How to Find Land for a Micro-Resort? (Part 2)
Last week, we explored your unique edge, logistics, and what you’re optimizing for when searching for land to build your unique stay project. If you missed it, you can read Part 1 here.
Let's dive in...
In my head, I split all hospitality properties into two main categories:
Those that solve real problems...
and
Those that don’t — they primarily create memorable experiences.
Understanding this simple distinction helps you better position your unique stay, decide where your project fits, and identify the type of land you should be looking for.
Hospitality Sectors: Where Problems Meet Experiences
Let’s explore some common hospitality sectors, and how they solve problems and/or deliver experiences.
1. Wellness Hospitality
Solves Problems: Healing, physical recovery, stress relief, mental balance.
Creates Experiences: Meditation retreats, spa ambiances, nature immersion.
2. Farm & Agri-Hospitality
Solves Problems: Sustainable food sourcing, agricultural education.
Creates Experiences: Farm activities, workshops, farm-to-table dining.
3. Culinary Hospitality
Solves Problems: Cooking skills, nutrition guidance.
Creates Experiences: Food festivals, gourmet tastings, chef’s tables.
4. Remote Work & Business Hospitality
Solves Problems: Productivity, distraction-free workspaces, internet access.
Creates Experiences: Networking events.
5. Cultural & Heritage Hospitality
Solves Problems: Cultural preservation, education.
Creates Experiences: Immersive tours.
6. Family & Child Enrichment Hospitality
Solves Problems: Quality family time.
Creates Experiences: Adventure trails, family activities.
7. Accessibility & Specialized Hospitality
Solves Problems: Mobility, sensory, or special needs accommodations.
Creates Experiences: Tailored wellness programs.
8. Environmental & Eco-Hospitality
Solves Problems: Environmental impact reduction, sustainability education.
Creates Experiences: Conservation volunteering, wildlife observation.
The Best Unique Stays Blend Both
The most memorable unique stays solve problems and create unforgettable experiences.
Examples:
Wellness retreats offering therapy and cultural events.
Farm stays combining education with hands-on fun.
Remote work resorts blending productivity spaces with social activities.
Understanding Your Market: Demographic Analysis for Finding Land
When you ask, “Where do I find land to build unique stays?” the answer isn’t just about the physical parcel — it’s about the people who will come, stay, and experience your hospitality.
Knowing your target guest demographics is critical. It informs not only whereyou buy but what you build, how you brand, and how you market.
Why Demographic Data Matters for Land Selection
Match your unique edge with demand — Are your ideal guests families, wellness seekers, remote workers, or adventure travelers?
Understand guest preferences — What local communities or attractions draw your audience?
Forecast future trends — Is the population growing? Are new businesses or infrastructure projects underway?
Mitigate risk — Avoid land in areas declining in visitor interest or not-diverse demographic profile.
Where to Find Reliable Demographic Data
Census Data
The U.S. Census Bureau provides free, detailed population stats, income levels, age groups, housing data, and more at national, state, county, and neighborhood levels.Website: https://www.census.gov/
Use tool like data.census.gov to explore specifics.
Local Government & Planning Departments
City and county websites often publish reports on population growth, economic development, zoning maps, and community plans that indicate future growth areas.Tourism Boards & Convention Bureaus
Regional tourism organizations provide visitor demographics, seasonality data, and traveler profiles that reveal who comes and why.Example: Visit Texas Tourism for state-level insights.
Short-Term Rental Market Data Platforms
Tools like AirDNA or Mashvisor analyze Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rental data. They offer insights on occupancy rates, average daily rates, booking lead times, and guest origin demographics.AirDNA: airdna.co
Mashvisor: mashvisor.com
Tips for Effective Demographic Research
Go beyond headlines: Many online articles summarize data but omit sources or explain methodology poorly. Always dig into original datasets or official reports.
Cross-check multiple sources: Combine census data with rental market platforms and local reports to build a full picture.
Look for trends, not just snapshots: Analyze population growth over 5–10 years, emerging industries, and infrastructure investments that signal future demand.
Consider seasonal vs. year-round visitors: Some locations have strong seasonal tourism that may impact your operational strategy.
Understand the visitor’s journey: Who visits your target region? Families? Solo travelers? Remote workers? How do they find accommodations?
How This Informs Your Land Search
Once you have demographic insights, you can:
Narrow geographic search areas to places matching your ideal guest profile.
Identify communities with demand gaps where your unique stay can stand out.
Avoid over-saturated markets that may lower your returns or increase competition.
Customize your hospitality offering to local preferences — from amenities to activities.
🚨 Most Important:
My motto when I work with any type of data is trust but verify. You can't just blindly trust articles, you need to check sources and methodology of the sources and think critically. It’s a dangerous place to be if you don’t conduct full due diligence on your sources.
Zoning & Land Use: A Crucial Factor
When evaluating land, we can generally split zoning into two broad types:
Highly regulated zones
Pros: Higher barriers to entry for competitors, potentially less local competition.
Cons: Lengthy permitting processes, more complex compliance, typically less landlord-friendly.
Low regulated zones
Pros: Faster build times, more flexibility for renovations or new construction, quicker brand establishment.
Cons: Easier for competitors to enter the market, sometimes fewer protections for owners.
Even in low-regulation areas, utilities, septic, water, and environmental restrictions often still apply — so these factors require careful investigation.
What’s Next?
Next week, in Part 3, we’ll continue our exploration on how to find land.
That's all for today. Hope this helps!
P.S. I’m just touching the surface here — this is only the tip of the iceberg.
P.P.S. found one awesome quote for you:
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
-Carl Jung
