Discover our Case Studies and how visionary entrepreneurs across Europe turned bold alternative accommodation ideas into thriving, sustainable tourism businesses.
From castles reborn as luxury retreats, to eco-pods powered by the sun, to farms diversified into glamping sanctuaries — these stories show what’s possible when creativity meets resilience.
Each case study is more than an example they highlight how unique ideas, strong partnerships, and sustainable practices can transform local spaces into successful and inspiring guest experiences. You’ll see how others spotted opportunities, found funding, overcame planning hurdles, built unforgettable guest experiences, and made their ventures viable for the long term.
Note: To help you navigate, every case study is linked to the EPIC STAYS learning modules. Whether you’re exploring how to finance your start-up (M7), design sustainably (M3), build a strong brand (M4), or deliver wow-factor guest experiences (M5), you’ll find real-world lessons that connect directly to your own journey.
Think of this as your inspiration library — dive in, explore different models, and ask yourself: what could I create in my place, with my resources, and my story?
Bunk Amsterdam transformed a 1921 church into a hybrid hotel–hostel that doubles as a cultural hub. With affordable pods, private rooms, and vibrant communal spaces, it attracts both budget-conscious and culture-driven travellers.
Opportunity (M2): Reimagined a disused church as a tourism anchor, maximising space through pods, studios, and events.
Strong Brand (M4): Positioning as a cultural hub with art, music, and podcasts embedded into its operations makes Bunk stand out in a crowded market.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests don’t just stay overnight—they participate in cultural life through workshops, exhibitions, and live events.
Viability (M8): Combining budget lodging with cultural programming diversifies revenue and keeps occupancy strong.
Cabiner offers a network of off-grid cabins scattered across Dutch nature reserves, accessible only by hiking. The minimalist design and slow-travel ethos invite guests to disconnect, reconnect with nature, and immerse in the landscape.
Market Alignment (M2): Designed for eco-tourists who value slow tourism and physical activity as part of the experience.
Sustainability (M3): Fully off-grid cabins run on solar power, rainwater systems, and composting toilets, leaving no permanent trace.
Guest Experience (M5): The journey—hiking to the cabin—is integrated into the experience, slowing guests down and deepening nature connection.
Viability (M8): Lightweight infrastructure reduces capital cost and makes scaling across reserves feasible.
Panorama Glass Lodge offers futuristic glass-roofed cabins designed to frame the Icelandic sky—aurora in winter, midnight sun in summer. Each lodge blends minimalist Viking-inspired design with privacy, hot tubs, and sustainability.
Sustainability (M3): Screw-pile construction minimises land disturbance while glass cabins maximise exposure to nature.
Strong Brand (M4): Clever scarcity marketing (limited booking windows) fuels demand and maintains 90%+ occupancy at premium rates.
Guest Experience (M5): Private hot tubs, panoramic sky views, and remote locations create “once-in-a-lifetime” stays.
Viability (M8): Premium eco-design + viral social media appeal support high nightly rates (€430–950) and profitability.
Castello di Reschio is a thousand-year-old castle estate transformed into an exclusive retreat by Count Benedikt Bolza. It combines historic architecture with artisanal craftsmanship, organic farming, and sustainable luxury design, creating an immersive experience.
Place-Based (M3): Sensitive restoration preserved historic integrity while embedding biodiversity and organic farming into the estate.
Strong Brand (M4): Positioned as a timeless, design-led destination, telling stories through every artisanal detail.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests enjoy immersive heritage stays with rolling hills, olive groves, and restored stables.
Viability (M8): Long-term private family investment allowed for gradual, high-quality transformation into a premium hospitality benchmark.
Bed & Tree revitalised Biccari’s forest with eco-sensitive treehouses and wooden cabins, offering immersive, low-impact stays. The project used GAL Meridaunia funding under the Puglia Rural Development Programme.
Funding (M7): Public–private collaboration enabled by rural development funds supported construction and start-up.
Sustainability (M3): Elevated lightweight builds preserve forest ecosystems while promoting biodiversity.
Guest Experience (M5): Educational programmes and outdoor hospitality make the forest part of the stay.
Viability (M8): Small-scale, flexible eco-units diversify local income streams while regenerating rural land.
A disused watermill was restored into a guesthouse by the A.RI.A. cooperative, bringing new life to Roseto Valfortore. Locally sourced food, storytelling, and traditional building methods embed the stay in the community.
Sustainability (M3): Adaptive reuse preserved cultural heritage while minimising new construction.
Strong Brand (M4): The Locanda’s identity is rooted in local food traditions and mill history.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests share meals and stories with locals, enhancing authenticity and human connection.
Launching Smart (M6): Right-sized scale avoids over-tourism, ensuring alignment with village rhythm and capacity.
