Immersive experiences help attract guests to hotels and resorts.
John Cerbone
Today’s travelers are moving away from passive observation and instead are seeking real, immersive experiences that have substance and meaning. After all, filling travel with new and unique experiences creates deeper, more fulfilling memories than simply seeing sights. As such, today’s hospitality leaders are constantly seeking innovative entertainment experiences that differentiate their properties and create those story-worthy moments that guests share across social media and travel reviews.
Katie Casey, Global Brand Director, World of Hyatt, says, “At World of Hyatt, we believe travel experiences go beyond a hotel stay. It’s an opportunity to slow down, reconnect with yourself and those around you. Whether growing our portfolio with exciting brands or activating around cultural moments, each experience we create is a chance to further connect with our members and immerse them in the here and now. This year, we’ve introduced several experiential and entertainment-driven offerings to deliver on this. These innovative offerings are a result of listening to our guests and members and the places and space they want to further engage with our brands.”
From luxury resorts to boutique cruise lines, properties are using interactive entertainment to command premium pricing and differentiate themselves in increasingly competitive markets. The following unique immersive activities offer guests personal experiences that they will remember for a long time:
Guests are drawn into the hypnotic world of John Cerbone.
Juan Acosta
Interactive Hypnosis, John Cerbone (Global)
Interactive hypnosis entertainment is emerging as one of the hospitality industry’s answers to experiential travel demands. Using his proprietary Speed-Trance Method, John Cerbone creates immersive experiences that transform passive hotel guests into active participants, generating the authentic, shareable moments that drive positive reviews and social media buzz, exactly the kind of organic marketing that hospitality executives value most. Forward-thinking hospitality leaders are discovering that hypnosis entertainment delivers measurable guest satisfaction improvements while requiring minimal infrastructure investment. With 34 years of expertise across 33 US states, Canada and Europe, Cerbone represents the kind of entertainment innovation that’s reshaping the hospitality landscape. His Trance-Master Comedy Hypnosis Halftime Experience has earned standing ovations from Las Vegas to Broadway.
Guests compete, laugh and play together at Play Playground.
Play Playground Nasvhille
Play Playground
Play Playground isn’t just a venue but rather a bold reimagining of how guests gather, connect and experience nightlife. Spearheaded by Jen Worthington, this purposely analog venue taps into something guests crave right now: real-world interaction, nostalgic joy and the kind of immersive entertainment that can’t be streamed or swiped. Worthington says, “We set out to build something different: a captivating, immersive environment that transports you back to childhood, when play and laughter were at the center of your existence.” The Play Playground locations in Las Vegas and Nashville are each 15,000-square-foot playgrounds for adults – giant, cinematic spaces packed with multisensory games, vibrant decor and a sense of over-the-top energy. Guests compete, laugh and play together in ways that feel like stepping into another realm. People don’t just come to play games. They come to interact, bond and create shared memories. Worthington adds, “We measure success in laughter and high-fives.”
Bakery Wars is just one of many immersive experiences at Woodloch.
Woodloch Pines Resort
Bakery Wars, Woodloch Pines, Hawley, Pennsylvania
At Woodloch Pines the seamless blend of tradition, luxury and natural beauty creates an environment where every stay becomes a cherished memory and the Pocono landscape sets the stage for an unforgettable escape. Woodloch Pines, recognized as America’s top family resort by many media outlets, ensures memorable moments and endless activities for guests of all ages. Let your creativity in the kitchen shine with the family-friendly Bakery Wars. Armed with delicious supplies and a budget for more goodies, the ticking clock quickly becomes your greatest enemy in this down-to-the-wire thrilling game. Follow the theme, incorporate the “secret ingredients” and do your best to dazzle the judges in order to win that Woodloch medal.
Main Street Park City Utah during the Sundance Film Festival.
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Curated Experiences, World of Hyatt (Global)
Through the World of Hyatt FIND Experiences platform, members can also take part in unique activities like private songwriting sessions with Nashville musicians or cooking classes with award-winning chefs. As part of Hyatt’s journey to bring members closer to iconic cultural moments, World of Hyatt was the Official Hotel Sponsor of 2025 Sundance Film Festival. During the opening weekend of the festival, travelers were able to connect on Park City’s Main Street with engaging experiences that brought the film community together, including Not Your Standard Bingo by The Standard Hotels and Scents of Sundance experience designed by Alila Napa Valley.
The resort offers something for all ages and interests.
Sea Island
Hawk Walk, Sea Island, Georgia
Sea Island is setting the pace with interactive nature experiences and beloved, half-century-long traditions. Located on the southeast coast of Georgia, this Forbes Five-Star resort invites guests to learn about the natural world through interactive experiences. Whether joining dawn turtle patrols with resident naturalists, trying a “Hawk Walk” with a master falconer or taking part in hands-on Junior Naturalist programs, the resort offers something for all ages and interests. The resort’s immersive approach also includes marshland bike tours, horseback riding along the dunes and guided kayaking and fishing excursions. The resort’s Bingo nights have become a famous social event. Guests dress up and legendary callers shouting unique phrases (clickety click) create a high-energy gathering that feels equal parts family reunion and stage show.
Each vehicle is a collector-grade reinterpretation.
The Boca Raton
Hedley Studios Driving Experience
The Boca Raton is upping the game on high-end amenities by partnering with British brand Hedley Studios for the Hedley Studios Driving Experience. Currently, The Boca Raton is the only resort in the world offering guests the opportunity to test drive multiple models from Hedley Studios’ collection of scaled, electric recreations around a private 2.5-mile course on resort roads. Built in partnership with elite automotive brands, each vehicle is a collector-grade reinterpretation, made by hand in the UK.
Social Swing reimagines golf as a social ritual.
credit to The Tryall Club
The Social Swing
The Tryall Club’s new Social Swing program as a fresh, convivial twist on the traditional golf experience. With its blend of play, connection and island flavor, Social Swing is a distinctive new offering that reimagines golf as a social ritual rather than a solitary sport. Set on the club’s storied 18-hole championship course in Jamaica, Social Swing invites guests to trade competition for camaraderie. Beginning with cocktails at the scenic 9th Hole Bar at 4:30 p.m., participants then enjoy three leisurely holes of play starting at 5:00 p.m. – a lighthearted way to embrace the game without the pressure of the scorecard. Each 1.5-hour session welcomes just 1–8 guests, keeping the pace relaxed and the atmosphere social.
