5 ways custom outdoor spaces are evolving in hospitality.

Design

11 Feb

For hoteliers looking to boost revenue and maximise their property’s potential, custom outdoor spaces are becoming a fast, cost-effective way to attract new demographics, increase capacity, and expand offerings.

As guest expectations evolve and competition rises, hotels are rethinking how they use outdoor space – turning previously overlooked land into revenue-generating accommodation.

Nature-led stays, such as our Armadilla units, are no longer a novelty. They’re now a strategic investment for forward-thinking hoteliers seeking both guest satisfaction and commercial growth.

Here’s how custom outdoor hospitality spaces are evolving - and what it means for your business:

1. Custom outdoor spaces: from novelty to necessity

Outdoor accommodation has moved beyond trend status. Today’s guests are actively seeking nature-based stays, privacy and unique experiences. Custom outdoor spaces are now a core part of many hotel development strategies, helping properties stand out in a crowded market.

They’re also far more cost-effective than traditional hotel extensions and quicker to install. At Armadilla, we use off-site construction, meaning setup on-site is fast, causes minimal disruption, and allows hotels to start generating revenue sooner.

2. Luxury is the new standard

Rustic glamping is giving way to refined design, with guests wanting heating, en-suite bathrooms, premium finishes and year-round comfort. They’re looking for nature-based stays with added luxury.

Our Armadilla spaces deliver boutique-hotel quality in an outdoor setting, allowing hoteliers to attract higher-spend guests while maximising underused land.

3. Wellbeing drives bookings

Wellness tourism continues to rise, with many people now prioritising mental health, rest and digital detox – and outdoor accommodation supports this shift.

Outdoor units provide a calm, private environment where guests can disconnect from daily pressures while remaining close to hotel amenities – such as spa, dining and leisure facilities. The units are built to align with the natural curves of the landscape, creating a natural accommodation that seamlessly integrates into the outdoors – adding to the feeling of relaxation and being at one with nature.

These types of accommodation can also help attract new demographics and audience groups, including wellness-focused travellers, couples and nature-seeking guests.

4. Sustainability matters more than ever

Eco-conscious travel is now mainstream, and hotels are under pressure to demonstrate responsible development and reduced environmental impact.

Low-impact builds, durable materials such as Accoya timber, energy-efficient designs, and our off-site construction with fast installation make our custom outdoor spaces an attractive, environmentally responsible option for hotels looking to enhance sustainability credentials without compromising on quality.

5. Custom outdoor spaces: privacy without isolation

Today’s guests want seclusion – but not necessarily isolation. Custom outdoor spaces offer independent accommodation while keeping guests connected to the hotel experience.

This hybrid model allows hoteliers to increase room inventory without expanding main buildings or disrupting operations.

Custom outdoor spaces: the opportunity for hoteliers

Outdoor accommodation can unlock:

• New revenue streams
• Increased off-peak bookings
• Strong social media appeal
• Greater site utilisation.

For hotels looking to future-proof their offering, premium outdoor units are no longer experimental – they’re a strategic business decision.