It’s no secret that while the COVID-19 pandemic has hit “pause” on international travel, we can all agree that a bounce-back in the luxury leisure segment is coming with a bang. And as we’ve said before, when it is safe to travel again, we believe that this pause will cause travelers to be more conscious of the effects of tourism and prioritize more sustainable, nature-based, authentic, and unique travel experiences. Herein lies a great opportunity for hotel owners to meet the demand and adapt to the changing times by looking for creative ways to implement more sustainable business practices.
In the past, to capitalize on evolving consumer preferences many hoteliers would look to revamp their properties through traditional methods including general renovations, upgrades to amenities, and programming, alongside changes to sales and marketing strategies. Though these efforts are commendable; for today’s purpose-driven traveler these methods do not go far enough in addressing the growing desire to adopt sustainable business practices in a meaningful way. So, what are existing properties to do?
Luckily for existing properties, there is a viable solution to address rising sustainability concerns and create a meaningful story to re-engage guests and attract media attention. Hotels and resorts sitting on excess land have the opportunity to transform idle properties by adding revenue-generating accommodations while embracing the growing (and here to stay) sustainable travel movement. Add-on or satellite projects leverage the existing infrastructure from the operating hotel or resort but can take on an entirely different form. Over the past 10 years, Luxury Frontiers has worked with clients that have seen an enormous amount of success from this method.
An example of this is Camp Sarika by Amangiri, which opened in 2020 as a satellite experiential offering to the world-famous Amangiri desert resort in Southern Utah in the United States. Officially opening its doors in April of 2020, at the height of the pandemic worldwide lockdown, all 10 luxury tented suites were sold out for the entire summer, not to mention the warm welcome to the stage from prominent publications. While not taking away from the experience of Amangiri, Camp Sarika adds another element to the story by offering a completely immersive adventure experience, keeping travelers and media from all over the world with their eyes fixed on the iconic property, and previous guests eager to return.
Another clear example of a resort embracing the nature-focused travel movement is Nayara Tented Camp, part of the Nayara Resort cluster nestled in the Arenal National Park in Costa Rica. Designed by Luxury Frontiers, Nayara Tented Camp was developed to provide a nature-forward luxury experience and the first-ever resort taking the concept of the African safari tent to the Costa Rican rainforest. Opening in November of 2019, the camp has received a similar media reception as Camp Sarika by Amangiri and re-engaged previous Nayara guests, offering avenues to expand the boutique brand.
Luxury Frontiers strives to deliver alternative experiences that today’s well-to-do travelers continue to seek. How? By providing hotels and resorts with the opportunity to transform idle properties and excess land into revenue-generating accommodations that embrace the growing eco-friendly travel movement while connecting the guests to the local culture and environment. From luxury tents, tree-top structures, and alternative building methodologies to luxury eco-resorts, Luxury Frontiers’ hospitality creations are eco-sensitive, prioritizing local materials and resources, benefiting the community and, offering travelers unforgettable memories enticing them to return soon.
Some of the benefits of sustainable add-on accommodations include:
Quick payback (usually under 3 years)
Endless storytelling opportunities
Monetizing idle, excess land while increasing its value
Product/amenity diversification, market diversification
Low per key development cost compared to traditional room construction
Incremental revenue resulting from additional inventory
Shorter development timeline (usually under 12 months)
Incremental operating profit and rate premiums
Leveraging existing infrastructure and branding
Heighten brand reputation through social responsibility and environmentally sustainable practices
Integrating sustainable practices to create unique and authentic travel experiences is no longer a trend but fast evolving into the mainstream of luxury travel. Alternative add-on accommodations are the perfect way for land and hotel owners to make a strategic entrance into the sustainable travel marketplace and see a quick return on investment. Join the movement!