Beyond the City: How to Build the Next Big Hospitality Escape

Why Micro-Resorts Near Major Cities Are the Future of Travel

The next frontier of hospitality isn’t in the city, nor in the far-flung wilderness—it’s in the overlooked in-between. Within 90 minutes of every major metropolitan area lies untapped potential: rolling countryside, lakefront retreats, wooded hideaways. These are the places where the modern traveler wants to escape without the hassle of long-haul travel.

Yet, for all the talk of boutique hospitality and experiential travel, the micro-resort scene near major cities remains underdeveloped. This presents a rare opportunity: a growing market with high demand, low supply, and a guest base eager to book.

For those with an eye for what’s next, this is an opportunity that won’t last long.

Wildflower Farms is a resort nestled on 140 secluded acres in New York's Hudson Valley located just 90 minutes from New York City

Why This Market Is About to Take Off

1. The 90-Minute Rule
Time is the ultimate luxury, and today’s traveler wants a seamless escape. Destinations like Wildflower Farms (Hudson Valley, NY) and AutoCamp Catskills have proven that if a place is within two hours of a major city and offers something distinctive, it will attract a devoted following.

2. A Shift in Travel Behavior
Shorter, more frequent trips are replacing the traditional two-week vacation. A study from Skift found that micro-trips—getaways of 1-3 nights—are rising faster than any other segment of travel​.

3. The Boutique Boom Moves Outward
Luxury doesn’t mean Fifth Avenue anymore. Properties like Inness (Accord, NY) and SingleThread Farms (Healdsburg, CA) are proving that the future of high-end, experience-driven hospitality is in nature, not city centers.

4. High Demand, Low Supply
While downtown hotels saturate the market, there are few micro-resorts within easy driving distance of major cities. Investors have taken note. The CBRE 2024 Global Hotel Investment Report cites leisure-focused, semi-rural hospitality as one of the most attractive asset classes for future development​.

At Inness (Accord NY), 28 minimalist cabins offer a unique travel experience–the feeling of being in your own home, but with the amenities of a luxury hotel.

How to Build a Micro-Resort That Stands Out

1. Start with the Land, Not the Building

The most successful micro-resorts are deeply tied to their surroundings. The goal isn’t to impose architecture on nature but to create spaces that feel inevitable—like they’ve always belonged there.

• Seek out locations with intrinsic appeal: A lakeside plot, a clearing in the woods, a vineyard-adjacent retreat.

• Prioritize a feeling of seclusion: Guests are paying for a sense of escape, even if the city is just down the road.

• Look for destinations that already have cultural gravity: Think Hudson Valley, Sonoma, Catskills or the Texas Hill Country—places people want to visit anyway.

2. Make Design a Calling Card

Micro-resorts that succeed do so because they create a visceral sense of place. The best examples take inspiration from their setting and elevate it.

• Minimalist cabins in the woods? Check out Postcard Cabins, recently acquired by Marriott.

• Japanese-inspired retreat? Look at Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons.

• Brutalist desert sanctuary? Amangiri in Utah has perfected this.

A strong architectural identity isn’t just for aesthetics—it’s a business strategy. It drives bookings, creates brand loyalty, and generates free marketing through design-conscious travelers.

Shou Sugi Ban House is located in the Hamptons, just 90 miles outside of New York City, an area celebrated for its pristine beaches, sprawling farms, local vineyards and historic estates

3. Build with Modularity, but Make It Bespoke

The new era of modular hospitality isn’t about speed—it’s about precision. New hospitality focused companies like Tomu are leading the way by offering tailored, customizable designs that allow for creative differentiation, rather than the cookie-cutter feel of traditional prefab structures.

• Bespoke modular solutions allow hoteliers to configure spaces in unique ways, from standalone villas to interconnected lodges.

• Sustainable, high-end materials create a refined experience without the inefficiencies of traditional construction.

• Architecturally distinct modules make it easy to scale a micro-resort while maintaining individuality.

The result? A property that feels curated, designed, and intentional—never like an afterthought.

4. Create Experiences, Not Just Stays

A micro-resort should feel like an immersive world unto itself. The best ones don’t just offer a place to sleep; they create moments worth traveling for.

• At The Ranch at Laguna Beach, guests go horseback riding at sunrise.

• At Dunton Hot Springs (Colorado), every cabin has access to private geothermal baths.

• At Habitas Tulum, morning yoga is just as integral as the food program.

The key is to offer an experience guests can’t replicate at home. Even a simple, well-curated wine-and-firepit ritual can become a defining feature.

Dunton Hot Springs is a small and exclusive resort nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains of the Colorado Rockies.

5. Let the Guests Market for You

Today’s best hospitality brands are built on social storytelling. A well-designed space will naturally generate organic word-of-mouth, but smart operators design for shareability from the start.

• Architectural Instagram moments (think outdoor showers, matching outdoor saunas and plunge pools)

• Cinematic lighting—warm, glowing interiors against natural backdrops

• Curated brand voice: The right copy, photography, and storytelling make all the difference

The goal? Make staying at your micro-resort feel like a lifestyle choice, not just a booking.

The Window of Opportunity Is Now

A decade ago, boutique hotels were still a niche concept. Then came the wave of Soho Houses, Ace Hotels, and Proper Hotels, changing the landscape forever. Today, micro-resorts near cities are in that same moment—on the edge of mass adoption but still rare enough to be a competitive advantage.

The question is: Who will define this category?

For those ready to move beyond the city, the future of hospitality is waiting.

Thinking of Creating Your Own Micro-Resort?

Tomu provides bespoke, design-forward modular solutions for visionary hospitality projects. Whether it’s a modern retreat in the woods or a refined wellness sanctuary, our modular villas are designed to elevate the guest experience from the ground up.

Let’s talk about how to bring your project to life.