Hubertus Mountain Refugio transformed the economy of Balderschwang by creating a sustainable alpine hotel. Over 70% of staff live within two kilometres, anchoring tourism in the community.
Sustainability (M3): Mountain architecture blends with natural landscapes, respecting ecology.
Strong Brand (M4): Promoted as a leader in “Change Maker Hotels,” targeting sustainability-conscious travellers.
Guest Experience (M5): Integrates hiking, skiing, and wellness with local cultural immersion.
Viability (M8): Local hiring and community-based operations secure long-term social and financial resilience.
Fairhaus, a former farm turned hotel, is one of the most climate-neutral accommodations in Germany. With VIABONO certification, solar and CHP systems, and natural wastewater wetlands, it operates with a positive CO₂ footprint.
Sustainability (M3): Climate-positive infrastructure (PV, CHP, wetlands) sets an eco benchmark.
Strong Brand (M4): VIABONO certification builds guest trust and attracts eco-conscious travellers.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests actively contribute to sustainability through tree planting and bee-friendly activities.
Viability (M8): Energy independence reduces costs and builds long-term operational resilience.
A 100-year-old farm transformed into a regenerative resort featuring gardens, eco-restoration, enogastronomy, and a famous Gin Library. It bans plastics, tracks energy use, and funds whale conservation.
Sustainability (M3): Biodiversity ponds, solar systems, and organic farming regenerate ecosystems.
Strong Brand (M4): Strong storytelling via the Gin Library and eco-values has gained global media attention.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests participate in tastings, workshops, and local culture immersion.
Viability (M8): Diversified experiences (gin sales, tours, sushi workshops) expand income streams beyond lodging.
Sonblanc is a 14-room farmhouse retreat blending self-sufficiency in food, water, and energy with wellness, yoga, and cultural workshops. It was restored using local stone, wood, and artisanal textiles.
Sustainability (M3): Works toward self-sufficiency in energy and food while maintaining luxury standards.
Building a Strong Brand (M4): Marketed as a journey of culture and reconnection through heritage and wellness.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests enjoy pottery workshops, yoga on the lawns, and farm-to-table meals.
Viability (M8): Combining wellness, workshops, and hospitality diversifies income and builds resilience.
A secluded off-grid treehouse overlooking a private lake, offering couples a romantic escape surrounded by deer and woodland. Guests arrive by jeep and enjoy a simple, eco-conscious stay.
Sustainability (M3): Minimal infrastructure, eco-sawdust toilets, and water from bowsers preserve the forest ecosystem.
Guest Experience (M5): Privacy, stargazing, and seclusion create an unforgettable retreat.
Viability (M8): Small-scale, low-cost design shows how tiny eco-projects can thrive with strong demand.
Wow Factor (M6): Sleeping among the treetops in total privacy.
A 16th-century farmhouse in the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana, offering rustic suites, ecological gardens, fusion dining, and holistic longevity programmes. Guests immerse in nature while enjoying world-class wellness.
Sustainability (M3): Local stone and wood architecture minimises impact in a protected landscape.
Strong Brand (M4): Unique blend of Japanese–Peruvian cuisine and TCM-inspired wellness builds international appeal.
Guest Experience (M5): Gardens, longevity programmes, and spa treatments immerse guests in sanctuary living.
Viability (M8): Positioning as a UNESCO-protected natural retreat commands premium rates.
A restored 16th-century farmhouse converted into a sustainable eco-hotel with vegetable gardens, rustic design, and traditional Mallorcan style. A balance of heritage and modern eco-luxury defines the stay.
Sustainability (M3): On-site organic farming and ecological design align with regenerative tourism.
Strong Brand (M4): Zafiro Palace family blended authentic rural charm with contemporary eco-design.
Guest Experience (M5): Spacious rustic suites with traditional features reflect Mallorcan heritage.
Viability (M8): Eco-luxury branding secures a strong position in the Balearic hospitality market.
A 100-acre woodland estate transformed into a luxury eco-retreat with 16 lodges, spa facilities, heritage walled gardens, and Fire & Ice wellbeing experiences.
Sustainability (M3): Oak woodlands and historic walls preserved alongside eco-lodge development.
Guest Experience (M5): Fire & Ice spa journey (sauna, plunge, hot tubs, seaweed baths) offers standout wellness.
Smart Start (M6): Phased planning approvals enabled growth from eco-lodges to spa, events, and wellness.
Viability (M8): Phased investment and expansion build resilience and long-term profitability.
A cooperative of 120 locals revived Calascio village, restoring buildings, creating tourism services, and reversing depopulation. Now over 30,000 visitors a year support the community economy.
Strong Brand (M4): Storytelling rooted in heritage and local pride underpins its appeal.
Guest Experience (M5): Visitors experience food, culture, and hospitality directly from residents.
