.'

He continues: 'Place planters around any seated areas to create a sense of seclusion in the zones you spend more time in. Potted hedges can be a uniform way to add height to your garden and offer more privacy, and work particularly well in more modern and minimalist gardens. Or, if you’re wanting a more colourful garden you could opt for dense, bushy flowers such as fuchsias, or taller blooms such as sunflowers and dahlias to add more peace and privateness to your garden.'

Creating the perfect backyard spa is equally about the backyard itself. With the right plants and pergolas, you can't go wrong.