Reset. Recharge. Repeat.

When we were kids, we were terrified of climbing up into our neighbours’ makeshift treehouses to watch the stars – or, god forbid, have a slumber party. Now, throw a king mattress and an espresso machine in there, and we’ll shell out several hundred dollars for the night. 

Of course, glamping is nothing new. We’ve been watching the rise of wellness retreats, nature-focused vacations and remote hotels for quite a while now. But it feels like something has shifted lately (perhaps particularly because of the pandemic) that has made low-key, nature-filled getaways the frontrunner, and city trips the underdog. Glamping options, like sleeping in a yurt, safari tent, or small cabin used to be predominantly a budget strategy booked through some seedy website – you had to sacrifice on amenities, but got to save on cost. Now, these are some of the most exclusive and expensive options out there. 

Just take a peek at the epic floating bungalows in Key Largo, or Unyoked’s network of private cabins in the Aussie outback, Samsu’s digital detox cabins, Finnlough’s gorgeous futuristic pods in the Irish countryside, or Autocamp’s roster of “scenic sleepers for city slickers” across the USA (to name just a few). Some of the buzziest hospitality experiences for couples getaways, corporate retreats, weddings and more are in the great outdoors.

We’ve been working on the interiors, branding and strategy for an exciting new retreat called Birch Cabins on the coast of Northern Ireland, just a short drive from Belfast. Surrounded by 200 acres of countryside on the shores of Strangford Lough, guests can enjoy complete tranquil isolation in a private birch-clad cabin with modern design and minimal amenities. 

The design seamlessly blends natural materials and craftsmanship, featuring brick flooring, soft woven upholstery, and Japanese charred timber cladding for depth. Warm renders and polished brass accents add elegance, while handwoven Irish textiles bring local character, creating a retreat where nature and design come together perfectly.

The motivation for the movement outdoors seems clear – we all need an excuse to unplug from the every day. Modern life is moving faster than ever, and without a dramatic change in scenery every once in a while, burnout seems to be lurking around every corner. These remote, unplugged hospitality experiences help us face, and embrace, a fundamental truth: it’s human nature to be in nature. Away from the screens and concrete jungles of urban life, time immersed outdoors helps us unwind, de-stress, and check in. These brands make getting outdoors easy, so we can reap its benefits more often. 

The world’s best nature getaways, including Birch Cabins, teach us a valuable lesson about what actually matters when designing a hospitality brand – and that often, less is indeed more. A simplistic, minimalistic approach to design, lodging, food & beverage, and programming can be much harder to pull off than a maximalist approach. When the whole experience takes place in a 10×10 cabin in the woods, there’s nothing to hide behind. 

We firmly believe that nature-forward hospitality is here to stay, and we’re excited to continue building experiences that bring hospitality back to basics – whether it’s off in the woods or just on the edge of town.