Funding (M7): Pooled community investment and grants supported restoration and lodging creation.
Viability (M8): Multiple services (lodging, tours, restoration) diversify income and secure sustainability.
A family beef farm in Ardara diversified into glamping, creating riverside pods with LEADER funding. The project shows how farm tourism can grow local rural income.
Funding (M7): €97,744 LEADER grant enabled development and infrastructure.
Smart Start (M6): Farmers maximised unused land with glamping diversification.
Guest Experience (M5): Riverside pods provide peaceful rural immersion.
Viability (M8): Small-scale farm diversification offers a sustainable income model.
Futuristic, egg-shaped pods powered by solar and wind, used for eco-tourism, events, and even disaster relief. Crowdfunded and globally recognised for its off-grid innovation.
Sustainability (M3): Fully off-grid pods powered by renewable energy demonstrate green tech leadership.
Strong Brand (M4): Futuristic design attracted global media attention, creating instant visibility.
Funding (M7): Crowdfunding campaign built a loyal global supporter base.
Viability (M8): Mobile, flexible pods adapt to multiple sectors beyond tourism.
An eco-retreat in development featuring treehouses, yoga amphitheatre, gardens, and workshops. Funded through Kickstarter and Icelandic crowdfunding platforms.
Funding (M7): Crowdfunding mobilised local and global support for eco-tourism development.
Sustainability (M3): Design integrates gardens, workshops, and eco-sensitive construction.
Guest Experience (M5): Yoga, communal spaces, and immersive cultural activities enhance value.
Viability (M8): Strong values-driven identity ensures loyalty and long-term visitor demand.
A beef farmer in County Clare diversified by adding one glamping pod on unused farmland in 2021, gradually scaling as bookings grew. The story shows how small, low-risk beginnings can lead to a sustainable hospitality venture.
Smart Start (M6): Began with a single self-financed pod (€15–20k) to test demand before scaling.
Funding (M7): Explored supports from LEO, LEADER, and Fáilte Ireland for training and future growth.
Guest Experience (M5): Comfortable, resilient pods with modern amenities meet guest needs.
Viability (M8): Positive reviews and word-of-mouth drove high occupancy, enabling reinvestment into expansion.
A traditional family campsite evolved into a “landscape camping” concept with innovative off-grid huts. Supported by LEADER funding, it tested composting toilets, outdoor kitchens, and eco-shelters.
Funding (M7): LEADER South Holland grant enabled pilot development of sustainable huts.
Sustainability (M3): Composting toilets and off-grid shelters reduce footprint and protect the landscape.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests enjoy a more natural, back-to-basics camping style with comfort built in.
Viability (M8): Small pilot projects test market demand before larger investments.
A vineyard estate offering award-winning luxury treehouses and safari tents with hot tubs. Funded by a mix of ERDF support and private capital, it blends wine culture with high-end glamping.
Funding (M7): Received €192,500 from ERDF under EU cohesion policy, co-financed with owner capital.
Sustainability (M3): Natural ponds, vineyard setting, and eco-conscious design root the stay in the landscape.
Strong Brand (M4): Marketed as Europe’s first vineyard–glamping hybrid, gaining global recognition.
Viability (M8): Careful reinvestment and seasonal pricing strategies sustain premium occupancy.
Built on a former plant nursery, Garden Village Bled offers treehouses, pier tents, glamping tents, and apartments in a pioneering eco-luxury concept near Lake Bled.
Sustainability (M3): Features spring-fed swimming ponds, organic gardens, and greenhouse dining.
Funding (M7): Private investment combined with tourism board support under national green initiatives.
Strong Brand (M4): Recognised as an eco-luxury pioneer in Europe, attracting global eco-travellers.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests pick herbs at their dinner table, swim in natural ponds, and sleep among treetops.
Located on the heritage grounds of Emo Court estate, this luxury glamping site blends natural settings with eco-pods, including wheelchair-accessible units.
Funding (M7): Secured €300,000 under Fáilte Ireland’s Just Transition Fund for luxury eco-huts.
Sustainability (M3): Eco-conscious pods in heritage landscape showcase inclusivity and low-impact design.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests stay within historic grounds while enjoying modern comforts.
Viability (M8): Targeted national funding + heritage integration build resilience and niche appeal.
An 18-hectare organic farm near the sea offering eco-apartments, glamping, workshops, and private beach access. It protects rare ecosystems while connecting guests with agriculture.
Sustainability (M3): Protects rare SIC area biodiversity (water lilies, turtles, bird habitats).
Strong Brand (M4): Promoted as a serene eco-farm blending hospitality with authentic agri-food experiences.
Guest Experience (M5): Workshops, organic cuisine, and farm-to-table dining enrich the stay.
