Introduction
Agritourism, the practice of combining agriculture with tourism, has become one of the most exciting and rapidly growing sectors in the travel industry.
As more travelers seek unique, immersive experiences that allow them to connect with nature and local cultures, farm hotels and resorts have risen to meet this demand.
Whether it's staying in a luxury tent amidst scenic farmland, learning about sustainable farming practices, or indulging in farm-to-table dining, agritourism provides an enriching way to experience the countryside.
In today’s competitive agritourism market, staying on top of emerging trends is key to attracting new guests and enhancing the overall guest experience.
From eco-friendly initiatives to unique culinary offerings, these trends not only help farm hotels and resorts differentiate themselves but also provide long-term opportunities for growth and sustainability.
This article explores the hottest trends in farm hotels and resorts, offering insights into what’s shaping the agritourism industry right now.
1. The Rise of Glamping (Glamorous Camping)
In recent years, one of the most significant trends in agritourism has been the rise of glamping, or glamorous camping.
This trend blends the rustic appeal of camping with the luxury and comfort of a hotel, offering travelers the best of both worlds. Glamping accommodations are increasingly found on farms and rural properties, giving guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature without sacrificing comfort.
What Is Glamping?
Glamping is a form of camping that provides the outdoor experience but with a focus on luxury. It combines traditional camping activities like stargazing, campfires, and hiking with amenities typically found in a high-end hotel, such as comfortable beds, gourmet meals, private bathrooms, and stylish furnishings.
Glamping accommodations can vary from luxury tents and yurts to treehouses, cabins, and safari-style lodges.
Luxury Amenities in Nature
The allure of glamping lies in its ability to offer a unique, immersive experience without the hardships of traditional camping. On farm stays and rural resorts, guests can enjoy beautifully designed accommodations that allow them to connect with nature but still enjoy the comfort of soft linens, air conditioning, and sometimes even private hot tubs.
These accommodations often come with large windows to provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making guests feel as if they are truly part of the environment while still having access to modern conveniences.
Appealing to Non-Traditional Campers
For many travelers, glamping offers a perfect balance between adventure and comfort. While some enjoy the idea of camping, they may not want to deal with the discomforts of setting up a tent, sleeping on the ground, or cooking over an open fire.
Glamping removes those barriers, making it an attractive option for a broader audience, including families, couples, and even corporate groups looking for unique retreat experiences.
Examples of Glamping on Farms and Rural Resorts
Farm hotels and resorts around the world have embraced the glamping trend to cater to the growing demand for luxurious, nature-based experiences.
For example, in New Zealand, some farms offer luxury tents with plush bedding, wood-burning stoves, and private verandas, all set against the backdrop of stunning farm landscapes.
In the United States, some farm stays have transformed their barns into upscale glamping accommodations with spacious yurts and safari tents equipped with everything from king-sized beds to gourmet kitchens.
These types of accommodations not only draw in guests looking for comfort but also help farm stays stand out in the competitive agritourism market.
2. Farm-to-Table Dining and Culinary Experiences
In today’s food-conscious society, the demand for locally sourced, organic food has never been higher, making farm-to-table dining a trend that has become central to the agritourism experience.
For farm hotels and resorts, offering high-quality, farm-fresh meals prepared using ingredients grown or raised on the property is not just an attractive feature—it’s a competitive necessity.
What’s Driving the Farm-to-Table Trend?
Travelers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability, health, and authenticity in their travel experiences, and food plays a significant role in this shift.
With the rise of organic and local food movements, guests expect to enjoy meals that reflect the seasons and highlight the produce grown on the property they’re visiting.
Agritourism allows farm stays to meet this demand by offering food experiences that celebrate local, fresh ingredients while promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
On-Site Restaurants and Cooking Classes
Many farm hotels have embraced the farm-to-table movement by incorporating on-site restaurants that serve meals made with freshly harvested ingredients. These restaurants often focus on creating seasonal menus that feature vegetables, fruits, dairy, meats, and grains sourced directly from the farm.
This direct connection to the land provides guests with an authentic dining experience, one that reflects the area’s agricultural traditions.
