Ground Up: TreeTents
Answers from Jon Cattivera, USA Partner and Executive Director at TreeTents.
Some of the most meaningful innovations in glamping come from those who do it all—manufacturers who not only build structures but also operate their own resorts! These manufacturer-operators offer a rare blend of expertise, combining real-time guest feedback with practical knowledge of materials, design, and on-the-ground functionality.
Santa Cruz Mountains natives Jon and Amanda began their journey in 2010 when they purchased a six-acre parcel with a fixer-upper as their first home. Since then, they’ve passionately expanded and transformed the land—now spanning nine acres—into a place so special, they rarely feel the need to leave. With years of experience hosting, planning, and catering farm-style weddings and large gatherings for friends and family, their thoughtful attention to detail and genuine hospitality ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional and memorable stay! Read on to learn more about the manufacturer-operator experience of TreeTents & Breathing Trees Camp!
What inspired you to both manufacture glamping structures and operate your own glamping resort?
My wife and I have some beautiful property in California's Santa Cruz Mountains that we've always enjoyed sharing with others. We decided to set up some unique accommodations to monetize our property that would complement the natural landscape. We discovered Tree Tents in the UK, and based on our shared ethos and complimentary skillsets, it was an effortless fit to team up and bring their products to North America.
In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Breathing Trees Retreat offers a luxurious glamping experience immersed in a canopy of towering redwoods, firs, madrones, and oaks.
How has owning a glamping resort influenced the way you design and build your accommodations?
It's definitely helping to address any little kinks or bring new ideas to the table.
Handcrafted in their UK workshop, Tree Tents has spent the past decade creating award-winning, eco-conscious structures across Europe. Now officially launched in the U.S. as of 2024, they are thrilled to introduce their distinctive designs—crafted for unforgettable, sustainable luxury stays in nature. Built with comfort, durability, and environmental responsibility in mind, these innovative dwellings invite guests to fully immerse themselves in the wilderness.
Do you view the resort as a testing ground for new product designs or concepts? How often do you iterate based on guest feedback?
Yes, absolutely. We're using my site as a showroom and will ultimately have each different model set up. We'll probably continue to do some minor alterations as things evolve.
Are there specific guest experiences that have directly shaped changes in your manufacturing design?
Nothing major yet—fortunately guests have loved their stays and the structures. (We have both the suspended Tree Tent, and the Fuselage).
Perched among madrone trees, this one-of-a-kind glamping cabin is the only Fuselage of its kind in North America. Designed for two, it features a Scandinavian-inspired interior with a wood-burning stove, convertible double bed, compact kitchenette, and optional luxury bedding. A spacious deck leads to a private bathhouse with a flushing toilet, shower, and sink, plus an outdoor BBQ and gas fire pit for a cozy, elevated retreat in nature.
How do you ensure the design reflects both your brand and the environment it’s in?
Jason, our Founder and Head Engineer, is a brilliant designer whose skills are a perfect balance of form and function. The materials and branding are consistent across our line in many ways, making for a cohesive variety that can diversify a site seamlessly while each structure stands on its own.
What are some of the biggest challenges of wearing both hats—manufacturer and resort operator? What unexpected advantages have you discovered by doing both?
There's of course a little more juggling, but I think it's a great combination to address different spokes of the overall industry.
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?
They just love the setting. Tree Tents' models are super flexible for more challenging terrains and more remote locations, so guests have the opportunity to stay more immersed in nature in many cases.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the glamping business behind the scenes?
We'll see some glamping operators looking more short-term to get something up and running quickly, so they aren't always giving the guest a unique and quality stay overall. The quality of the structures they select is paramount when it comes to longevity, and having unique and special accommodations is going to be more desirable, with higher booking rates more quickly. Unforeseen maintenance can be a big issue. The ROI is easy to justify when you look at all the factors.
As the glamping industry continues to evolve, forward-thinking, hands-on perspectives like those of Tree Tents are helping to define its future—enhancing not only the guest experience but also the intentional design of the structures themselves. We're grateful to Tree Tents for sharing their insight and inspiring the broader glamping community.
