An ecotourism destination resort that demonstrates best practices in environmental planning and design

Red River Gorge Destination Resort Master Plan

Located in east-central Kentucky, the Red River Gorge boasts awe-inspiring geologic features, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities—ideal for Kentucky’s first destination resort. We recently completed a resort master plan and market study for a 4.5+ star 170-room luxury lodge with guest cottages and other amenities on 890-wooded acres, privately held, near Slade.

Creating an authentic, context-sensitive resort master plan that sets a new standard for an environmentally and economically sustainable approach to hospitality will intentionally attract a new level of tourism to the region. The main lodge is proposed to be a United States Green Building Council LEED-Gold certified, or higher, hotel. Located in an existing meadow tucked deep within the property, the facility will feature a multi-level lodge with great views from all rooms, lobby bar, signature restaurant and distillery, fitness center, destination pool and spa, amphitheater and event lawn, green-roofed terraces above a conference facility, permaculture gardens, and access to over 10 miles of trails.

By designating nearly 90 percent of the site as a nature preserve with trail-only access and following International Dark-Sky Association development guidelines, the resort landscape design will protect and enhance the site’s rugged topography and rich natural features.