"It'll look really good once it's all done but I still haven't worked out the garden design yet - pavers (?), plants etc."
Prepare the base well, fluffy, crusher dust and road base probably. Depends on the area where you're going to place it, but don't have any dirt, mulch, or planting too close. And as already mentioned, keep it out of the wind.
You need a decent tiled or paved surround to stand on when getting in and out of the bath. Otherwise it's really easy to take dirt and leaves into the bath via your feet. I'd suggest plants in pots on tiles or paving rather than actual garden inground.
Would you care to share what you find so appealing about an outdoor bath? Are you in a year round warm climate? Is it a sort of substitute for a spa or pool?
