But savouring a relaxing hour or two in a hammock with a good book does not mean we have to pack our bags and head off to a South Pacific island. The effect can be easily had in your own back yard, garden or even a patio. There are literally dozens of types of hammocks today to suit all domestic environments - and budgets, for that matter.

Those with a large back yard or garden have a massive range of hammocks to choose from, but those with small or courtyard gardens are also well catered for. Gone are the days when two trees of any species were required to indulge in happy hammock-ing. Even those of us whose only outdoor escape is a balcony or small patio, can still attain that feeling of escape with the development of framed hammocks.

Today, the humble hammock is produced from a number of natural (such as cotton, canvas and rope) and man-made fabrics (from nylon and specially engineered poly fabrics to even parachute material) in just as many countries. Not surprisingly, we can thank Central and South America, with their balmy climates for coming up with the idea of fastening the gathered ends of a piece of material to two trees to take a break. Mayan, Brazilian and Nicaraguan hammocks are some of the most popular types of hammocks available today, perhaps because of their bright colours and traditional construction.

Hammocks have been around for a thousand years and their design has progressed. Thanks to technology, there are now hammocks to suit every occasion from entertaining to outdoor adventures. There are even camping hammocks - complete with built-in, framed mosquito nets ? and luxury quilted hammocks for those with an insatiable taste for the high-life! You can even find quick-dry hammocks for around the pool.

The most traditional materials used to make hammocks are most certainly cotton and rope, however, it's worth keeping in mind, some artificial fabrics, such as specially produced polyester, are actually longer wearing and easier to keep clean. The fabric is woven to breathe and they also guarantee your body won't be patterned with rope marks when you finally decide it's to dislodge yourself and re-enter real life. That said, webbed ? as in netted hammocks are purported to be the most comfortable of all hammocks. Take some time out and discover for yourself!