Latest news with #outdoorexperiences
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Trailborn Offers Meaningful Experiences In Iconic Outdoor Destinations
Trailborn hotels are well suited for the adventurous traveler. Kort Havens for Trailborn While many people travel for rest and relaxation, more and more Americans are actively engaging in adventure travel. Activities like hiking, fishing, camping, backpacking, water sports and sailing are among the top choices for adventurous travelers. However, adventure travel isn't just about thrills. Often, travelers are seeking personal growth along with the ability to step outside their comfort zones. The Rockies are a majestic sight to behold for travelers. getty In order to meet the demands of today's discerning, adventurous travelers who are looking for meaningful outdoor experiences without sacrificing elevated design or a sense of place, Ben Weinberg and Mike Weiss – two Goldman Sachs alums – launched Castle Peak in 2021. An investment and operating platform with a singular focus on hotels and resorts in iconic outdoor destinations across North America, Castle Peak's Trailborn hotels are located at the base of the Rockies, the Blue Ridge Mountains, seaside on the North Carolina coast, cliffside in Northern California and at the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Castle Peak is a next-generation investment firm focused on creating and scaling niche real estate platforms. Trailborn is the first embodiment of Castle Peak's playbook and the singular focus of the firm today. Trailborn brings a new level of hospitality to magnificent outdoor destinations where it doesn't currently exist, with elevated hotels designed to help travelers rediscover the beauty of America. Each property offers a guided experience, led by passionate local experts who curate recommendations, excursions and essential amenities for an unforgettable, active stay. The thesis is that modern travelers want experiences over destinations, comfort over formality and connection to place, especially in nature-rich locations. The North Carolina coast offers an array of activities. Christian Harder for Trailborn As a founding anchor brand of Marriott's new outdoor-focused portfolio, Trailborn brings a sustainability-minded approach to growth, focusing on adaptive reuse to reimagine existing properties in iconic destinations where ground-up development is often neither viable nor environmentally responsible. 'In just over a year, we've introduced five new Trailborn properties and will open three more within the next year, which speaks to the strength of demand and the resonance of our brand,' says Weiss. 'Marriott saw that momentum, and a chance to partner with a fast-growing company that's redefining the outdoor hospitality space, meeting Bonvoy members' demand for lifestyle hotels in untapped markets.' Weiss adds, 'Trailborn's proven model, design-driven approach, and distinct guest experience enrich Marriott's offerings with dynamic new hotels. This agreement allows us to stay true to our independent spirit while gaining access to Marriott Bonvoy's powerful global platform, creating new value for both sides, as well as for travelers seeking something different.' Trailborn hotels have opened in locations across the country. Christian Harder for Trailborn. Weinberg describes Castle Peak as 'a hospitality brand reimagining outdoor travel.' Castle Peak's 'one at a time' approach focuses on identifying a market opportunity, developing an investment strategy and building differentiated platforms one at a time, with a sharp, singular focus on generating alpha. Castle Peak Holdings , the investment firm behind the Trailborn hospitality brands, recently announced the successful close of its second vehicle with total committed capital of $315 million raised over a four month period. The firm's recent acquisition of Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, marks the first investment of this new vehicle and expands Castle Peak's portfolio of hotels and resorts in iconic outdoor destinations across the United States. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a must see experience. getty "Closing this vehicle is a testament to the durability of our model and the belief that exceptional outcomes come from doing the hard work ourselves, strategically, creatively and operationally," explains Weinberg. "We're a team of deep sector specialists, and we believe our relentless, singular focus positions us for success in this type of environment. We're energized by the level of excitement Trailborn has continued to receive from both investors and guests alike. This new infusion of capital will allow us to continue to scale Trailborn's approach to experiencing the great outdoors and deliver customers what they've been searching for." MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Domestic Airfares Increased Less Than Inflation, According To Study By Roger Sands Forbes Explore Celestial Wonders Of The Night Sky At These Locations By Roger Sands
Hospitality Net
12-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Mike DeFrino has been appointed President at Gravity Haus
Gravity Haus, the Colorado-based hospitality management and social club, announced today the appointment of Mike DeFrino, former CEO of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, as President. This addition of a key executive to the leadership team prepares the company for its next stage of growth. DeFrino is a highly respected leader in the hospitality industry with over 40 years of experience. Most recently, DeFrino held the position of Managing Director of IHG Luxury and Lifestyle Hotels, Americas. Prior to that, he spent 28 years at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, serving as CEO until Kimpton's acquisition by IHG in 2022. DeFrino is passionate about operational excellence, creating exceptional guest experiences, and fostering a strong connection between guests and the outdoors. In this leadership role, he will propel the company into its next phase of growth and expansion, bringing his broad expertise in boutique hospitality to the company. Gravity Haus is a leader in the outdoor experiential hospitality industry and will open its ninth hotel in Big Sky, Montana, early this summer. Gravity Haus also recently announced its expanded Denver ClubHaus that offers its Denver-metro members a variety of boutique amenities including fitness and yoga classes, contrast therapy, co-working and community events in addition to the on-property discounts and benefits to enable their members active and outdoor lifestyle. For more information about Gravity Haus and its membership program, please visit or follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
