Outdoor Hospitality Leader’s Strategic Partnership, and New Chief Commercial Officer Appointment, Signal Global Expansion With Enhanced Distribution and Travel Advisor Alliances
NEW YORK, NY. (Nov. 29, 2023) – Today, Under Canvas, the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) – a prestigious collection of over 540 independently spirited luxury hotels across the globe – announced a partnership between the two brands. The inclusion of nine Under Canvas properties, as well as the first ULUM resort, represents the first outdoor resort brand for the boutique, luxury hotel group. SLH offers discerning guests an unparalleled selection of individually curated hotels in over 90 countries characterized by their unique charm, exceptional service, and anti-chain, anti-same philosophy.
As part of Under Canvas’ global distribution strategy and commitment to travel agent business, Under Canvas has also announced the appointment of Libbie Rice to the executive team in a new role, as Chief Commercial Officer. Rice is responsible for revenue generation, distribution, and sales for the Under Canvas organization. Prior to Under Canvas, Rice was the Co-President of Ensemble Travel for 10 years. In addition, she has also held key roles in the areas of customer relationship management and revenue management at Starwood Hotels, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
“I’m honored and excited to have joined a team of hospitality professionals, dedicated to developing a brand and product that so intrinsically ties with my passion for travel and all things outdoors”, said Rice. “As the preeminent outdoor hospitality brand in the US, the addition of Under Canvas and ULUM properties to Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s portfolio feels like a natural fit, further solidifying Under Under Canvas’ esteemed reputation as the leaders in the glamping category. This partnership expands our network, offering refined travelers access to iconic outdoor destinations.”
Kenan Simmons, Senior Vice President – Americas, Small Luxury Hotels of the World, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Under Canvas and ULUM outdoor resorts to our expanding portfolio. As our independently minded guests continue to seek nature-immersive experiences infused with luxury, these glamping options effortlessly exceed expectations. With their stunning locations near iconic US national parks and boasting exceptional amenities, these additions demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing characterful and sustainable luxury accommodations that prioritize environmental responsibility.”
Under Canvas’ upscale, safari-inspired canvas tents are furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens, USB charging packs, bedside lanterns, wood-burning stoves, private decks and an ensuite bathrooms (hot shower, sink and flushing toilet). Unique lodging tent accommodations feature the Stargazer Tent, complete with its own viewing window above the king bed to stargaze at night. Complimentary resort programming includes acoustic live music, daily yoga and more. Off-site adventures including horseback riding, canyoneering, guided national park hiking tours, luxury river float trips and more. On-site Guest Experience Coordinators are also on-hand to recommend favorite local hikes and must-see attractions both on and off property. Signature main lobby tents are adorned with contemporary indoor and outdoor furnishings from West Elm, and design features with nods to the region’s storied history. Embers, the brand’s signature dining experience, serves as a communal hub for cafe-style dining and lounging at each location. The menu features fresh and healthy dishes including salads, charcuterie, fresh trout, grains, vegan and vegetarian dishes, and bespoke cocktails and refreshments.
The company’s new ULUM brand takes comfort in nature to a whole other level. Tucked into a secluded, crescent-shaped desert setting—just steps from Looking Glass Arch and surrounded by a majestic wall of sandstone rock—ULUM® Moab offers sophisticated comforts, expansive views, and world-class exploration. This exceptional, all-suite luxury outdoor resort offers a full-service restaurant, dipping pools, rain showers, Aesop amenities and wellness-oriented programming including sound-bowl healing and starbathing.
A cornerstone of the Under Canvas experience and development ethos is the brand’s Mindful Approach. This includes pull-chain showers, low-flow toilets and rechargeable battery pack charging in tents, that all work to minimize energy use and carbon footprint. Under Canvas and ULUM resorts are designed to minimize disturbance and maximize open space, each with dedicated, undisturbed green spaces. The properties are designed to flow with the natural topography of the land to eliminate unnecessary earthwork. The brand’s commitment also includes efforts to minimize overall environmental footprint in the areas of waste management, water use, and special lighting to mitigate light pollution, maximizing the enjoyment of the night’s sky. Under Canvas Lake Powell – Grand Staircase recently earned the title of the world’s first Dark Sky certified resort.
ABOUT UNDER CANVAS
The leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, Under Canvas is the ultimate outdoor destination experience. Its safari-style accommodations perfectly embrace their natural surroundings while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover their outdoor self in comfort and style. Under Canvas currently operates 11 locations: North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley, West Yellowstone and Glacier in Mont.; Moab, Zion, Lake Powell-Grand Staircase and Bryce Canyon in Utah; Mount Rushmore in S.D.; Great Smoky Mountains in Tenn.; Grand Canyon in Ariz.; and Acadia in Maine. To grant further access to the nation’s most coveted national parks, Under Canvas expanded their footprint in the luxury outdoor hospitality space with the launch of ULUM, a bespoke resort brand that debuted its first location in Moab, Utah in spring of 2023. For more information, please visit www.undercanvas.com and www.ulumresorts.com.
About Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH) is the most desirable community of independently minded travellers and independently spirited hotels in the world. We turned the luxury boutique hotel into a phenomenon and selected the distinctive, the diverse and the downright delightful. People, places and experiences with individual character, intimate charm and inherent class. We’ve personally visited, vetted, and verified over 540 hotels in more than 90 countries. We are envisioning a future where people experience the world with intention, experience its intensity and protect its integrity. Be part of the community – join us at INVITED, visit us at www.slh.com, contact travel agent or call the Small Luxury Hotels of the World VIP Desk. Click here to view a full contact listing by country.