111 Things That Made the Difference

When I arrived at the property, it was dusk. The summer sun was just beginning to ease its way into the cradle of the Colorado peaks that made up the backdrop of this luxury, nature resort. As I stepped from the car, the pure, invigorating air instantly revitalized my senses and the dull fatigue from the long car ride dropped away.

?It was a symphony of peace. A giggling stream added an element of joy to the tranquil atmosphere. This is the kind of place where time slows, and the beauty of the natural world promises the ideal marriage of adventure and serenity.

It was a private cabin. Far enough away from the community spaces the resort offered, that I could experience the privacy and solitude I sought. The design was all at once rustic and elegant, blending gracefully into the landscape. I stepped onto a simple gravel pathway that gradually transformed into a slightly elevated, wooden walkway which carried me through pine trees and then transformed into a small, arched bridge that spanned the stream. The bridge opened onto a deck lined with a whimsical array of ornamental grasses of various shades that swayed gently in the warm breeze.?

To my right was a pergola; a simple structure with a lattice roof, that delicately sprinkled sun through the shade covering onto the sitting area it protected. The outdoor lounge looked so luxuriously comfortable that I nearly sat down, but instead kept walking, eager to see the dwelling I would call home for the next 10 days. To the left of the sitting area I just passed, I noticed a wall covered with flowering plants, vegetables and herbs, it was as if it had grown directly from the ground. Red chili peppers hung from dark green branches, small, oval tomatoes clung to draping vines and the combined fragrances of lavender, rosemary, sage and mint danced in the air around me. A string of tiny lights began to glow in the dusk, illuminating my steps and one by one, thin towers of gently glowing lights appeared, where only a few minutes ago, stood as decorative plants in large, gorgeous hand carved containers. A vine covered in miniature cucumbers, cascaded onto a slate counter that stretched along a rock wall and contained a shining stainless steel oval shaped grill and full kitchen assembly. A teak dining set was situated to my right and a fireplace surrounded by cushy chairs and ottomans sat just beyond. For a moment, I wasn’t sure if I was inside or outside. A curved trellis, covered with flowering vines bordered the deck from the firepit to french doors that stood like open arms inviting me to enter their embrace. I approached the hot tub, taking note of an outdoor shower that peeked out of the vines near the rock chimney of the fireplace and a pebbled path that trailed off into the adjacent woods.

Veering to the left to mount the steps that approached the french doors, I skirted the plunge pool from which a blue/green light? emanated in the now darkening sky. Though narrow, the pool curved and hugged the back side of a slate rail behind the couch, which straddled the outside and inside like an arm holding them together.

Before me and across the length of the other side of the room, were folding glass doors, so transparent, that again, I felt unsure if I were outside or in. The other walls were light shades of brown barn wood so weathered that I was drawn to run my hand over them to feel if they were as soft as they appeared to be. The colors and textures within the room created an ambiance that compelled me to reach out and touch everything.

The bedroom was even more inviting. When I entered, the lights automatically turned on and a soft, gradual glow filled the space. The bed faced another floor to ceiling window with wide french doors on one side and the scent of pine flooded in from the open windows. The bed linens were draped luxuriously over the bed in a welcoming fashion and the colors blended with the view outside the window.

The bathroom offered the greatest wow factor of all. Colorado weather doesn’t necessarily lend itself to outdoor bathrooms, but this one made it appear as natural as the elements it contained. The far end featured a curved rock wall with a fireplace and wide hearth that sloped down to a flagstone floor, where an oval, stone resin bath stood in front of it. A small barrel sauna was positioned to the right of the tub against the curve of the rock wall and a wood lattice ceiling was covered with a material that allowed the moonlight to come through. To the left was another outdoor shower, surrounded on 3 sides with beautiful stonework. And to fully accommodate the fluctuating weather, the entire area could be shut out with sliding glass doors, while the bedroom contained an additional indoor full bath.

We all know that once we’ve experienced a place that exceeds our expectations, we tend to look for and expect more. Even when we seek challenges and wilderness adventures, it’s delightful to return to an environment of ease, comfort and beauty, where our every need has been anticipated and we can relax.

If you've ever found yourself at a breathtaking destination, only to realize that your accommodations bear an uncanny resemblance to the diminutive cabin from your last getaway, you're undoubtedly familiar with the disheartening sense of déjà vu that accompanies such a discovery.

Having meticulously examined numerous accommodation options for experiential outdoor hospitality properties, I've come to the conclusion that as an industry, we are drifting into a dreary sea of familiarity. This phenomenon is not exclusive to our field; it's a natural progression in any industry. As more individuals, driven by the genuine desire to venture into what they perceive as a unique endeavor (in this instance, outdoor hospitality), join the fray, the landscape becomes saturated. What was once a novel concept inevitably transforms into something predictably commonplace.

What's notably absent is the foresight to recognize the unwavering importance of crystallizing your business vision—especially one centered on the experiential aspect for your guests—and the capacity to unwaveringly adhere to that vision. The moment compromises seep in, there's a perilous gamble with diluting your brand, potentially relegating it to the realm of the ordinary. Constructing a business of this nature demands a deft juggling act, and it's a perpetual endeavor to enhance what was initially pledged. Ensuring the accommodations align seamlessly from the outset can compensate for a multitude of shortcomings, serving as a strategic foundation for the continuous refinement of the envisioned guest experience.

Have you dedicated resources to concept, design, and development only to compromise on FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment)? Are you striving to craft an Experiential Outdoor Hospitality property that surpasses your guests' expectations? If every aspect of the indoor and outdoor environment isn't meticulously approached to anticipate your guests' every need, you're overlooking a fundamental element essential for establishing a genuinely authentic experiential outdoor hospitality business.

The success of an experiential outdoor hospitality business hinges on the visionary commitment to crystallizing and unwaveringly adhering to a distinct business vision, particularly one centered on elevating the guest experience. The pitfalls of compromise pose a substantial risk to diluting your brand, potentially consigning it to mediocrity. The continuous refinement of the envisioned guest experience requires a delicate balance, demanding an ongoing commitment to excellence. Therefore, as you invest in concept, design, and development, it is imperative not to neglect the crucial details, such as sourcing unique accommodation options and custom, branded FF&E, that play a pivotal role in ensuring your accommodations align seamlessly and contribute to the distinctive character of your property. By approaching every facet of the indoor and outdoor environment with meticulous attention, you lay the groundwork for a truly authentic and exceptional experiential outdoor hospitality venture that exceeds the expectations of your guests.

We’re here to support you in that vision! Our Design Team will work hand in hand with you to realize your vision for the most memorable guest experience anywhere!