Additionally, many farm stays are taking the dining experience a step further by offering cooking classes and culinary workshops. Guests can participate in hands-on activities like harvesting vegetables, learning how to make cheese, or preparing traditional farm meals under the guidance of experienced chefs.
These activities not only engage guests in the farm-to-table process but also help them connect more deeply with the land and the food they consume.
Guest Involvement in the Process
Farm-to-table dining goes beyond just serving local food—it invites guests to be a part of the food production process. Many farm stays allow guests to participate in activities such as fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, or animal husbandry.
This hands-on approach makes the farm stay experience more interactive and educational while deepening the connection between guests and their food. Some farm resorts even offer culinary tours, where guests can visit nearby farms, learn about local farming practices, and sample a variety of regional dishes.
Celebrity Chefs and Special Events
Another way farm stays are elevating their farm-to-table offerings is by hosting special events that bring in celebrity chefs or local culinary experts. T
hese events offer exclusive dining experiences, where guests can enjoy multi-course meals prepared by renowned chefs using locally sourced ingredients.
Special events like seasonal food festivals, wine and cheese pairings, and farm harvest dinners provide an opportunity for farm hotels to showcase their culinary offerings while attracting food enthusiasts looking for unique dining experiences.
3. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Practices
As travelers become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, eco-friendly and sustainable practices are no longer optional for farm hotels and resorts—they're a necessity.
Not only do these practices resonate with eco-conscious travelers, but they also help farm stays reduce operational costs and contribute positively to the environment.
Here’s how sustainable initiatives are shaping the future of agritourism:
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability is one of the key factors driving the agritourism boom. Travelers today are looking for destinations that align with their values, especially when it comes to reducing carbon footprints and supporting environmentally responsible businesses.
Consumers are more informed than ever about issues like climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, and they’re increasingly choosing travel experiences that prioritize sustainability. This has created an opportunity for farm stays to attract a loyal customer base of eco-conscious guests.
Green Certifications and Labels
Obtaining green certifications such as Green Key or LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) can elevate a farm stay’s appeal. These certifications showcase your commitment to environmentally responsible practices and build credibility with guests who want to support businesses that are genuinely trying to reduce their environmental impact.
Farm stays can achieve this certification by implementing eco-friendly practices like waste reduction, energy conservation, and the use of green building materials. Additionally, certifications often give you an edge in competitive markets and can boost your visibility among sustainability-minded travelers.
Sustainable Building Practices
Sustainability begins with the infrastructure. Using sustainable building materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, or locally sourced stone not only reduces your environmental footprint but also adds character to your farm stay accommodations.
Energy-efficient designs, such as passive solar heating or natural insulation, can minimize heating and cooling costs. Incorporating rainwater harvesting systems to water plants and crops can also cut down on water usage, a critical resource for farm stays.
Energy and Water Conservation
Farm stays are increasingly adopting renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind turbines, and bioenergy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
These renewable energy systems can significantly lower your electricity costs over time while helping you contribute to cleaner energy practices.
Similarly, water conservation techniques like low-flow faucets, greywater systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping help reduce water consumption, which is particularly important for agricultural businesses.
Many farm resorts now focus on educating guests about water conservation efforts and demonstrate how these practices benefit both the environment and the bottom line.
Waste Reduction
Another crucial area where farm stays can implement sustainability practices is waste management. Many resorts are adopting composting programs to recycle organic waste into valuable fertilizers for their crops.
Recycling programs, zero-waste policies, and eco-friendly packaging for guest amenities are also part of these efforts. Not only do these practices reduce landfill waste, but they also improve the overall sustainability of your operations, making it a selling point for guests.
Examples of Successful Sustainability Practices
The Farm at the Crossroads in California has been recognized for its eco-friendly farming practices and use of solar power. The resort uses organic farming methods, including rotational grazing and regenerative agriculture, to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
The Green Hotel in Ireland offers farm-to-table meals, eco-friendly toiletries, and a large-scale waste composting system, making sustainability part of the guest experience.
4. Wellness and Mindfulness Retreats
As wellness tourism grows, farm stays are increasingly transforming into serene wellness retreats, offering an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of modern life and reconnect with nature.
