The Next Generation of Experiential Hospitality: A Guide to Crafting Seamless Resort Experiences
By Ru Kotryna | Tomu Media
Introduction: The Architects of the Future of Hospitality
At the Americas Lodging Investment Summit (ALIS) in Los Angeles, the Behind the Stays podcast host and Alliance Journey executive Zach Busekrus moderated an intimate and illuminating conversation with four of the most forward-thinking minds in experiential hospitality:
Hans Lorei – Designer, content creator, and founder of Hans Lorei Design, a visionary studio crafting immersive hospitality spaces.
Isaac French – Founder of Live Oak Lake and Experiential Hospitality, known for his distinctive approach to nature-infused lodging experiences.
Ben Wolff – Co-founder of Onera and Oasi, leading brands redefining luxury and adventure hospitality through curated environments.
This panel was more than a discussion—it was a blueprint for the next generation of experiential hospitality, offering a deep dive into the psychology of guest experience, the evolving role of design, and how modern hospitality brands can create destinations that evoke emotion, inspire connection, and command premium pricing.
What follows is a comprehensive guide, built on the insights of these hospitality pioneers, that deconstructs the essential elements of a seamless experiential resort.
1. The Essence of Experiential Hospitality: Crafting an Emotional Journey
At its core, experiential hospitality is not about amenities, but about emotional impact. The panelists agreed that the most successful boutique hotels and resort concepts create deeply personal, sensory-driven moments that guests will never forget.
What Defines a True Experiential Resort?
A Strong Narrative – The most compelling hospitality brands weave a story that begins before a guest even arrives.
Immersive Settings – Design should seamlessly integrate with the surrounding landscape, using nature, architecture, and materials to transport guests.
Sensory Engagement – The experience should be felt before it is described, stimulating sight, sound, scent, and touch.
Case Study: Designing the Arrival Experience
Ben Wolff shared an anecdote about a remote desert resort, where the journey itself became part of the narrative:
A long, winding drive through sculptural rock formations.
Discreetly placed wayfinding signs, elegantly crafted to blend into the environment.
A handwritten welcome note upon arrival, placed on linen paper, introducing guests to the property’s philosophy.
Each detail—however small—was intentional, creating a sense of anticipation and reinforcing the brand’s identitybefore the first interaction.
Key Takeaways for Hoteliers:
✔ Define your brand’s story and ensure every element reflects that narrative.
✔ Think beyond aesthetics—design experiences that leave an emotional imprint.
✔ Your first impression matters—arrival should feel like a transition into another world.
2. Designing for Impact: The Power of Consistency and Authenticity
Isaac French emphasized that consistency is one of the most undervalued aspects of experiential hospitality. Guests should feel that every single material, color, and texture is a natural extension of the brand’s ethos.
The “Design Bible” Approach
Isaac French’s process begins with a “Design Bible”—a document that dictates every aesthetic, tactile, and architectural decision down to the smallest details:
Material Palette – Using a cohesive selection of materials (wood, stone, glass, metal) to establish authenticity.
Architectural Consistency – Ensuring window frames, furniture, and signage all reinforce the brand’s identity.
Signature Touches – Small but highly intentional elements that make the space memorable (custom ceramics, handcrafted lighting, or locally sourced textiles).
Example: The Role of Ritual in Guest Experience
One boutique property integrates an evening candle-lighting ritual, where each guest is invited to light a handcrafted beeswax candle at sunset, symbolizing a transition into relaxation. This seemingly small detail creates a moment of reflection and deepens the experience.
How to Implement This in Your Resort:
✔ Develop a "Design Bible" to ensure every touchpoint aligns with your brand.
✔ Avoid aesthetic inconsistency—resist the temptation to over-curate or mix trends.
✔ Think beyond design—create rituals that reinforce your resort’s story.
3. The Social Currency of Experience: Designing for Shareability (Without Gimmicks)
Social media is now the most powerful hospitality marketing tool. However, as Hans Lorei emphasized, guests should share their experiences because they feel authentic—not because they feel staged.
What Makes a Resort “Shareable” Without Feeling Overly Engineered?
Architectural Moments – Every space should feel naturally photogenic (think: framed views, soft lighting, and textured surfaces).
Flow-Driven Design – Guests should naturally encounter “Instagrammable” moments without forced signage or gimmicks.
Elements of Surprise – Hidden doors, unexpected views, or a bathtub placed in the middle of a private outdoor deck can create organic, memorable content.
Example: The Iconic Treehouse Bed
One resort designed a treehouse suite with a bed that slides onto an outdoor deck, allowing guests to sleep under the stars. This feature—authentic, functional, and stunning—went viral without ever being marketed.
What This Means for Your Resort:
✔ Focus on organic shareability, not forced gimmicks.
✔ Design spaces that inspire storytelling.
✔ Anticipate guest behaviors and integrate visual moments accordingly.
4. The Business Case for Small-Scale Luxury: Fewer, Better Units Win Every Time
One of the most striking insights from the panel was the emphasis on doing fewer things, but doing them exceptionally well.
Why Small-Scale Hospitality Outperforms Larger Developments:
Higher perceived value & exclusivity → Guests willingly pay more for a limited number of well-crafted experiences.
Stronger occupancy rates → Demand remains high due to scarcity.
Lower operational complexity → Fewer rooms mean higher attention to detail.
Case Study: The Economics of a Seven-Cabin Resort
Ben Wolff cited a seven-cabin boutique retreat that generated $1M in revenue per key, proving that scaling down can actually maximize profitability.
Best Practices for Small-Scale Resorts:
✔ Prioritize quality over quantity—better materials, smarter layouts, and unique amenities.
✔ Automate intelligently—use technology to streamline operations while maintaining personal touches.
✔ Use scarcity as a marketing tool—create exclusivity through limited availability.
5. The Investor’s Perspective: Positioning Experiential Resorts for Funding Success
How to Pitch Your Project to Investors
Investors are increasingly drawn to experiential boutique properties due to their high yield and differentiated appeal. However, securing capital requires proving:
Strong RevPAR performance → Boutique resorts often outperform chain hotels due to their pricing power.
Scalability of the concept → Investors want to know if the model can be replicated elsewhere.
Modular & Sustainable Construction → Fast, cost-efficient building solutions—like those pioneered by Tomu—are a major advantage.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Experiential Hospitality
The ALIS panel made one thing clear: hospitality is no longer just about lodging—it’s about creating moments that resonate.
For those shaping the next generation of hotels, the challenge is clear: Think beyond beds and rooms. Craft experiences. Design emotions. Build memories.
Key Takeaways for Hospitality Innovators:
✔ Start with a story.
✔ Obsess over the details.
✔ Leverage social media through design, not advertising.
✔ Prioritize uniqueness over scalability.
✔ Embrace modular, sustainable construction.
The future of hospitality belongs to those who craft places that don’t just shelter people—but transform them.
