Let’s play a game.
It’s called bucket list Mexican holiday resort or suburban Adelaide backyard?
Round 1…
Of course, it’s a suburban Adelaide backyard.
Don’t worry, we’ve never seen anything like it either.
Its origins can be drawn all the way back to Mexico, though.
Sisters Isy and Cat followed through on everyone’s dream and actually brought their holiday back home with them, albeit years later.
“We stayed at a hotel in Tulum with this incredible pool,” Isy tells Place Journal.
“It had cream and terracotta checkerboard tiles that were just so striking.
“That vision stayed with us, and we knew one day, we had to recreate that magic.
“We loved the contrast of blue water, warm terracotta tones, and lush greenery - it just screams tropical retreat.”
Magic indeed.
But, while they had the vision, as they learned, making magic happen isn’t always easy.
“Finding the right tiles was a journey,” Isy recalls.
“Pool tile suppliers kept steering us toward endless shades of blue, and when we explained we wanted rustic terracotta that would flow outside the pool, we got some serious side-eyes.
“The tiler probably cursed our names a few times, too.
“He worked tirelessly, even on weekends, to ensure every line, pattern, and grout joint was perfect.
“Compared to standard mosaic tiles, we had no idea our tiles would be as difficult as they were.
“From original design sketches to implementation, they were a headache from the start.
“But in the end, it’s a masterpiece.”
A Paradise Pools masterpiece.
To be clear, though, it’s not for laps - it’s for living, as the girls say, proudly.
And it’s probably the best motto we’ve ever heard.
“It’s for hot summer nights, family barbecues, and chilling with friends,” Isy laughs.
“The pool is more than just a place to swim - it’s become the heart of our home.
“From morning dips to late-night parties, it’s everything we hoped for and more.”
I mean there’s even an ice machine in a concealed kitchen, hidden and secured by a large retractable door.
They are just showing off by this point.
Most struggle when coming up with a unique backyard swimming pool idea.
And there still might be a full house renovation to come.
“We’re dreaming big,” Isy adds.
We’re just dreaming of coming back.
Words: Jordan Pinto
Photography: Shannon Wark for Place Journal
Swipe to see what their place looked like before
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