These resorts are tapping into the rising demand for mindfulness and holistic health, integrating activities that nurture both the body and mind.
Focus on Mental and Physical Health
Wellness tourism is on the rise as more travelers seek experiences that promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Farm stays are well-positioned to cater to this trend, offering guests a chance to relax, recharge, and find inner peace in a natural setting.
By offering wellness services, farm hotels can differentiate themselves from traditional accommodations and attract a health-conscious clientele.
Farm Stays as Wellness Centers
Farm stays are incorporating wellness activities such as meditation, mindful hiking, and spa treatments. Surrounded by the tranquility of nature, guests can participate in daily yoga sessions, meditation workshops, or therapeutic massage services.
Many resorts even offer personalized wellness plans tailored to guests’ needs, including detox programs, fitness routines, or homeopathy treatments.
Additionally, integrating the concept of farm-to-wellness is growing in popularity. Farm stays can provide healthy, organic meals and promote healthy living through sustainable farming practices.
Many of these farms grow their own herbs, vegetables, and fruits, and guests can enjoy meals prepared with ingredients straight from the farm. The health benefits of eating fresh, organic food are often highlighted as part of the overall wellness experience.
Mindful Eating
The concept of mindful eating is gaining traction in farm stays, where guests learn to appreciate the food they consume by being aware of its source, preparation, and nutritional value.
Cooking classes focused on healthy, whole-food diets and nutrition workshops centered around plant-based or low-impact eating have become common. These classes help guests understand how to incorporate healthy habits into their own lives and enhance the wellness aspect of their stay.
Specialized Retreats
Farm stays often host specialized wellness retreats for guests interested in specific themes such as detox, meditation, or stress management.
These retreats can range from weekend getaways to week-long immersive experiences, with activities like farm therapy, natural healing practices, and breathwork.
They can also include programs like weight management, body detoxification, or even “silent retreats,” where guests spend their time in solitude for deep reflection and rejuvenation.
Appealing to Corporate Clients
Many companies are now turning to wellness retreats as a way to improve team productivity, mental health, and overall employee well-being. Farm stays can attract corporate clients by offering team-building activities, corporate wellness workshops, and stress-relief programs.
Farm stays in peaceful rural areas provide an ideal setting for employees to disconnect from work, engage in wellness activities, and return to the office feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
5. Animal Interactions and Educational Farm Activities
A major draw for many guests is the opportunity to interact with animals and learn about farm life. From children to adults, many people enjoy spending time with farm animals, and it can become a central part of the farm stay experience.
Educational and interactive activities are a great way to engage guests, offer value-added experiences, and teach them about sustainable farming practices.
The Appeal of Animal Encounters
For many guests, the chance to interact with animals is a key part of the farm stay experience. Guests can enjoy feeding farm animals, petting zoos, or even participating in guided animal tours where they learn about animal husbandry practices.
Activities such as horseback riding, milking cows, and egg collecting are also popular, providing a fun and educational experience for children and adults alike.
Agritourism Education
Farm stays are not just about relaxation—they also offer hands-on agricultural education. Guests can participate in farming activities like planting crops, harvesting vegetables, and learning about sustainable farming practices.
Offering guests the chance to get involved in real farm work is an appealing way to attract people who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of where their food comes from.
Farm Workshops and Classes
Farm stays are also offering educational workshops and classes where guests can learn about various aspects of farm life. These might include beekeeping, cheese-making, or organic gardening.
Visitors get to see first-hand how these activities are done and may even be able to participate in the process. These workshops can be tailored to various skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and provide guests with new skills and knowledge to take home.
Kids and Family-Focused Activities
Family-friendly farm stays are especially popular. For children, the chance to get up close to animals, participate in nature-based games, or engage in arts and crafts activities inspired by farm life can make the trip memorable.
Farm stays often offer special children’s programs that include farm-related activities like planting seeds, making butter, or cooking with farm-fresh ingredients.
Examples
The Farm School in Vermont offers educational programs where families can help with farm chores and learn about sustainable farming.
Animal Haven Farm in California hosts family weekends where guests can interact with a variety of animals and participate in agricultural workshops.