Viability (M8): Seasonal farm and tourism integration ensures high occupancy and strong reviews.
A themed eco-resort blending glamping with herbal wellness in the Upper Savinja Valley. Features luxury tents with private jacuzzis, herbal gardens, and a natural pool.
Sustainability (M3): Natural swimming pools and eco-friendly construction reduce impact.
Strong Brand (M4): Unique “herbal village” identity sets it apart in the glamping sector.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests enjoy herbal workshops, treatments, and garden-to-table dining.
Viability (M8): Focused branding + luxury positioning commands premium nightly rates.
Located within the historic Masseria Cuturi wine estate, Nordisk Village offers Scandinavian-style cotton tents with shared facilities, surrounded by vineyard walls and near pristine beaches.
Sustainability (M3): Powered by green energy, integrating glamping into the historic wine estate.
Strong Brand (M4): Scandinavian minimalism meets Italian vineyard tradition, creating unique positioning.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests enjoy wine tastings, cycling tours, and cultural activities.
Viability (M8): Low-impact tents with shared facilities keep costs manageable while offering premium experiences.
Châteaux dans les Arbres features high-end treehouses inspired by medieval castles, built from local timber in a wooded park. With private hot tubs and eco-conscious design, it combines fantasy architecture with sustainability.
Sustainability (M3): Built with local timber and eco-materials, minimising footprint in the forest.
Strong Brand (M4): Castle-themed treehouses offer a unique architectural identity tied to French heritage.
Funding (M7): Likely financed through private investment, bank loans, and rural tourism grants.
Viability (M8): Premium pricing for a luxury niche product sustains profitability.
Wow Factor: Sleeping in a castle among the trees.
Located in the Maashorst nature reserve, Holenberg features innovative ANNA cabins that slide open or closed, adapting to seasons and moods. Named one of Europe’s best eco-stays by The Guardian.
Sustainability (M3): Flexible cabin design adapts to weather with minimal environmental disruption.
Strong Brand (M4): International recognition (The Guardian) reinforces eco-luxury positioning.
Viability (M8): Premium eco-pricing attracts affluent travellers who stay longer and spend more.
Wow Factor: Living architecture that blends with the forest.
A family-run B&B in County Clare that became Ireland’s first to earn Gold Certification from Sustainable Travel Ireland by radically cutting energy use, waste, and costs.
Sustainability (M3): Energy use cut by 65%, waste to landfill reduced by 71%, and solar installed.
Strong Brand (M4): Certification boosted credibility, media attention, and eco-conscious bookings.
Guest Experience (M5): Guests enjoy knowing their stay contributes to lower emissions and sustainability.
Funding (M7): Grants supported solar, EV charger, and efficiency upgrades.
Viability (M8): Investments paid back in 4 years, saving €8,000 annually on energy and waste.
Midgard Basecamp transformed an abandoned cement factory into a vibrant hostel and adventure hub, anchoring tourism growth in South Iceland. Its rooftop sauna, in-house guides, and “locals-as-family” vibe have made it a social magnet for travellers.
Opportunity (M2): Repurposing industrial ruins into a tourism hub revitalised a declining rural town.
Guest Experience (M5): Adventure packages (hikes, jeep tours, ice caves) curated by locals immerse guests in Iceland beyond the tourist hotspots.
Strong Brand (M4): Midgard markets itself as a family, with live music, yoga, and community dining, strengthening its identity.
Viability (M8): Bundled “stay + play” packages simplify visitor planning, improve margins, and secure loyalty from solo travellers.
A 100-acre estate in County Leitrim developed into a luxury woodland hideaway with eco-lodges, trails, and wellness facilities. It is a standout example of navigating complex planning permissions for tourism use.
Sustainability (M3): Eco-lodges designed with energy efficiency and integrated trails preserve woodland character.
Smart Start (M6): Secured commercial tourism zoning and phased permissions for lodges, spa, and wellness facilities.
Funding (M7): Explored LEADER and local supports for infrastructure and heritage conservation.
Viability (M8): Expansion into spa, events, and hospitality strengthens long-term business sustainability.
Midgard Basecamp transformed an abandoned cement factory into a vibrant hostel and adventure hub, anchoring tourism growth in South Iceland. Its rooftop sauna, in-house guides, and “locals-as-family” vibe have made it a social magnet for travellers.
Opportunity (M2): Repurposing industrial ruins into a tourism hub revitalised a declining rural town.
Guest Experience (M5): Adventure packages (hikes, jeep tours, ice caves) curated by locals immerse guests in Iceland beyond the tourist hotspots.
Strong Brand (M4): Midgard markets itself as a family, with live music, yoga, and community dining, strengthening its identity.
Viability (M8): Bundled “stay + play” packages simplify visitor planning, improve margins, and secure loyalty from solo travellers.
