WHAT IT IS?
What it is: “Versa Forage & Found” is a unique hotel concept that embraces the art of foraging, using locally sourced wild ingredients to create versatile culinary experiences inspired by different global cuisines. This hotel provides guests with the chance to explore nature, gather their own ingredients, and then see those ingredients transformed into diverse dishes through a rotating menu that reflects a variety of cultural traditions. The experience is immersive, from foraging tours and cooking classes to globally-inspired dining with locally foraged ingredients.
WHY IT´S COOL?
- Versatility in Cuisine: Unlike typical farm-to-table dining, “Versa” takes foraged ingredients and highlights their adaptability by reimagining them through the lens of different world cuisines. Guests can taste the same core ingredient transformed into an Italian dish, a Japanese delicacy, or a Nordic specialty—showcasing the global potential of local nature.
- Immersive and Transformative Experience: The entire stay is designed to immerse guests in nature. They can forage with experts, cook alongside chefs, and dine outdoors in the forest or by the coast, surrounded by the environment that provided the ingredients. This level of interaction with nature is both educational and inspiring, creating memories that extend beyond just staying at a hotel.
- Adaptation to Seasonality: The concept adapts not only to different cultural cuisines but also to seasonal changes, offering something completely different each time a guest visits. The rotating culinary and cultural themes make every stay unique, giving guests a reason to return across different seasons.
- Multi-Sensory Dining: The experience goes beyond taste—guests get to feel, see, and smell the natural environment while dining. The outdoor dining, combined with wild-infused beverages and sensory elements like aromatic herbs and burning wood, creates a memorable atmosphere that deeply connects guests with nature.
WHY IT HAS FUTURE GROWTH POTENTIAL?
Increased Demand for Experiential Travel: Today’s travelers, especially Millennials and Gen Z, value unique, experience-driven stays. “Versa Forage & Found” aligns perfectly with this demand by offering a transformative experience that combines adventure, learning, and gourmet cuisine.
Wellness Tourism: With the growing trend of wellness tourism, which emphasizes health, sustainability, and connecting with nature, this hotel concept taps into a lucrative market. The focus on natural ingredients, foraging, and a multi-sensory experience appeals to those seeking mental and physical rejuvenation.
Sustainability and Local Food Movement: There is an increasing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Foraging uses natural resources sustainably and directly supports the local environment. The “Versa” concept’s emphasis on local and seasonal foods contributes to the growing movement for hyperlocal dining and could appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
Scalable Experience: The “Versa” concept can be scaled to different natural settings—mountains, coastal areas, woodlands—while adapting to each environment’s unique foraging possibilities. This flexibility means that the concept can be implemented across different regions, each with its own cultural and natural twist, expanding its appeal globally.
Unique Selling Point for Luxury Market: In the competitive luxury travel market, differentiation is key. “Versa Forage & Found” offers a one-of-a-kind experience that can’t easily be replicated by traditional hotels, positioning it as a must-visit for high-end travelers who prioritize unique, nature-connected experiences.
Riccardo Giacomo Ferrari
Science of the Time
Vittoria Morace
Aster Baker