6. Tech Integration in Rural Settings
Modern Technology Meets Nature
While agritourism is rooted in tradition and the natural world, modern technology is playing an increasingly important role in enhancing both the guest experience and farm operations.
Farm hotels and resorts are finding innovative ways to blend technology with their rural environments, providing guests with conveniences they’ve come to expect, while also streamlining their agricultural processes for greater efficiency.
Smart Farms
Technology is transforming farming practices, helping farmers manage everything from crops to livestock with increased precision. Smart farming tools, like IoT sensors, GPS tracking, and automated irrigation systems, allow farm stays to optimize resources like water and energy, improving sustainability.
These tools also help monitor the health of plants and animals, ensuring high-quality experiences for guests. For example, some farm resorts use technology to track soil moisture, ensuring that crops are watered efficiently and guests can enjoy pristine gardens and landscapes during their stay.
Guest Connectivity
While staying on a farm may be about disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of city life, many guests still expect modern comforts, such as Wi-Fi and mobile phone connectivity.
Offering high-speed internet in accommodations and common areas is essential for attracting digital nomads and remote workers, who often look for peaceful places to work while staying connected.
Additionally, having a guest portal or mobile app that provides information on activities, dining options, and room service can enhance the convenience and enjoyment of the stay.
Virtual Farm Tours
Farm stays are also using virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to give guests a glimpse into farm life before they even arrive. Virtual farm tours are a great way to showcase the day-to-day operations of the farm, such as milking cows, harvesting vegetables, or participating in a cooking class.
These immersive experiences can be offered as part of a guest’s booking process or as an added attraction during their stay. They allow potential guests to explore the farm’s offerings virtually, making them more likely to commit to a visit.
Sustainability Through Technology
Tech-driven sustainability is a key focus for many modern farm stays. Solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting are just a few examples of how technology is helping reduce energy consumption and water waste.
Many farm resorts are also using tech-based systems for waste management and recycling, ensuring that their operations have minimal environmental impact.
By advertising these efforts and showcasing their green tech initiatives, farm stays can attract environmentally-conscious travelers who value sustainability.
7. Luxury Farm Stays and Upscale Accommodations
Elevated Farm Stay Experiences
In recent years, farm stays have evolved from rustic retreats to high-end experiences that combine the charm of the countryside with the luxury of modern living.
The demand for luxury accommodations in rural settings has skyrocketed as more affluent travelers seek unique, immersive experiences that are both relaxing and authentic.
Premium Amenities
Guests are now expecting more than just a comfortable bed and fresh air when they book a farm stay. High-end farm stays offer a wide array of luxury amenities, such as private villas with stunning views, spacious suites with plush furnishings, and upscale bathrooms equipped with soaking tubs and rainfall showers.
Some even offer personal chefs, private pools, and exclusive in-room experiences like wine tastings or private yoga classes. Farm resorts have become an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature without compromising on luxury.
Private Farm Escapes
For guests seeking an even more exclusive experience, many luxury farm stays offer private, secluded accommodations. These could be luxurious cabins, cottages, or even entire estates with access to the farm’s activities and resources.
These private escapes provide an intimate environment, making them perfect for couples, families, or corporate retreats who want to experience farm life in complete privacy. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, nature walks, and other activities without the interruption of other guests.
Tapping into High-End Tourism
The shift towards luxury farm stays is also appealing to a new wave of high-end tourists. Wealthy travelers are increasingly seeking meaningful, immersive experiences that connect them to the land, local culture, and sustainable practices.
For example, some high-end resorts offer bespoke wine-tasting tours, where guests can sample wines from the farm’s vineyard, or even harvest their own ingredients for a gourmet meal.
Additionally, farm stays in upscale rural areas are attracting tourists looking to escape the city, unwind in a serene environment, and enjoy the freshest food available, right from the farm.
Examples
Many luxury farm resorts around the world are setting the bar high in terms of accommodations and guest experiences.
Some prominent examples include farm resorts like Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley, California, which blends gourmet dining, wine country tours, and luxurious rooms in a stunning vineyard setting, or Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma, California, which offers guests a five-star farm-to-table experience combined with top-tier service and amenities.
