La Tourelle acquires Ithaca by Firelight Luxury Camping

La Tourelle Inn & Spa is excited to announce its acquisition of Ithaca by Firelight Camps, a subsidiary of Luxury Camping Inc and one of the early pioneers in the glamping movement. 

This strategic acquisition unites two of Ithaca’s most beloved hospitality brands, creating a one-of-a-kind destination that blends comfort, nature, and wellness for experience-driven travel. Ithaca by Firelight has operated independently on La Tourelle’s grounds since 2014, offering upscale tented accommodations to travelers seeking outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort. 

Now, as a fully integrated part of La Tourelle, the glampground enhances the property to create a robust lineup of guest offerings that include 57 hotel rooms, 22 luxury tents, a full-service spa, and a soon-to-open restaurant. 

“This acquisition enhances La Tourelle’s unique position as a nexus of hospitality—not only in Ithaca, but across the Finger Lakes,” said Joe Lavin, Co-Managing Director of La Tourelle. “e combination of hotel, spa, and luxury camping, all bordering a state park, simply doesn’t exist anywhere else in the region.” Joe Lavin, an original investor in Luxury Camping Inc., and Co-Managing Director Bill Minnock led a group of primarily Cornell Hotel School alumni in acquiring La Tourelle in early 2025. Their partnership, stemming from their time at Cornell Hotel School and Marriott International, now brings together two powerful brands rooted in hospitality, sustainability, and a deep love for the region. Their combined backgrounds in hotel development and luxury travel set the stage for this next chapter. 

“As the founder of Firelight Camps, I couldn’t be more excited to see our seasoned luxury camping team join forces with La Tourelle,” said Bobby Frisch. “This next chapter brings together our passion for outdoor hospitality with the hotel’s exciting renovations and expanded amenities—creating a truly unique destination for guests seeking nature, comfort, and connection.”

Situated on 15 scenic acres, La Tourelle offers expansive grounds for relaxation and recreation—think lawn games, walking paths, and quiet moments in gazebos. It’s an ideal place to unwind after exploring the region or to host memorable events like weddings, reunions, or retreats. Guests can enjoy a dynamic lineup of experiences, including live music twice a week (Tuesdays at Firelight and Thursdays on the hotel lawn), guided hikes, outdoor yoga, wine dinners and more. These offerings are open to both overnight guests and the local community. 

An online event calendar will launch in May to help everyone stay up to date on what’s happening across the property. The on-site August Moon Spa continues to offer expert massage, skincare, and holistic treatments, now enhanced with new wellness beverages and rotating monthly specials. And to mark the completion of the hotel renovation project, The Lounge at La Tourelle will open as a new food-and-beverage concept serving casual, elevated fare in a welcoming setting—perfect for unwinding after a hike or gathering with friends. 

“The union of guest experiences so close to Cornell, Ithaca College, downtown Ithaca, and the Finger Lakes is a truly compelling opportunity,” added Minnock. “La Tourelle will partner with a seasoned luxury camping management team that has a proven track record of delivering exceptional guest satisfaction.” Guests can expect cross-promotional packages, expanded wellness offerings, and seamless access between the spa, hotel, and glampground beginning this season.