14 Abandoned Resorts That Morphed Into Entirely New Attractions
The concept of rebirth isn’t limited to living things—buildings and destinations can experience remarkable transformations too. Across the globe, once-thriving vacation spots have fallen into disuse, only to be reimagined into something entirely different.
These abandoned resorts tell fascinating stories of adaptation and reinvention, reflecting changing tourism trends, economic shifts, and cultural evolution. Here is a list of 14 abandoned resorts that have found new life as entirely different attractions, proving that sometimes the end is just the beginning of something unexpected.
Grossinger’s Catskill Resort
Today, a shuttered crown jewel of New York’s ‘Borscht Belt,’ the legendary resort hosted celebrities and families for generations before it closed during the 1980s. The large tract of land stood empty for decades before developers reclaimed portions of it as a brewery and craft drinks destination.
What was once used to accommodate swimming pools and ballrooms now makes award-winning craft beers that attract tourists across the Northeast.
Hashima Island
This former mining community off the coast of Japan housed workers in densely packed concrete buildings resembling a battleship—earning it the nickname ‘Battleship Island.’ After coal mining ceased in 1974, the island stood abandoned for decades until reopening as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tourists now take guided tours through the eerie, crumbling structures that were featured in the James Bond film ‘Skyfall.’
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Haludovo Palace Hotel
This luxurious Croatian resort was once partly owned by Penthouse magazine founder Bob Guccione and represented the height of Mediterranean opulence. After falling into disrepair following Yugoslavia’s dissolution, the complex has been repurposed as an arts center and photography destination.
The contrast between its faded grandeur and contemporary art installations creates a uniquely immersive cultural experience.
Penn Hills Resort
This heart-shaped bathtub pioneer in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains was once a honeymoon haven before shutting down in 2009. The property has since been reclaimed by nature enthusiasts who transformed it into an ecological research center.
Former hotel rooms now house laboratories where scientists study the forest’s remarkable reclamation of human-made structures.
Kupari Tourist Complex
Five luxury hotels near Dubrovnik, Croatia, stood abandoned after the Croatian War of Independence left them damaged. Recently, one of the properties has been converted into an immersive historical museum documenting the region’s tourism history and conflict.
The remaining buildings create a haunting backdrop that stands in stark contrast to the beautiful Adriatic coastline.
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Salton Sea Beach Resort
California’s accidental sea once supported thriving beach resorts before increasing salinity and pollution drove visitors away. Today, the area has become an unexpected haven for artists, with former resort buildings transformed into galleries and installation spaces.
The apocalyptic landscape serves as both a canvas and inspiration for creators exploring themes of environmental impact.
Teufelsberg
This former listening station built on a rubble mountain in Berlin wasn’t exactly a resort, but it did house recreation facilities for American intelligence personnel. The abandoned complex has evolved into a street art showcase and cultural venue hosting music events and art workshops.
The massive radar domes now feature stunning murals visible for miles across the Berlin landscape.
Varosha
This once-glamorous beach destination in Cyprus became a ghost town after the Turkish invasion in 1974, with hotels frozen in time behind barbed wire. Recently, sections have reopened as a historical walking district where visitors can observe the effects of time on once-luxurious accommodations.
The juxtaposition of abandoned mid-century architecture against the pristine Mediterranean creates a powerful atmosphere.
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The Baker Hotel
This grand Texas spa resort hosted celebrities seeking healing mineral waters before closing in the 1970s. After decades of abandonment, extensive renovation has transformed it into a wellness-focused boutique hotel that honors its healing heritage.
The restored property maintains many original architectural features while introducing modern wellness concepts to a new generation.
Boblo Island Amusement Park
This Canadian island resort and amusement park entertained visitors for nearly a century before closing in 1993. The former entertainment destination has been redeveloped as a residential community that incorporates preserved historic structures.
Former carousel buildings and dance halls now serve as community centers for island residents.
Consonno
An Italian entrepreneur attempted to create the ‘City of Toys’ as Italy’s Las Vegas, but the resort town was destroyed by a landslide shortly after construction. Today, the ruins have become an outdoor adventure center where visitors can explore via zip lines that crisscross the abandoned structures.
The partially reclaimed buildings create a surreal backdrop for adrenaline-seeking adventurers.
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Hotel Polissya
This Soviet-era hotel in Pripyat was abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster and stood empty for decades. While not officially sanctioned, the structure has become part of guided educational tours about nuclear safety and environmental consequences.
Visitors observe from a safe distance as nature reclaims the once-bustling accommodation center.
Monte Palace Hotel
Operating for only one year, this luxurious Azores hotel closed in 1990 due to financial difficulties. Taking advantage of its mountainside position, the building has since been transformed into an astronomical observatory after decades of neglect.
Once home to a swimming pool, the former hotel’s rooftop now hosts strong telescopes drawing stargazers from all over the world.
Reimagined Spaces, Renewed Purpose
These changes remind us that buildings, as with communities, can be repurposed and reinvented instead of just vanishing. Every change has its own history of innovation and repurposing, providing these once-forgotten places with new economic and cultural worth.
So compelling about these changes are the ways that they leave pieces of the past behind while generating completely new experiences for tourists. When you next come across an old, neglected building, you might notice not only what was lost but the potential for what is yet to come.
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