8. Experiential Travel and Customization
The Shift Toward Experience Over Material GoodsToday’s travelers are prioritizing unique, memorable experiences over traditional, materialistic forms of luxury.
As a result, farm stays are becoming a prime destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature and rural life, all while crafting a bespoke, personalized experience that reflects their individual interests and desires.
Customizable Stays
One of the most significant trends in the farm stay industry is the shift toward offering fully customizable itineraries. Guests no longer want a cookie-cutter experience—they want their farm stay to be uniquely tailored to their preferences.
Whether it’s a private cooking class with a local chef, a personal farm tour where they can participate in activities like milking cows or picking produce, or a curated wellness retreat with yoga and hiking, personalized options are now a major draw for agritourism visitors.
Farm resorts can offer flexibility in their booking packages, allowing guests to design their own itineraries based on activities, interests, and schedules. This level of personalization enhances guest satisfaction, increases the chances of repeat business, and helps to build long-term relationships with customers.
Building Personal Connections
At the heart of the farm stay experience is the opportunity to connect with the land, the animals, and the people who run the farm. Offering guests the chance to build relationships with farm workers and local artisans can add an unforgettable, authentic dimension to their stay.
For example, guests might enjoy working alongside the farm staff to help with a harvest or learning about sustainable farming practices directly from the farmers themselves. This personal connection adds meaning to the experience and helps guests feel like part of the farm community.
Local Partnerships
Farm stays are also partnering with local businesses, artisans, and wineries to offer more exclusive experiences. Guests may be able to enjoy guided tours of local vineyards, visit nearby craft breweries, or take part in local art workshops.
These collaborations not only support the local economy but also provide guests with deeper insights into the regional culture and lifestyle, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Examples
For example, farm resorts like The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines offer personalized wellness retreats with tailored detox programs and organic, farm-fresh meals.
Another example is The Ranch Malibu in California, which offers customized health programs that incorporate fitness, spa treatments, and farm-to-table meals for an all-inclusive wellness experience.
9. Digital Nomads and Remote Work Opportunities
With the rise of remote work, farm stays are increasingly becoming attractive destinations for digital nomads.
As more people embrace the flexibility of working from anywhere, agritourism businesses have an opportunity to tap into this growing market by offering accommodations and work-friendly amenities.
Farm Stays as Workcation Destinations
Many remote workers are seeking a balance between work and leisure, and farm stays provide the perfect environment. Offering peaceful surroundings, clean air, and wide-open spaces, farm resorts create an ideal setting for digital nomads to focus on their work while also enjoying a break from city life.
By providing high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and quiet areas, you can make your farm stay the ultimate "workcation" destination.
Work-Friendly Amenities
To cater to remote workers, it's essential to ensure that your farm stay offers the right amenities:
High-Speed Internet: Offering reliable, fast Wi-Fi is a must for digital nomads who need to stay connected to work.
Comfortable Workspaces: Provide areas where guests can work comfortably, whether it’s a desk in a room, a cozy corner in a communal space, or even an outdoor space with a view.
Private Rooms and Meeting Spaces: Some remote workers prefer privacy or need a quiet spot for virtual meetings. Offering private rooms or meeting areas can make your farm stay more attractive to this demographic.
Balance of Work and Leisure
While digital nomads come for the work-friendly environment, they also seek to unwind and enjoy the surroundings after their workday. A farm stay offers various opportunities for leisure, such as:
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, fishing, and farm tours can provide a refreshing break from work.
Relaxing Environments: Quiet evenings with a sunset view or stargazing can be the perfect way to recharge after a day of work.
Flexible Stays for Remote Workers
Farm stays can offer remote workers flexible, long-term booking options. With many remote workers opting for extended stays, offering discounts for weekly or monthly bookings can be a great way to attract this audience. Longer stays can also provide more consistent revenue and ensure guests have a home base while they explore rural areas.
Examples
Many farm stays around the world are already catering to the remote work trend:
Farm Stay Retreats in Europe: Many farms in countries like France and Italy have set up workspaces with beautiful views for digital nomads. Some offer long-term stays at discounted rates, allowing guests to live and work in scenic, quiet locations.
