Eco Resort Network 2023 Report

Eco Resort Network 2023 took place in Montenegro across three days in May. The luxury eco hospitality networking event inspired an intimate and convivial atmosphere with outstanding and passionate members of the hospitality industry.

Hosted by Steph Curtis-Raleigh, International Glamping Business, and Maja Dimnik, Authentic Luxury, the two-day conference took place at Lazure Hotel & Marina, with a following third day for delegates to continue bonding on an exclusive tour of Oblun Eco Resort, a luxury development from Goran Brnovic.. The combination of stunning scenery, top talks, a field trip to see an eco resort under development, relaxed dining and like-minded professionals created an event to look back on proudly.

Speaking on the first day of the conference were Bill Bensley, Robyn Woodhead, Brendan O’Molony, David Leventhal, Todd Wynne-Parry, Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand, Flaviu Rus, Dott. Arch. Eileen Meyer, Michael Sagild, Tom Butterfield, Martin Dabrowski and Maja Dimnik.

Steph Curtis-Raleigh [left] and Maja Dimnik [right]

Eco Resort Network

A true highlight of the event, Bill Bensley gave an engaging keynote on projects that he has undertaken in different environments around the world. Each was given a unique take on the local landscape, history and culture in with the purpose of bringing them to life for guests, unfolding through place, architecture and artwork. He said, “we can only make things worse” when considering building anything in the natural environment – so it is best to use and mimic the natural landscape as much as possible.

The second day of the conference welcomed talks from Sarah Dusek, Luca Franco, Chris Nader, Kristina Zanic, Sam-Erik Ruttman, Willem van Bolderen, Louis Thompson, Marc Myers, and presentations from suppliers

Keynote speaker Sarah Dusek, founder of Under Canvas and Quiver Tree Collection, inspired the room, speaking on what it takes to pursue your dreams – that it takes holding onto a vision when everything seems to be going the other way. Taking inspiration from African safaris, the Duseks wanted to introduce unique tented accommodation in beautiful settings to achieve their dream of reconnecting an increasingly disconnected world back to nature and each other. Under Canvas went on to become the premier glamping company in the USA.

Left to right: Dr. Willy Legrand, Chris Nader and Maja Dimnik

Eco Resort Network

Caragh Curran, founder & managing director at Sustainable Tourism Consultants, said, “One of the highlights [of the month] was Eco Resort Network in Montenegro, which brought together like-minded visionaries and pioneers in the world of sustainable tourism and luxury resort design and development. Thank you to Maja and Steph for organising a great event and thank you to the attendees also for sharing their vast experience and knowledge. I feel a renewed energy and passion for the work that we do.”

Co-organiser Steph Curtis-Raleigh concludes, “It was an honour to welcome each and every one of the delegates who attended Eco Resort Network 2023, and we look forward to contributing to the collective conversation on sustainability, travel, and the future of the hospitality industry.”

Willem van Bolderen [left] and Maja Dimnik [right]

Eco Resort Network

What Our Delegates Thought

“Thank you for your seamless curation, patience and attention to detail. Such a beautiful country and incredible location. And what an amazing line up! Group eco-therapy is clearly the new vibe… Connections, friendships, exceeded expectations – so good to meet everyone!”

Peter Farquharson, Founder Further Space

“What an extraordinary few days! Can’t thank you enough for an amazing few days which was so much more than providing learning and networking. [Steph and Maja] have helped build an amazing community –which has birthed many amazing friendships! Thank you for that! What an amazing thing that is.”

Sarah Dusek, Co-founder Under Canvas

“What a great few days with some valuable presentations from exceptional key note speakers, valuable insights from the panel sessions and discussions that followed, both during the course of the day and socially in the evenings and while on our site tours. Thanks also to all the specialised suppliers who support this industry and the event.”

Marc Myers, Hospitality & Project Director Extreme Destinations

“I would like to thank you for an excellent event. As mentioned, I had a great time being there and enjoyed the event, meeting beautiful people and listening to their amazing life stories. You and your team proved the point that with love and care, everything is moving in the right direction.”

Daniel Morariu, Hospitality Manager NEOM

“Sadly heading homeward now from Magnificent Montenegro. With a full heart. New friends. New connections. Laughter and learning. Thank you Steph, Maja and every single one of [the delegates].”

Robyn Woodhead, Co-founder White Desert Antarctica

“Wow! What a grand time. Thank you so much, you really got this event so right – engaging, real and a whole lot of fun!”

Brendan O’Molony, Founder & CEO Tenthouse Structures

“A fantastic and unbelievable professionally organised conference. Loved the new connections – now friends – and meeting LinkedIn friends in person, and speakers of the highest degree.”

David Court, Independent Executive Consultant Bushtec Creations

“Thank you all for this amazing, memorable and grounding experience; I’m honoured to have met such great people and look forward to seeing you all again.”

Jamal Wick, Cofounder Bespoke Industries

“Eco Resort Network has been without a doubt the event of the year so far. Great venue, excellent presentations, and more importantly all the people that were part of the network event.”

Sam-Erik Ruttman, Director of Global Hospitality Development Studio Puisto

It was fantastic to meet all the exceptional entrepreneurs and business owners in this truly wonderful setting. Look forward to connecting with all of you and to next year’s conference.

Michael Sagild, Co-founder Cloud Collective

“I had the most amazing experience attending the Eco Resort Network in Montenegro! It was great to meet so many interesting and inspirational people. Thank you Steph and Maja!”

Louise Stone, Sales Manager TruDomes

“Lots of insights and inspiration to unpack (along with luggage) as gifted by the fantastic delegates at Eco Resort Network 2023. This was a brilliant week in a beautiful setting to meet with clients and make new connections and friends. Still to properly absorb all that we saw and heard on this journey.”

Mike Munt, Creative Director Apogii