Ground Up: ÖÖD Hotels

We’re thrilled to highlight AGA Top 50 member ÖÖD House through the Manufacturer-Operator Lens! Read on to learn more.

In the evolving world of glamping, some of the most valuable insights come from those who wear two hats—glamping structure manufacturers who also operate their own resorts. These manufacturer-operators bring a unique perspective to the table, blending hands-on guest experience with a deep understanding of design, materials, and functionality.

What inspired you to both manufacture glamping structures and operate your own glamping resort?

We launched ÖÖD Hotels as a natural extension of our design-forward manufacturing business. With over 600 Mirror Houses sold globally, we saw an opportunity to not only showcase our mirror cabins in ideal environments but also validate and scale a nature-centric hospitality brand. It’s about merging form and function—designing spaces that create unforgettable guest experiences.

How has owning a glamping resort influenced the way you design and build your accommodations?

Operating our own sites has given us immediate, data-driven insight into what works and what doesn’t. From optimizing layouts for privacy and view orientation to adjusting thermal performance for different climates, our resorts serve as live R&D hubs. Guest feedback and operator experience help us refine not just individual units but the entire product ecosystem.

Do you view the resort as a testing ground for new product designs or concepts? How often do you iterate based on guest feedback?

Absolutely. Our properties—especially those we initially operated directly—have been essential testbeds. We’ve launched new models like the Big Monolith and Golden Mirror House based on direct demand and iterated on features such as unique floor layout and interior design based on seasonal and climate-related feedback. Iteration is constant and agile—it’s baked into our product roadmap.

Are there specific guest experiences that have directly shaped changes in your manufacturing design?

Yes. Guests consistently mention immersion in nature and privacy as key highlights. This has pushed us to refine our mirror technology for optimal privacy while enhancing reflective aesthetics. We’ve also added amenities like mirror saunas and outdoor decks to increase revenue potential and guest satisfaction across climates.

How do you ensure the design reflects both your brand and the environment it’s in?

Our aesthetic—minimalist, mirrored, and modular—is intentionally designed to disappear into nature. Our Mirror House becomes part of the environment, reflecting its surroundings while providing a sleek, luxury interior. We also work closely with local partners to tailor each site’s landscaping and orientation to the terrain, ensuring a seamless blend between design and place.

What are some of the biggest challenges of wearing both hats—manufacturer and resort operator? What unexpected advantages have you discovered by doing both?

The biggest challenge is operational focus—balancing production timelines with hospitality delivery standards. However, the upside is huge: direct insight into customer behavior, rapid iteration cycles, and the ability to vertically integrate our brand experience from product to platform. It creates a powerful feedback loop between design, user experience, and brand perception.

What do your guests say they love most about staying in your accommodations? Are there any standout guest stories or moments that have left a lasting impression on your team?

Guests often describe their stay as transformative—like “living inside a postcard.” The most common feedback is how the Mirror House makes them feel immersed in nature while still enjoying high-end comfort. One couple told us they had never slept so peacefully, surrounded by a snow-covered forest yet warm and cocooned inside—a moment that reminded us why design matters.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the glamping business behind the scenes?

It’s not just about the mirror cabin—it’s about the ecosystem. Success in glamping requires a marriage of design, location, operations, and marketing. Behind every “Instagrammable” moment is a network of partners, logistics, and strategic choices that make the magic seamless. Come visit us at our Iceland property: https://oodheklahorizon.is/

As the glamping industry continues to grow, it’s these innovative, hands-on perspectives that will shape its future—one guest experience, and one thoughtfully designed structure, at a time. Thank you ÖÖD House for sharing your insight with us and the glamping community!