Hungry for connection with Nature
I was inspired to write this post by the news that the Marriott International chain acquired the hospitality startup Postcards Cabins. This brand consists of about 1,200-holiday cabins located near American national parks. To further strengthen its presence in the outdoor recreation sector, the hotel giant also announced a long-term licensing agreement with the boutique hotel chain Trailborn, which focuses on unique outdoor locations.
Since a serious hotel brand is investing in something like this, there must be a good reason behind it. And I know that reason: people are increasingly looking to relax in connection with Nature.
When I was at OUR HABITAS Alula, I realized that even a close encounter with Nature that borders on discomfort can be a unique experience. The magnificent desert landscape, rocks shaped astonishingly by the forces of nature, a starry sky, but also the heat, sand, and wind throwing it against the walls of the bungalows, and the nighttime chill penetrating to the bone—unaccustomed to the desert's temperature swings. I had the opportunity to experience what the people living in this area have felt for centuries, to discover a world different from the one I inhabit daily. To feel the wind, water, earth, and the power of these elements.
And while not every hotel or even resort can offer the same level of contact with Nature, it is essential that every one of them carefully considers this aspect during the design phase to ensure that guests can experience it in the fullest way possible. From the choice of materials to greenery, the surroundings of the building, plants, and even seemingly trivial details like the direction in which the bed is positioned. Yes, indeed, we designed a resort hotel where the beds are oriented exactly towards the setting sun, even though this required an unconventional layout of the entire room. But even a city hotel can have a beautifully arranged terrace, garden, winter garden, or rooftop. Believe me, such a green oasis will attract people more effectively than glitter and excessive decorations.
#hospitality #cabins #outdoor #balance #harmony #nature #experiencedesign #marriot #postcardscabins #trailborn
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