In this opinion piece, our guest expert discuses new trends reshaping hospitality and how designers can take a more proactive approach to hospitality projects.
Every year, new trends reshape the hospitality landscape, with travelers eager to explore the world in more meaningful ways. As preferences evolve, developers, owners, and operators must stay ahead of the curve, designing experiences that align with these changing wants, needs, and values. This calls for a proactive approach to hospitality design—ensuring that travelers are immersed in environments that foster connection and seamlessly blend holistic experiences with modern comforts. By embracing these shifts, the industry has the opportunity to create destinations that not only inspire loyalty but also elevate the very essence of guest satisfaction.
As Principal and CEO of EDSA, an award-winning planning, landscape architecture, and urban design firm, we leverage our global reach and hospitality expertise to help industry leaders strategically envision, plan, and develop hotels and resorts that place guests’ needs at the forefront. As we conduct research, stay ahead of trends, and plan for the future, we have identified key insights that resonated with us as we move confidently into and through 2025.
1. Wellness Takes Center Stage
According to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), wellness real estate has been the fastest-growing market which is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 8.6%, potentially reaching $8.5 trillion by 2027. This rapid change reflects a fundamental shift in both developer priorities and traveler expectations. Health and wellness are no longer just buzzwords in real estate—they have become integral components of the modern travel experience.
A prime example of this trend is at Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico, master-planned by EDSA. The resort seamlessly integrates wellness into travel, creating a sense of authenticity and care. Guests can stay in ultra-luxury tents with private plunge pools and stargazing decks, all within a design that emphasizes sustainability. Using locally sourced materials and solar power, Naviva also collaborates with local conservation groups to support ecosystem restoration projects, helping protect the region’s unique endangered species and plant life—an important component to today’s conscious traveler who is increasingly prioritizing their well-being while on vacation, and also being increasingly cognizant of the impact of their travels—both mentally, physically, and environmentally


As such, beyond physical health, mental wellness is gaining prominence, with travelers drawn to properties that foster meaningful connections with the local community. Mindful retreats, biophilic design and wellness personalization are no longer optional extras, they are central to creating environments where guests can rejuvenate and find balance amidst the demands of modern life.
2. True Luxury
Luxury has evolved from a desirable bonus to an essential expectation with travelers seeking more than just lavish accommodations. Today’s ‘luxury’ is defined by holistic, enriching experiences that foster meaningful connections – to each other and the natural world.
As people continue to reprioritize travel choices, there is a growing desire to slow down, unwind, and reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. This shift is embodied in the rise of ‘JOMO’ (Joy of Missing Out) travel, where the focus has moved from packed itineraries and adrenaline-fueled adventures towards restorative getaways. Travelers are now drawn to serene mountain retreats, tranquil waterfront escapes, and quiet immersions, where relaxation and rejuvenation take center stage.
This shift calls for a reimagined approach to design. Thoughtful land planning and landscape architecture are crucial in creating multifunctional outdoor spaces that reflect the new definition of luxury while enhancing the guest experience. A recently completed project by EDSA—the renovation of the Beach Club at The Boca Raton—perfectly exemplifies this trend. For years, The Boca Raton has stood as a symbol of elegance, and its recent transformation elevates that legacy. The luxury hotel has just reopened, showcasing a redesigned property that seamlessly integrates a half-mile stretch of private golden beach. The updates include 210 fully renovated guest rooms and suites, many with expansive outdoor terraces, as well as new restaurants, a refreshed arrival experience, an updated lobby with a stylish cocktail lounge and café, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and oceanfront event spaces.
Spaces such as serene walking paths, immersive gardens, and inviting communal areas not only enhance relaxation but encourage social interaction and physical activity. The integration of these elements fosters a deep sense of connection—both with the environment and with others, transitioning luxury into newly refined experiences that elevate daily life.




3. Blending Technology with the Human Touch
As AI and technology continue to shape the hospitality industry, one thing remains clear: travelers still value authentic human connections. While technology plays a central role in enhancing convenience, the true essence of travel lies in creating meaningful, personalized experiences. So, while many are addressing labor shortages, streamlining operations, and optimizing efficiencies with mobile apps, AI, and automation, these innovations should realign to focus on what matters—freeing up staff to provide exceptional, human-centered service.
Striking the right balance between cutting-edge technology and genuine human interaction is an industry standard and is key to ensuring that guests feel both cared for and connected. Tools like check-in kiosks and virtual concierges certainly make things easier, but they cannot replace the warmth of a personal greeting, the thoughtful gesture of a staff member, or a uniquely tailored experience. These are the moments that make guests feel truly valued and are essential to crafting memorable stays.
Beyond service, hospitality design plays a crucial role in bridging this divide. Hotels that incorporate smart technologies such as voice-controlled room features, personalized lighting, or seamless in-room experiences can offer guests an elevated level of convenience. Yet, it’s the design of physical spaces – inviting lobbies, cozy lounges, intimate dining areas, and welcoming outdoor spaces that foster a deeper connection. By blending technological innovations with intentional, human-centered design, hospitality can move beyond just meeting functional needs to creating memorable, emotionally resonant experiences.
As we look to the ever-evolving next few years, the hospitality industry is poised for a redefinition of how we travel, connect, and experience the world. These trends underscore a powerful truth: the future of travel lies in creating meaningful, enriching experiences that resonate on a personal level. For developers, owners, and operators, this is both a challenge and an opportunity – a chance to not only meet the needs of today’s travelers but to exceed them by shaping spaces that inspire and rejuvenate.
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About the Expert: Scott LaMont is the CEO and Principal of EDSA, a globally recognized firm specializing in planning, landscape architecture, and urban design for over 60 years; bio here.