When discussing investment, especially in micro-resorts, eco-lounges, or vacation rentals, we usually imagine paradise-like locations: hidden beaches, mountains with endless views, and perfect climates to escape urban chaos. But did you know that in those very same places, there are thousands of unused, forgotten, or simply wasted hectares?

In recent months, through conversations with our clients about various projects, we’ve come to a clear realization: some of the best opportunities aren't found in what’s missing but in seeing with fresh eyes what already exists. We deeply value and proudly support this vision—bringing spaces with history and character back to life, giving them a new purpose without erasing their identity.

Tourism has become one of the most dynamic and promising industries for economic development across many regions. Hotels, food routes, cultural experiences, and well-managed natural settings can transform entire communities, generating jobs, investment, and international visibility.

Sometimes, what holds development back isn’t what’s missing, but what’s already there and unused. This is a subtle yet real problem slowing the growth of sustainable tourism in many parts of the world: abandoned lands.

These lands are often located in key tourist areas: coastal zones, historic centers, natural routes, or rural regions with strong appeal. And although they could be integrated as spaces for lodging, outdoor activities, cultural centers, or artisanal markets, their current state renders them “dead zones” within environments that demand vitality.

The problem is twofold: on one hand, their abandonment negatively affects the destination both visually and functionally; on the other, recovery is difficult without a clear strategy involving public intervention or partnership with the private sector.

  • United States

Yes, even in the U.S., there’s abandoned land. In states like New Mexico, Arizona, California, or areas like the Texas Hill Country, there are rural landscapes with stunning views and minimal development pressure.
Projects like auto-sustaining retreats or wellness resorts are reclaiming abandoned properties and turning them into high-end destinations. The rise of glamping, tiny houses, and yoga retreats in the desert is happening fast. Imagine an “off-the-grid” microresort with a spa, stargazing deck, and full immersion in nature—it’s already happening.


 • Mexico

Mexico has a unique advantage: rich culture, biodiversity, and vast amounts of underutilized land near well-established destinations. From Oaxaca’s coastlines to Chiapas’ forests and the semi-arid Baja California, the country is filled with abandoned or subused land, often near emerging attractions.


For those willing to explore these opportunities, the potential is immense. The country holds an invaluable historical legacy, with numerous yet-to-be-discovered archaeological sites that can serve as an added asset to enrich the guest experience. In communities near cenotes, jungles, or untouched beaches, a well-designed ecolodge can not only transform the local economy but also offer the authentic, one-of-a-kind experience that travelers deeply value.

Many communities are actively interested in attracting projects with a strong environmental consciousness that also generate local employment. The recovery of rural lands or areas bordering nature reserves could be integrated into exclusive ecotourism or cultural tourism initiatives, particularly in collaboration with Indigenous communities.

While mass tourism faces growing criticism for its environmental and social impact, luxury sustainable tourism is gaining traction. Instead of large, invasive developments, revitalizing forgotten land can lead to low-impact lodging, wellness centers in natural surroundings, or regenerative resorts deeply connected with local communities.

But keep in mind a few essentials to start strong:

 • Validate the land's legal status: Check title deeds, legal records, and ownership status to avoid future risks.

 • Prioritize sustainability: Today’s traveler values authenticity and low environmental impact. Build on these principles from the start, both to meet customer demand and to ensure your project’s viability.

 • Engage with local communities: Collaborate with locals, hire regional suppliers, and design experiences that reflect the area’s soul.

 • Explore strategic partnerships: From impact investment funds to cooperatives or crowdfunding, there are many ways to finance regenerative tourism projects.


Start small, think big: You don’t need a mega-resort. A few well-planned cabins can give you the chance to learn as you go before scaling up, and they may be more profitable and sustainable than a large resort.

Abandoned lands should no longer be seen as a problem of the past, but as the foundation for a new generation of destinations. Today’s hospitality sector faces the urgent challenge of offering sustainable, authentic, high-end experiences without compromising time, profitability, or environmental impact.

At SIAN, we have seen this pattern and problem many times while talking to our clients and we have turned this challenge into a tangible opportunity. We design, and deliver premium modular solutions, ready for deployment and fully adaptable to any location. Whether it’s a remote beach, a valley, or a peri-urban area, our models can transform underused land into eco-lodges, micro-resorts, exclusive villas, or wellness retreats that harmonize with nature and appeal to conscious travelers.

Our approach combines speed, design, sustainability, and scalability, helping investors and tourism operators generate value from day one. Because building better is no longer optional—it’s the new definition of luxury.

The future of tourism is not about building more, but about regenerating what’s already there—and doing it with purpose.