Travel + Leisure expands Eddie Bauer Club to Texas Hill Country

New Outpost Property in Wimberley

Travel + Leisure Co. has broadened its Eddie Bauer Adventure Club hospitality concept with the addition of its first "Outpost" property in Wimberley, Texas. The company confirmed its acquisition of The Cedars Ranch, located on 20 acres outside Austin in the Texas Hill Country, which will be rebranded under the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club – Texas Hill Country name.

This new location is slated to commence operations in summer 2027, with reservations for vacation club members becoming available from early 2027, according to Travel + Leisure Co. The development responds to a growing interest among travellers for stays that focus on nature.

Unique Accommodations and Amenities

The Wimberley Outpost will offer 21 distinct accommodations, including geodomes, yurts, and cabins, designed to immerse guests in the natural environment. Renovation work to introduce these new lodging options and upgrade existing facilities is scheduled to continue throughout 2027.

The property will also feature outdoor camp kitchens, fire pits, an onsite trail system, and yard games such as bocce ball and pickleball. An existing event space on the site will be converted into an owners' lounge, providing self-serve retail options. The overall design integrates modern architectural elements with sustainable solar power, Travel + Leisure Co. stated.

Expanding the Adventure Club Portfolio

The Texas Hill Country Outpost marks a significant step in the expansion of the Eddie Bauer Adventure Club, which Travel + Leisure Co. inaugurated in May of this year with a 39-suite resort in Moab, Utah.

That initial property functions as a "Basecamp" within the club's structured ecosystem, which also comprises "Trail Partners" that offer access to broader networks of outdoor lodging.

Sarah Koves, senior vice president of brand strategy at Travel + Leisure Co., noted that Outposts are designed to connect travellers more closely with inspiring natural settings, making the surrounding environment an integral part of their visit. This expansion reflects a broader industry trend of increasing demand for distinct outdoor hospitality options.

Asian Market Focus on Nature-Centric Stays

While Travel + Leisure Co.'s latest expansion targets the North American market, the global travel sector shows a consistent rise in demand for nature-integrated lodging. This trend resonates strongly across Asia, where hospitality groups are increasingly investing in similar concepts.

For example, in Japan and South Korea, the popularity of "glamping" and eco-resorts has driven developments like the new Hoshino Resorts Risonare Nasu, which combines upscale accommodation with nature-based activities in Tochigi Prefecture.

Asian operators could respond to this sustained interest by introducing an additional 15-20 new glamping or outdoor resort properties across Southeast Asia and East Asia by the close of 2027, focusing on unique designs and environmental integration to meet evolving consumer preferences.