In the latest episode of The Unique Hospitality podcast, host Nick Purslow and co-host Connor Schwab sat down with Blake Smith from Walden Retreats and Bygnal Dutson from Open Sky for an engaging round-table discussion on the role of nature in shaping the glamping experience. Blake and Bygnal, both successful glamping entrepreneurs, shared their stories of how they’ve integrated the outdoors into every aspect of their operations, creating unforgettable, immersive getaways. From innovative design choices to balancing luxury with natural immersion, this episode offers valuable insights for glamping operators looking to enhance their guests’ connection with nature.
Nature as the Heart of the Experience
Blake, founder of Walden Retreats, believes that “nature is the experience.” Everything about his glamping site is designed to immerse guests in the natural world—from the choice of soft-sided tents that let guests feel the elements to keeping vehicles away from the accommodations for a more peaceful, undisturbed environment. Visitors at Walden Retreats can expect to hear the wind, feel the temperature changes, and take quiet walks through untouched landscapes. As Blake puts it, “We’re not just selling tents; we’re offering an experience that brings people closer to nature.”
Walden Retreats
Bygnal, founder of Open Sky, shares a similar perspective. His glamping site, just outside Zion National Park, offers guests the chance to experience the “glamping golden hour,” when the stars come out over the canyon’s striking scenery. For Bygnal, being connected to nature also means taking care of it. His site balances luxury with land stewardship, ensuring that nature is respected while still providing high-end accommodations.
Open Sky Zion
Open Sky Zion is located 16 miles from Zion National Park
The Balance of Comfort and Nature’s Challenges
Operating in natural environments does come with its challenges, especially in extreme climates. Blake’s site in Texas Hill Country and Bygnal’s location near Zion both face scorching summer heat, but they’ve each developed creative ways to keep guests comfortable while staying true to the spirit of glamping. At Walden Retreats, the tents aren’t as insulated as traditional buildings, encouraging guests to embrace the day’s natural rhythms. Blake suggests exploring local wineries or heading into town during the hottest part of the day.
Open Sky, on the other hand, has invested in more insulated tents and air conditioning to help guests stay cool in the Zion heat. Both Blake and Bygnal also explore ways to help guests disconnect from technology and engage more with the outdoors, including fun ideas like encouraging visitors to lock their phones away upon arrival, promoting a true digital detox.
Growing a Glamping Business: Lessons Learned
Both Blake and Bygnal have learned valuable lessons as they’ve expanded their glamping operations. Blake chose to focus on developing event spaces rather than food and beverage services, which allowed Walden Retreats to host high-end events like weddings and corporate retreats, all while maintaining a strong connection to nature. Bygnal, in contrast, added an on-site restaurant at Open Sky, catering to guests who expect fine dining in a remote setting.
These experiences highlight the importance of thoughtful growth. Blake’s expansion into events required careful planning to manage resources and keep the guest experience top-notch, while Bygnal’s restaurant enhanced his site’s appeal by offering guests a luxury dining option near Zion National Park.
Future Growth and the Balance Between Nature and Luxury
As the conversation shifts to future plans, both entrepreneurs reflect on the ideal size for their properties. Blake envisions expanding Walden Retreats to 40 units, adding amenities like a pool and a small café to offer guests more reasons to stay on-site, especially during Texas’s hot summers. Bygnal, with his rugged terrain, sees 30 units as the perfect number for Open Sky, maintaining the seclusion and privacy that make his glamping experience special.
The episode wraps up with a discussion on balancing luxury and nature. While comfort is key, both Blake and Bygnal agree that the true allure of glamping lies in connecting with the natural world in ways that traditional accommodations simply can’t offer. Whether it’s the stunning landscapes of Zion or the peaceful Hill Country, their glamping sites provide more than just a getaway—they offer guests a chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and truly relax.
To hear more from Blake and Bygnal about their experiences and insights, tune in to the full episode of The Unique Hospitality podcast, where they share valuable advice for glamping entrepreneurs striving to find the perfect balance between nature and luxury.