This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Wunderland Resort, an eco-conscious, adventure-based retreat in Old Fort, NC, founded by Shawn and partners who share a deep passion for the outdoors. Inspired by a background in sustainable design and a desire to challenge the status quo in hospitality, Wunderland blends thoughtful design, curated outdoor experiences, and wellness offerings with a core focus on Connection – helping guests build meaningful relationships with each other, themselves, and nature. Since joining the Outdoor Business Alliance, Wunderland has expanded its local partnerships and launched its first accommodations, including glamping pods, camping sites, and community spaces. Shawn shares insights from the journey of building a nature-based business, emphasizing the value of careful planning, strong professional guidance, and embracing the learning curve of sustainable hospitality.
1. What inspired you to create Wunderland Resort, and how did the vision for an eco-conscious, adventure-based retreat come to life?
The inspiration for the concept of Wunderland Resort came from Shawn’s background in design & building, sustainability and experience design. In his corporate energy career he found there was an immense lack of sustainability within the hospitality industry and was inspired to create a project that would showcase what is possible in the realm. The adventure-based theme comes from the partners’ collective love for the outdoors and recreation.
2. Wunderland offers a unique blend of sustainable design, curated outdoor experiences, and wellness offerings—what do you believe truly sets your resort apart in the outdoor hospitality space?
While the sustainable design, curated outdoor experiences, and wellness offerings are a major part of the overall brand and fall into the Experience & Sustain pillars of our business;, our third and most dearly held pillar is Connection. We do this by creating intentional spaces, activities and what we call Inner Journeys, to help give our guests a truly immersive experience that lends to new connections with other guests and staff, deeper connections with their co-travelers, and most importantly reconnect individuals with nature and their true inner being.
3. How has being part of the Outdoor Business Alliance—or collaborating with partners like Hunter Banks Fly Fishing—supported or shaped your growth and impact?
The Outdoor Business Alliance has significantly improved the local awareness of our business, and through it we have met at least a dozen partners or future partners in less than one year of membership. We’re still working on this partnership piece of our business but have had good talks with many OBA members, and will be continuing to unfold these offerings as we ramp down construction and pivot into operations. OBA has already been the most impactful professional group that I’ve been part of, and this is just the beginning.
4. What’s one recent milestone, project, or moment at Wunderland that you’re especially proud of?
We officially opened our bath house and first unit, along with vehicle and tent camping for public bookings in mid-July. We have brought one more glamping pod online since, and will be releasing 2 more accommodations in September. Alongside of this our pond, sauna and community gathering areas are 80% done. We’re most proud that all of this including work including roads and underground utilities was completed within 11 months of receiving permits, which will close out phase one of the project.
5. Based on your experience building a nature-based business, what advice would you offer to someone just starting out in the outdoor or sustainable hospitality industry?
If I were to do this all again, I would get more bids and hard proposals on the design, engineering and major subcontractors involved in this project. We had nothing but good experiences with the folks we worked with (some amazing professionals), it was just a steep learning curve on most of the front end development. And I would hire a resort development consultant to help guide the project.
