In August 2025, we held our inaugural Masterclass on Outdoor Lodging at the Angsana Laguna Phuket in Phuket, Thailand. Conducted by a panel of subject matter experts, we covered a spectrum of topics, such as the benefits of glamping, how to address standards and guest expectations of an outdoor lodging product, importance of sustainability, challenges with remote glamping sites, financial considerations and a case study on the Cardamom Tented Camp. Videos of the Masterclasses are uploaded here for the benefit of members.
Robert Hecker, MD of Horwath HTL Pacific Asia opens the event by introducing the Asia Pacific Outdoor Lodging Association (APOLA), and the importance of the association in supporting the sustainable growth of the outdoor lodging sector in Asia Pacific.
Paul Dean, Principal of Dean & Associates welcomes the attendees to the inaugural APOLA Masterclass. He sets the stage to discuss the growth of the outdoor lodging industry globally and regionally, and introduces the different types of outdoor lodgings. View PowerPoint Presentation.
Drawing from his experience leading a major global luxury tent design and manufacturing company, Ueli Wick, CEO of Escape Nomade, shares his perspectives and trends among developers seeking sustainable lodging solutions. View PowerPoint Presentation.
John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at the Minor Group shares insights on the importance of developing basic standards across all aspects of operating and managing a high quality outdoor lodging property. View PowerPoint Presentation 1 and PowerPoint Presentation 2.
Michael Sagild, Co-Founder of Cloud Collective (CC), discusses CC’s approach to providing turnkey solutions for greenfield sites and existing property renovations to establish highest and best use for each site. View PowerPoint Presentation.
Tapping on his wealth of knowledge, Tom, International Business Development Manager at Eco Structures, highlights the construction and engineering considerations for different climatic zones and terrains. View PowerPoint Presentation.
John Roberts shares a case study on the Cardamom Tented Camp located in Cambodia, with insights on how the lodge operates and how its conservation efforts provide tangible results to sustain a conservation-friendly business. View PowerPoint Presentation.
Paul Dean, Principal of Dean & Associates shares some examples of financial performances of outdoor lodging products, the supporting factors which make outdoor lodging projects an interesting investment and how to get them financed. Paul then closes the Masterclass, with thanks from APOLA. View PowerPoint Presentation.
