No one denies the calming and restorative effects of nature, especially after the stressful pandemic days. This is translating into rising integration of nature and outdoor spaces as popular features in hotels. Hilton’s report “The 2022 Traveler: Emerging Trends and the Redefined Traveler” identifies the desire to experience and connect with nature (even indoors), natural light and indoor/outdoor spaces (such as rooftop bars) as key elements shaping hotel design, highlighting these among features that help “create feelings of warmth and relaxation as well as renewed energy and focus.” In fact, using intentional architecture and interior design to bring the outdoor space inside or even making it a destination is gaining momentum in hotels around the globe.
Guestrooms are no doubt the space that hotel guests spend most of their time in at a hotel and often are the determining factor for their booking decision. Having floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies can blur the boundary of indoor and outdoor space in a guestroom and allow guests to feel truly immersed in the local environment outside. In addition, the interior design, choice of materials and color palette should be as natural and organic as possible. The Cape, a Thompson Hotel, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, blends modern architecture with an open-air layout and integration of its natural surroundings. In addition to the ocean views, most rooms come with binoculars to bring the outdoor views inside. Ol Donyo Lodge in Kenya offers a unique outdoor experience of sleeping under the stars in rooftop “star beds” overlooking the African savanna below.
The desire for and appreciation of outdoor space also carries over to food-and-beverage outlets and meeting space. Outdoor dining terraces, rooftop bars and pool bars are popular dining spaces for patrons seeking fresh air, sunshine and views of the local environment. A well-designed outdoor dining area can provide more space and boost guest satisfaction, prompting them to stay longer and spend more. It is also a rising trend for hotels to offer unique and flexible outdoor dining space. These options are gaining popularity among guests looking for a private, personalized and memorable dining experience. The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Fla., invested in cocktail carts, ice cream or popsicle carts and barbecue grill setups to cope with rising outdoor F&B demand. The Hyatt Regency Monterey (Calif.) Hotel and Spa transformed roomservice into “roam service,” which can transport F&B offerings across the hotel via mobile app ordering.
Demand for event spaces featuring floor-to-ceiling windows offering views and natural light, as well as terraces and patio spaces, undoubtedly is on the rise. During the pandemic, outdoor spaces were considered safer than indoor ones. As such, more corporate meetings and social events were held outdoors. The trend is expected to continue with more guests opting to hold events outdoors. The Hampton Inn/Homewood Suites Montreal Downtown, which opened in late 2021, has its ballroom connected to a 6,500-square-foot rooftop terrace, allowing event planners and diners to take advantage of open-air spaces.
In addition to designated function space, outdoor meetings and events basically can be held anywhere within a hotel—a terrace balcony in the penthouse, a patio area, a garden, poolside, beachfront, etc. Strong Wi-Fi connectivity, flexible and convenient electric access and anti-glare projection screens are the basic criteria for successful outdoor events. Event tents, enclosed awnings and outdoor cooling/heating devices can help extend outdoor events through unfavorable weather conditions and make year-round outdoor events possible.
Wellness components in hotels have also been extending their space beyond the four walls of the buildings. Natural elements are known to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. Outdoor spa treatments in cabanas can provide shade and privacy. The central courtyard at the Well & Being spa at the Fairmont Scottsdale (Ariz.) Princess was designed to evoke Arizona’s Havasupai Falls using indigenous sandstone, native plants and a real waterfall that can be incorporated into treatments. Moreover, adding fresh air to wellness activities is becoming a priority. Outdoor exercise has become a trendy and preferable alternative to traditional, stuffy indoor workout rooms. Miraval Group has adapted some of its signature wellness programming by moving many yoga, meditation and exercise classes to outdoor areas. To maximize the outdoor wellness potential, some hotels also have introduced packages incorporating outdoor wellness activities. For instance, Origins Lodge in Upala, Costa Rica, features multiday, all-inclusive wellness rates that include outdoor activities and daily spa and well-being sessions.
With a renewed focus on connecting to the outdoors and nature, hoteliers also have become more creative in creating outdoor public space that enhances the guest experience and potentially brings extra value and revenue. Choice Hotels International introduced a redesigned prototype in 2021 for its Comfort hotels that features a multiseason patio area anchored by an indoor/outdoor fireplace that often includes casual seating and a covered/shaded area.
The Kimpton Angler’s Hotel in Miami launched outdoor activities with local artists to add to its series of outdoor murals to make art appreciation an everyday experience. Tetra Hotel, Autograph Collection in Sunnyvale, Calif., has a leisure hub offering outdoor communal and art space with dramatic sculptures. Three seating areas feature rotating pop-up activations, from wine tasting and a lending library to artist talks and more.
There are ample opportunities to utilize outdoor space in hotels to create a more comforting and inviting environment. After all, nature is scarce. And given the deteriorating environment, nature is also the new luxury. A well-curated outdoor space with natural materials such as wood and stone, an earthy color palette, natural auditory elements like the sounds of sea breezes, waves and birds and the scents of nature, together with the right design of space and lighting, can make the outdoor space a destination in itself.
Chelsea Wong is a consultant for Horwath HTL Asia Pacific.