Applied to:
This award celebrates the most innovative and creative concepts in the hospitality industry. It recognizes a group or a brand that has demonstrated the ability to think outside the box and introduce a new concept or a new version of an existing concept that sets a new standard for the industry. To be eligible, the concept must have been implemented within the last two years and is operational. It should provide a new approach and vision of guest experience, with a focus on design, public spaces, and overall service quality. The concept should have the potential to revolutionize the hospitality industry and offer a better quality of service for guests.
The project:
Whaka Lodge, Lifestyle Nature Camp, launched in 2021, is an innovative hospitality concept emphasizing customer emotions over traditional comfort and architecture. It offers a 360° experience based on four hospitality pillars: sleep, eat, work, and play, and is designed to evolve over time with low environmental impact and modular accommodations.
Key highlights include:
Three storytelling inspirations are:
Marketing at Whaka Lodge centers on creating "wow" effects through unique accommodations like cabins, lodges, tipis, and domes, some with private Jacuzzis. Guests enjoy diverse cuisines and a range of activities, from eco-workshops to wellness sessions.
Performance indicators show strong results with 120 press mentions in three years, 80% direct bookings, and high customer satisfaction (4.6/5 in 2023). Economically, the lodge boasts a 50% lower room investment cost than hotels, with ADR at €174, REVPAR at €54, and EBITDA at 37%.
Whaka Lodge is a pioneering concept in the hospitality market, transforming campsites into top-tier eco-boutique resorts focused on emotional experiences.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
