Themed Destinations in Experiential Outdoor Hospitality

In recent years, the world of outdoor hospitality has witnessed a surge in the popularity of concept destinations. Concept destinations are outdoor properties meticulously designed around specific themes or concepts, crafting extraordinary, immersive experiences for nature enthusiasts and newbies alike. These locations are renowned for their imaginative design, themed campsites, and unique amenities created to resonate with specific types of outdoor enthusiasts. The primary aim of a concept destination is to grant guests a remarkable encounter that surpasses the conventional camping experience.

The primary factor that distinguishes concept destinations from regular camping sites is their commitment to crafting a distinctive and personalized experience for guests. These outdoor locales frequently adopt a particular theme or concept, visible in their design (see Exclusive Tents), amenities, and services. For instance, a nature-based concept destination might offer treehouse campsites, guided wildlife tours, and nature-inspired decor throughout the site.

In addition, concept destinations often extend services and amenities that are typically absent at traditional campgrounds. Activities like guided stargazing sessions, outdoor cooking classes, or the provision of exclusive nature trails with ecologically trained guides are common offerings.

Illustrative Examples of Themed Destinations

1. Capital Reef Resort –This 58 acre resort situated in Torrey, Utah, just one mile from the entrance of Capitol Reef National Park, offers a delightful blend of breathtaking sightseeing, stunning mountain views, and a serene atmosphere, ensuring it caters to all your desires.

2. Genesis Eco Oasis – An eco-friendly outdoor resort committed to sustainability, offering renewable energy sources, organic dining, and nature conservation education programs.

3. Bodhi Farms – Bodhi Farms is a boutique eco resort featuring 9 luxe glamping tipis, a wild game farm to table restaurant & permaculture farm nestled against the Gallatin Mountains along Cottonwood Creek just south of Downtown Bozeman, Montana.

4. Warwick Castle Glamping Home to thirty-one fully-themed standard Warwick tents and six larger King’s tents offering a touch of luxury, with a four-poster bed, two single beds, and an outdoor canopy with table and thrones discover a glamping experience like no other, in the Knight’s Village.

5. Outpost X? An Ancient-Future Lodging Experience on a 240-Acre Playa in Utah. Luxury glamping with a sci-fi twist.

6. Orchard Valley Orchard Valley in New Zealand sits on a hilltop overlooking a beautiful kiwi orchard. Referred to as “ the ultimate glamping experience”?by Stuff Magazine, you'll find an immersive nature experience and exquisite accommodations.

Varieties of Concept Destinations in the Outdoor Hospitality Arena

Themed destinations are a burgeoning trend in outdoor hospitality, diversifying the guest experience and catering to a wide array of outdoor interests and preferences. Trending concepts among outdoor enthusiasts are:

Themed Nature Retreats: These retreats transport guests to themed outdoor worlds or historical periods, often creating playful, immersive experiences. Examples include safari-inspired glamping, Viking-themed camping, art themed accommodations, desert oases, beach, lake, etc., each one using the environment to inspire a given theme.

Eco-Conscious Campgrounds: Environmental sustainability is at the core of these destinations, incorporating eco-friendly practices such as solar power, zero-waste principles, and nature conservation programs.

Adventure-Lovers' Campsites: Designed for thrill-seekers, these outdoor locales offer a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, white-water rafting, backcountry skiing, diving, etc. Off-grid accommodations and structures that blend with the natural environment are commonly found at these locations.

Wellness and Mindfulness Retreats: These concept destinations focus on providing guests with a holistic outdoor experience, offering wellness activities like yoga, meditation, and farm-to-table dining in the open air.

Several factors are driving this popular trend, including the demand for experiential travel. Modern-day outdoor enthusiasts are seeking unique and authentic experiences that take them off the beaten path. Concept destinations are purposefully designed to deliver such distinctive outdoor escapades, immersing guests in a specific theme or concept. For instance, a wilderness retreat designed to resemble an enchanted forest offers a completely immersive experience that remains etched in the memory of your guest.

Social media platforms have played a pivotal role in the rise of concept destinations. In today's interconnected world, individuals are constantly seeking unique and shareable content to engage with their online communities. Concept destinations present the perfect backdrop for creating eye-catching outdoor content. Guests are drawn to these outdoor getaways for their Instagram-worthy designs and captivating themes, ensuring an influx of photo-worthy moments.

Themed destinations gain popularity by appealing to niche markets. Unlike traditional campgrounds, which cast a broad net, concept destinations are curated for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast. For instance, a concept destination designed around wildlife adventures appeals to nature lovers and wildlife photographers, while a retro-themed glamping site captivates vintage aficionados. By targeting a specific market, concept destinations deliver a memorable experience closely aligned with the interests of their guests.

The key to designing a successful concept destination is to select a theme that resonates with your target audience and integrate it seamlessly throughout the outdoor site, ensuring comfort and cohesion for your guests. This theme could be rooted in a particular natural setting, such as a beachfront paradise, or it may draw inspiration from a specific outdoor passion, like birdwatching. It's vital that the theme chosen is captivating, distinct, and not overused in the outdoor hospitality industry. Investigating other concept destinations and outdoor accommodations can be invaluable in steering clear of overused themes.

Once a theme is selected, the next stage is to seamlessly incorporate it throughout the outdoor site. This includes the design, decorations, and amenities offered to guests. If, for example, your concept destination is centered on birdwatching, you might enhance the setting with birdhouse-inspired cabins, birdwatching stations, and guided birdwatching tours. Outdoor amenities, like complimentary binoculars and informative field guides, can further enrich the guest experience.

While it is essential to immerse guests in the chosen theme, equal emphasis should be placed on ensuring their comfort during their stay. Striking the right balance between the theme and comfort is vital for creating a concept destination that guests will cherish. A successful concept destination should offer a distinctive and memorable experience closely aligned with the chosen theme while also providing guests with the comforts and conveniences they expect from an outdoor getaway, such as comfortable sleeping arrangements, quality bedding, and exceptional service.

In response to the heightened competition in the outdoor hospitality industry, concept destinations continue to push the boundaries of design, technology, and sustainability. In recent times, numerous new concept destinations have emerged worldwide, and this trend is projected to persist in the years ahead. Notably, these outdoor locales are not merely focused on aesthetics; they are also at the forefront of sustainability, wellness, and technological advancements, as they reshape the guest experience.