When I first heard about The Preserve, Rhode Island’s newest luxury tiny home community, I was intrigued. As someone who has spent years studying, living, and writing about small spaces, I know that the line between “compact” and “cramped” is razor-thin. Too often, tiny homes sacrifice comfort in the name of minimalism, or worse, they prioritize aesthetics over functionality.
But The Preserve? It promised something different—a fully immersive, high-end tiny home experience designed for travelers looking for both efficiency, luxury, and indulgence. So when I was invited to visit and experience it firsthand, I had to see for myself: Could a tiny home community really compete with luxury hotels?
After just one stay, I can confidently say that tiny home resorts aren’t just a niche travel trend—they might just be the future.
The Rise of Tiny Home Resorts: More Than Just a Trend
For years, tiny homes have captured the imagination of minimalists, environmentalists, and design lovers alike. But now, they’re stepping into an entirely new space—hospitality. Travelers are seeking more than just a place to stay; they want an experience. And tiny home resorts like The Sanctuary are offering just that.
So why are travelers looking beyond traditional hotels and vacation rentals in favor of tiny home resorts? There are a few key reasons:
1. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Travel
Tiny homes inherently consume fewer resources—less water, less electricity, and fewer materials to build—making them an attractive option for environmentally conscious travelers. Resorts like The Sanctuary are tapping into this demand by integrating sustainable materials, energy-efficient appliances, and solar power solutions, offering guests a luxury experience that aligns with their eco-friendly values.
2. Minimalist Luxury
Many people are drawn to the idea of a well-designed space that offers everything they need—and nothing they don’t. Instead of oversized hotel rooms with wasted space, tiny home resorts offer thoughtfully designed, multi-functional environments that make every square foot count.
At The Sanctuary, I noticed that the luxury didn’t come from excess—it came from intentionality. High-end finishes, clever storage, and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection made each home feel elevated, rather than constrained by size.
3. Unique, Personalized Stays
Unlike chain hotels, tiny home communities are curated experiences. Each home has its own personality, and its own story. There’s something intimate about stepping into a space that feels designed for living, not just lodging.
The Sanctuary capitalizes on this by offering an immersive experience, where guests don’t just book a room—they become part of a carefully crafted environment that prioritizes relaxation, connection, and smart design.
Inside The Sanctuary: Luxury in a Compact Package
First Impressions Matter
Walking into The Preserve, the first thing I noticed was the sense of openness. The way the light streamed through oversized windows, the way natural wood tones and sleek modern fixtures complemented each other, the way the home itself invited you in—not just as a guest, but as someone who could truly see themselves living there.
The biggest misconception about tiny homes is that they feel small. But smart design can change that completely. And at The Sanctuary, I never once felt confined.
What Makes These Tiny Homes Stand Out?
Each tiny home is built with high-end finishes and space-maximizing design, proving that small spaces don’t have to mean small living. Here’s what impressed me most:
1. Multi-Functional Living Areas
Every inch of these homes is designed to serve a purpose. A dining table that folds into the wall when not in use. A couch with hidden storage underneath. A bed that seamlessly tucks away to create more space during the day.
Tiny homes aren’t just about making things smaller—they’re about making spaces work harder.
2. Chef-Worthy Kitchens
Unlike many tiny homes that compromise on kitchen space, these units feature deep sinks, full-sized appliances, and clever cabinetry that tucks everything away. Quartz countertops and open shelving add a sleek, modern feel.
3. Spa-Like Bathrooms
Yes, even in a tiny home. Walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads, luxe tile work, and minimalist yet functional storage make them feel far from cramped.
4. Indoor-Outdoor Flow
One of the most brilliant design choices in these tiny homes is how they embrace the outdoors. Large sliding doors open onto private patios, and oversized windows make the space feel expansive.
Tiny home living isn’t just about what’s inside—it’s about how the home interacts with its surroundings. And The Sanctuary has mastered that balance beautifully.
Could Tiny Home Resorts Replace Hotels?
During my stay, I found myself reflecting on how tiny home resorts challenge everything we think we need when we travel. Do we really need sprawling suites and endless hallways of identical hotel rooms? Or would we rather have something smaller, smarter, and more thoughtful?
Hotels have long been the default choice for luxury travel, but they come with their drawbacks:
- Lack of Personality – Most hotel rooms feel identical, offering little sense of place.
- Wasted Space – Huge rooms often feel empty and impersonal.
- Disconnect from Nature – Even the best hotels can feel detached from their surroundings.
Tiny home resorts solve all of these problems. They prioritize intentionality over excess, function over flash, and immersion over isolation. They create a sense of connection—to the space, to nature, to the experience itself.
At The Preserve, I had everything I needed, high end—without the excess I didn’t. And that’s what made it feel like true luxury.
The Future of Small-Space Travel
Tiny home resorts are more than just a travel trend—they’re a shift in the way people think about space, comfort, and design. Whether you’re looking for an eco-conscious retreat, a weekend escape, or even a glimpse into what tiny living could be like long-term, communities like The Preserve, are offering a compelling alternative to traditional travel.
So, would I trade a luxury hotel for a tiny homestay? Without hesitation.
Would I recommend it to others looking for a more intentional travel experience? Absolutely.
And as the demand for curated, small-space travel experiences grows, I have no doubt that tiny home resorts like The Preserve will lead the way—proving that sometimes, less really is more.