In Aspen, Colorado, a once-private lodge has transformed into an ultra-exclusive hotel experience. The Aspen Street Lodge – the first boutique hotel to open in Aspen in over 25 years – features just nine guest rooms and a penthouse, blending a residential-style design with five-star amenities like a rooftop deck, private chef, and even an in-house adventure concierge. This evolution from luxury vacation rental to boutique hotel is no anomaly. Around the world, entrepreneurs who cut their teeth managing high-end vacation homes are now scaling new heights in hospitality by developing intimate hotels and branded residences. It’s a trend fueled by surging demand for experiential travel and lifestyle-driven stays, especially in elite destinations such as Aspen, Vail, and Park City.

Outdoor hospitality in Europe – once seen as rustic or seasonal – is experiencing a major transformation. Spurred by the pandemic, technological advances, and investor interest, this sector is evolving into one of the most dynamic and resilient parts of the tourism landscape. Travellers are now choosing nature-based experiences, combining comfort with open-air escapes.

On the opening day of the ALIS CALA conference, Horwath HTL convened industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of financing hospitality developments across the Caribbean and Latin America