The tropical lifestyle means many things to many people.Tell someone you love to live the tropical lifestyle and how they think you live may be nothing like the actual experience you have created for yourself. Each niche has its own vibe, feeling and “flavor” as well as some regional differences. Like differences in dialect of a language each one has it’s own uniqueness. We will outline just some of what we mean here. If you are looking to live the tropical lifestyle use this however you like to guide your adventure.

We will start with the “luxury” tropical style with rich dark woods and pineapple and rattan accents much like you would expect to see in Tommy Bahama furniture and decorations. While is gives a somewhat formal air it also has a resort flair to it to remind you of the tropics and a far away island retreat. The clothing tends to lends itself to Tommy Bahama, Cubavera, and Margaritaville style clothing. It may cost more, but when it comes to style and comfort the end justifies the means. High end rum drinks are often the drink of choice and rums like Pampero Anniversario are often found out for all to see. The music could range from steel drum to a tropical laid back jazz sound from artists like Jake Shimabukuro playing in the background.

The Parrot Head lifestyle

Next we head out to a pretend destination known as Margaritaville. Coined by Jimmy Buffett and revolving around a song about it most people who live this particular style consider themselves Parrot heads. It is a colorful and playful style that brings a little of Mexico, a little French Creole, a little Hawiian Island and a little Carribean feel to it. Throw in a dash of nautical nonsense and a round of the hokey pokey and you get the general feel for what Jimmy has in mind. The music is steel drum, country, jump up, reggae and creole all rolled into one . Artists like, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, Mac Macanalley, and more will be heard playing in the background. The clothing is Margaritaville gift shop and catalogue chic to grass skirts and cheap Hawiian shirts and sunglasses, Parrot hats, shark hats and more. Think “let’s make a deal” gone tropical. For furniture this is anyones bet. It could be tropical or nautical, it could be Island or Ocean beach house, it’s really up to your creativity.

Last but not least is the Tiki niche. This group is heavily polynesian influenced and the decor is very Hawiian. Tiki statues, hawiian shirts, grass skirts, bamboo, rattan furniture and tiki bars are all favorites. Uke music and traditional hawiian drums typically will be playing in the background.Polynesian food is the favorite heavy on sweet and sour sauce and pineapple, macadamia nuts and pork. If you really want to go traditional get ready to be able to choke down some scrambled eggs and Spam. Tiki means hawiian shirts and the tackier the better. There is the Tiki Tiki room at both Disney Parks and the Polynesian hotel, various tiki restaurants and tiki bars all over the country to visit as well and get the full experience complete with hula and fire dances. For art check out the artist Shag with his collection of Tiki art (http://www.shag.com/ShouldersofGiants/OdalisqueRed.html). It is often considered a throwback style to the Don Tiki era of the 50’s butt recently has had a resurgence. In the background you will hear a mix of 50’s surfer music and polynesian inspired songs. The furniture covers everything from rattan to shag carpet, bright colors infused with browns and tans and oranges, and lava lamps. Fez hats might also be spotted depending on how far your host is willing to go.

a combination orf styles

Livin the Tiki Life at Yucatan Liquor Stand in Ft. Myers Beach

These are just some of the many styles and niches that fall under the heading “tropical” lifestyle. The mixture is endless and can be room to room if you are really creative and so inclined. Whatever helps you sit back relax and make it a long weekend life.