Glamping Goes Mainstream: Hotel Giants Follow Blue Water’s Lead

Glamping: The Future of Hospitality is Here

As leading hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott venture into the glamping and outdoor accommodations arena, it's evident that the hospitality industry is transforming. This evolution aligns with what Blue Water has long recognized: travelers crave immersive outdoor experiences without compromising comfort.

Pioneering Outdoor Hospitality

Blue Water has been at the forefront of outdoor hospitality, owning and operating over 60 campgrounds, RV resorts, and outdoor destinations across the U.S. Recognizing early on the demand from non-RV travelers, Blue Water introduced "glamping" options well before the term became mainstream.

"With today’s traveler craving both adventure and ease, we saw the shift coming early and built our business around it," said Todd Burbage, CEO of Blue Water Development. "We didn’t just embrace outdoor hospitality — we innovated it and perfected what makes it special."

Chincoteague bay RV resort
Chincoteague Bay RV resort

Elevated Camping Experiences

From the outset, Blue Water designed its properties to rival traditional resorts while preserving the essence of camping. Guests can:

  • Spend the day outdoors and the night in modern accommodations with all the comforts of home.
  • Prepare meals in full kitchens inside luxury glamping tents and waterfront cottages.
  • Relax around private fire pits under the stars.
  • Enjoy pet-friendly accommodations, ensuring the whole family, including furry members, feels welcome.

"We took the rough edges off camping without losing its essence," Burbage added. "Guests can hear the crickets, watch the stars, and still sleep in a real bed. That’s not something you can replicate overnight — it takes years of listening to guests and evolving thoughtfully."

Setting the Standard in Glamping

A recent Thrillist article highlighted the trend of hotel chains investing in glamping and outdoor accommodations, a space Blue Water has been refining for over two decades. Their properties, such as Luray RV Resort on the Shenandoah River, Endless Caverns RV Resort, Sugarloaf Key RV Resort & Cottages, and Chincoteague Bay RV Resort & Cottages, exemplify the blend of scenic settings with modern hospitality. These destinations offer a range of accommodations, from riverside RVs and glamping tents to cottage clusters designed for multi-generational travel.

glamping at sugarloaf keys
Sugar Loaf Keys RV Resort

Embracing the Future of Travel

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, the integration of nature and comfort becomes paramount. Blue Water's longstanding commitment to enhancing outdoor experiences positions them as leaders in this transformative era of travel.

For more insights on the evolving landscape of outdoor hospitality, explore the original article by Rafael "Rafo" Correa on LinkedIn.

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