The Bus Collective Is a Luxury Resort Comprised Only of Converted Public Buses

In recent years, the new-nomadic lifestyle has become less of an oddity and more of an inspirational way of living. This goes beyond the idea of making money off social media content or finding inspiration for your own DIY (do it yourself) project through said social media content.

In theory, alternative living in a mobile home offers a bunch of unbeatable advantages in the long term, which, in turn, renders it quite unbeatable. Downsizing and tiny living don't just offer unexpected freedom of movement and the promise of reduced costs of living; they also allow for a less stressful, more intentional life, a reduced overall carbon footprint, and the chance to use recycling as a creative expression.

We've seen this countless times already, but nowhere are the pluses of this new type of life more apparent than in conversions, whether van or bus conversions. It's true, conversions are a dime a dozen these days, thanks both to creative, skilled DIY-ers and professional builders. But a project of this size, like The Bus Collective, is rare on a worldwide scale.

The Bus Collective bills itself as the first glamping resort in the world that uses upcycled public buses for accommodation. To be sure, this isn't the first time that someone has built a glamping resort with RVs – remember 7744 Ranch in Austin, TX, which uses celebrities' former tour buses to host tourists and all kinds of super-fancy events?

The difference between the two is that 7744 Ranch uses custom vehicles priced upwards of $1 million each, now turned stationary, to get people to live it up like A-listers did back in the day when pollution and social inequality could still be flaunted in the public space. In the case of The Bus Collective, the buses are vehicles that are no longer roadworthy, converted into simple but still fancy rooms for those looking for "a beachside getaway with the allure of a nomadic adventure."

Technically, both cases are brilliant instances of upcycling: someone had a fleet of buses on their hands that they could no longer use, and they gave them a second life, turning them into glamping units.

So, while an idea like the one behind The Bus Collective isn't new, its execution and scale make it a standout.

Located in Changi Village in Singapore, The Bus Collective is comprised of 20 decommissioned single-decker Scania buses converted into glamping units, sitting on an 8,600 square-meter (92,570 square-foot) property. Each bus offers about 45 square meters (484 square feet) of space, utilized to recreate the feeling of a hotel room but with an extra touch of the nomadic spirit and luxury.

It's precisely this combination that will be drawing in guests, Micker Sia, WTS Travel Managing Director, believes. WTS Travel is one of the partners on this project and will be tying in the resort with the rest of the business, having already assigned more than a dozen new travel coaches to take guests to nearby attractions. That, too, is part of the plan to encourage local tourism and support local businesses.

"We are redefining luxury hospitality, and pioneering an eco-conscious approach to tourism in Singapore," Sia says in a statement. "This visionary project showcases the powerful synergy between nature, tourism, and environmentalism for the greater good of our community. Through innovative thinking and resourceful execution, we are breathing new life into retired buses, transforming them into an unparalleled experience for our guests."

Aside from the business aspect of The Bus Collective, it's this that makes it an impressive project: it's a way of turning literal trash into gold, potentially. It's more than just blabbering about upcycling (or recycling) and getting to work to show how it can be of use to everyone involved.

From the renders offered by The Bus Collective and some photos online, it seems that the buses have retained certain distinctive elements, even though they will never be driven down a road again. These include the original windows and original (but restyled) exteriors and the driver's cabin. That last one, with the gearshift and the steering wheel, is bound to be a hit with kids staying at the resort since it would double as a playroom.

The resort is family-friendly, too. "Suites" offer two-person occupancy, for friends or romantic partners, but also family accommodation with bunk beds and play areas. Some include luxurious bathtubs behind all-glass walls for that spa-like feel, premium linens and finishes, comfortable lounges, spacious bathrooms, coffee stations, and outdoor terraces.

If you have plans to travel to Singapore in the near future, The Bus Collective opens its doors officially on December 1, 2023. Even if you don't, The Bus Collective is still worthy of your time and attention for showing that upcycling isn't just boring talk.