Rural Locations in the US: In the United States, some farms are transforming into ideal destinations for remote workers by offering spacious accommodations and easy access to local activities.
Farm stays have the unique ability to blend work and relaxation, attracting a segment of travelers who are eager to work from a peaceful, natural environment.
By catering to digital nomads, farm resorts can boost occupancy rates, diversify their clientele, and expand their revenue opportunities.
10. Community Involvement and Local Collaboration
Farm resorts thrive when they integrate themselves into the local community and collaborate with nearby businesses. This not only strengthens the resort’s offerings but also contributes to the local economy.
Community involvement can be a key differentiator, enhancing the farm stay experience while helping build lasting relationships with both guests and local partners.
Engaging with the Local Community
Farm stays can become hubs for local culture and traditions, hosting events, promoting regional artisans, and showcasing the agricultural heritage of the area. Guests appreciate experiencing authentic local life, and working closely with nearby communities can help you create a unique and immersive experience.
Hosting farm-to-table dinners, where local chefs prepare meals with ingredients sourced from neighboring farms, is a great way to strengthen ties with the community and provide guests with an authentic experience.
Supporting Local Economies
By sourcing products and services locally, farm resorts can directly support the surrounding economy. Partnering with local farmers for fresh produce, nearby artisans for crafts and products, and local tour operators for guided excursions can offer guests a richer experience while benefiting small businesses in the area.
Additionally, promoting these local connections can become a selling point for potential guests who want to support the community during their travels.
Host Local Events
Farm stays can offer more than just accommodation—they can be community event venues. Hosting local farmers' markets, craft fairs, and cultural festivals can attract guests to the area, provide entertainment, and highlight the region’s uniqueness.
These events give visitors a chance to engage with the local culture, try regional foods, and buy locally made goods, further deepening their connection to the destination.
Building Partnerships
Strategic partnerships with local businesses, such as wineries, distilleries, or nature tour operators, can help farm stays offer a more diverse experience.
Collaborating with local shops for excursions, wine tastings, or workshops adds value to the guest experience and benefits both the farm and the local business. Packaging farm stays with these offerings can also serve as a draw for travelers looking for a comprehensive rural getaway.
Examples
Farm Stay Festivals: A farm stay in the United States that works closely with local food artisans and winemakers to host seasonal festivals where guests can enjoy farm-to-table meals, wine tastings, and live entertainment.
Collaborating with Local Creators: A farm resort in Spain might feature locally made ceramics and artwork in its rooms, offering guests the chance to buy unique souvenirs while supporting local artists.
By fostering strong ties with the local community, farm resorts can create a rich, diverse environment for guests and further enrich their agritourism experience.
Conclusion: Top Trends in Farm Hotels and Resorts: What’s Hot in Agritourism Right Now
The trends shaping the future of farm hotels and resorts are centered around the evolving desires of travelers seeking unique, sustainable, and enriching experiences.
From the rise of glamping to the growing importance of sustainability, the farm stay industry is continually adapting to meet the needs of today’s conscious and experience-driven consumers.
As agritourism continues to grow, embracing these trends can help farm stays stand out in a competitive market. By integrating luxury amenities with rustic charm, offering farm-to-table experiences, and providing wellness retreats, farm stays can offer guests more than just a place to sleep—they can create unforgettable, immersive experiences.
Additionally, remote work opportunities and community involvement can foster deeper connections with guests and the surrounding area, ensuring long-term success.
Farm hotels and resorts that stay ahead of these trends, focusing on sustainability, guest customization, and local collaboration, will continue to lead the way in the agritourism market.
Whether it’s by offering remote workers the perfect balance of work and leisure or creating luxurious accommodations in a rural setting, the future of farm stays is bright, innovative, and full of exciting possibilities.
Embracing these top trends and staying adaptable to future changes will ensure that your farm hotel or resort remains relevant, profitable, and beloved by guests for years to come.
The time to innovate and elevate your farm stay experience is now—transform your farm into a sought-after destination that celebrates nature, luxury, and the best of rural life.