Your hospitality superpower

Let’s raise the curtain—and a glass—on the latest in hospitality. We’re talking craft spirits distilled onsite and one-of-a-kind local experiences. We're also spotlighting the kind of bathtubs that are basically spa-level sanctuaries (yes, we have favorites). But don’t get too cozy—there’s a back-end beast we need to tame: data fragmentation. If your systems are siloed, you’re missing out on major efficiency and guest loyalty. So pour a drink, grab your rubber ducky and let’s hit the sweet spot where guest delight meets operational genius.

The power of conscious travel. In celebration of Earth Day, Kind Traveler’s going big, welcoming 20 new hotels and 16 heart-powered charities to its global crew. Travel has never looked (or felt) this good.

She speaks how many languages? This voice and text AI agent is trained on luxury guest relationship standards, fluent in every language and is ‘on’ 24/7. 

Value, not just visits. Beyond points and perks, hotel loyalty programs are proving to be robust financial drivers. CBRE's latest analysis shows that they're boosting revenue and increasing property desirability.

Craft spirits, crafted experiences. You can’t get more locally sourced than right onsite, which is where Park City's The Lodge at Blue Sky, Auberge Resorts Collection sources its High West whiskey. Hotel guests have easy access to tours of the distillery, tastings and special whiskey-pairing dinners, all of which can elevate the guest experience—even at 7,000 feet.

Tub goals. Booking your trip based on bathtubs alone? We won’t judge. Here are a few hotels where bathtubs are elevated to artwork and the ultimate soak is yours for the taking, complete with thermal water on tap and gold swan faucets.

‘We help hotels become a beacon for outdoor adventure’

Ali Murphy is the visionary founder of Outdoorable, a company dedicated to nurturing a love for nature that partners with boutique and independently owned hotels to offer trip planning as a branded pre-arrival amenity for outdoor-focused guests. Driven by the transformative power of outdoor experiences and a background in environmental advocacy, she and her team curate exceptional adventures, making nature accessible and inviting for everyone—from seasoned explorers to curious newcomers. -Jennifer Glatt

How does Outdoorable help hotel operators tap into the growing demand for outdoor-focused travel experiences?

Outdoorable is a planning concierge for outdoor-focused travelers. Guests can book a 1:1 video call with a park ranger, guide or local expert before they arrive—someone who knows the trails, conditions, logistics and secret spots. After the call, the guest receives a beautiful, shareable TripGuide tailored to their goals and ability level. It includes maps, local links, safety tips and expert insight—and it’s fully branded to your hotel. Hotels can offer Outdoorable as a white-labeled service, build it into a package or VIP perk or simply refer guests who are looking for better guidance before they go.

What opportunities do independent hotels have to tell more authentic, place-based stories?

Independent hotels are often the gateway to the outdoors, but the story usually starts too late. The guest arrives, checks in and then starts asking about trails, gear and where to go. But by that point, the window for smart planning has often closed. The best experiences—especially in nature—require local knowledge in advance: when to hike, what to pack, how to beat the crowds, what’s safe for kids and what’s overhyped on Instagram.

Outdoorable lets hotels start that storytelling earlier. When you offer a guest a planning call with a former ranger or guide before they arrive, you’re not just giving them a helpful extra—you’re making their entire stay more intentional and impactful. You’re saying: we know this place, and we want you to experience it fully. We also spotlight the people who care for these wild places—rangers, guides, outdoor educators—and put their voices front and center. That means your hotel isn’t just providing great service on-site; you’re connected to a deeper, place-based network that gives guests a richer sense of where they are.

Where does Outdoorable fit into the bigger picture of sustainable travel and hospitality?

We believe good planning is a sustainability strategy. When travelers know where to go, how to prepare and how to be respectful, they make better choices—for trails, communities and ecosystems. Outdoorable reduces strain on local infrastructure, helps spread visitation beyond the same iconic spots and brings attention (and income) to the people who care for wild places. We support the guides, rangers and outdoor educators who hold deep knowledge of these places—giving them a platform to share it. We also help hotels become a beacon for outdoor adventure, offering guests the trip-planning guidance they crave and building a stronger bridge between hospitality and the land that draws people there in the first place.

A hotel that walks the eco-talk

Forget just reducing emissions—this Monteverde hotel is actively healing the planet. Costa Rica’s Hotel Belmar has an inspiring story of regenerative farming, zero waste and a deep commitment that earned them the prestigious Carbono Neutro Plus certification.

Why it matters: In a crowded market, strong sustainability credentials can be a significant differentiator. Hotel Belmar's certification and wholehearted dedication to regenerative practices set it apart and attract environmentally conscious travelers, a growing and valuable segment. Their model also offers a successful example of integrating values of sustainability and community well-being into every touchpoint, every day. (MNI Media–Marketing Network International)

Above: The Sunrise room in the penthouse of the chalet at Hotel Belmar. (Courtesy Hotel Belmar)

No vacancy for worry

Boutique hotels aren't just unique stays, they're unique risks. Standard policies often fail to cover their high-value assets, historic buildings and bespoke guest services adequately—not to mention the necessity for robust cybersecurity for guest data—but there are ways to get the customized coverage these gems deserve.

Why it matters: Specialized insurance not only protects against potential losses but also minimizes business disruption. By proactively addressing specific exposures, boutique hotel owners can gain a strategic advantage and concentrate on delivering their signature hospitality. (Independent Agent Magazine)

Interrogate your data

The boutique hotel sector thrives on individuality, but fragmentation threatens its success. From outdated software to disconnected departments, "hospitality professionals need to understand their entire data warehouse," says Kevin Duncan, vice president of product management at global hospitality cloud-based technology company Cendyn.

Why it matters: By strategically implementing AI across analytics, demand forecasting and reporting that highlights key trends and patterns, hotels can break down data silos and achieve a truly consolidated view of their operations and customer behavior. This deeper understanding empowers them to identify the right customers, optimize marketing spend for quality bookings and spur significant revenue growth. (Hotel News Resource)

Your superpower revealed—no cape required

Beyond amenities and location, what truly makes a hotel shine? It's your 'hospitality superpower'—and you can learn how to cultivate it within your team. "Whether you’re running a restaurant, managing a hotel, opening your first concept or leading a team through change, your superpower is your lens,” says hospitality strategist Jennifer Quist, founder of Wishwell. "It guides your decisions, your leadership style and your ability to create real impact."

Why it matters: Emotional intelligence is critical to success. According to Harvard Business Review, teams led by high-EQ leaders perform 31% better and retain talent 40% longer. Your hospitality superpower isn’t just another skill to learn; it’s the foundation everything else stands on, Quist asserts. When you lead with it, you don’t just create great hospitality—you create hospitality that couldn’t exist without you. (Standing Reservation)

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