Mini resorts: fewer cottages, more experience

The future of vacation parks is no longer about bigger, busier or fuller. More and more recreation providers are choosing a different course. Not expanding in numbers, but deepening in experience. No rows of identical cottages, but places full of character in the middle of nature. No mass, but genuine attention.

Welcome to the world of mini resorts.

Time demands something new

Peace, space, nature and real attention are becoming more and more important to guests. People are looking for places where they feel welcome, where they can relax and where everything is just right. This is reflected in the growth of tiny houses, stylish nature stays and small-scale retreats. Guests do not want a standard stay, but something unique that suits them.

The other side of large scale

Large parks have advantages such as scale, familiarity and many amenities. But they also bring challenges, such as higher maintenance costs, less flexibility and a less personal atmosphere. Added to this is the question: does each additional cottage still add real value? Or is the charme that attracts guests actually disappearing?

Today's guest seeks meaning

Smallness as a distinctive strength

Whether it's a few luxury lodges with private spa, a group of waterfront architectural cabins or an intimate park in the middle of the forest, small-scale concepts have the future. They provide peace of mind in operations, yield more on average per night and stand out in a crowded market.

More efficiency, less pressure

Fewer cottages means less cleaning, less maintenance and less staff pressure. At the same time, clear positioning ensures higher occupancy rates and satisfied guests. Ask yourself: which is more valuable? Ten 250 euro per night stays with low operational pressure, or 50 90 euro cottages with a full team?

A real-life example

A small-scale park deliberately chose just 12 high-end lodges scattered in a natural setting. By focusing on quality, hospitality and a strong brand story, the park achieves 80 to 90 percent occupancy, without discount. Guests return every year and enthusiastically tell others about it.

Repositioning begins with daring to make choices

Not every park needs to get smaller. But every park would do well to consider who they want to be and for whom. The market is changing. Right now is the time to choose quality, character and future-proofing.

Think about these questions:

1. Who is your ideal guest and what are they looking for?
2. What experience do you want to offer, and how does it connect to your location?
3. What does a smaller scale get you in cost, occupancy and experience?

Big on hospitality

The future of recreation may not lie in numbers, but in meaning. In stays that guests remember. In places that bring peace, beauty and comfort together. Want to explore what small scale can mean for your park? Get inspired by the trends and dare to innovate.