The Business Of Glamping And Unique Holiday Rentals

We're tackling a hot topic that's causing a stir across the experiential travel world—from glamping hosts and retreat leaders to boutique accommodation owners: Is traditional SEO… officially dead? If you've ever found yourself wondering how on earth you're meant to keep up with the pace of change in the digital world... you're not alone. And today's episode is one you won't want to miss if you want help keeping up. With AI search, zero-click results, and Google's new overviews changing the way people find information, website traffic is down across all industries by an average of 20%. So the real question becomes: What now? And what should you be doing differently? To unpack all of this, I'm joined by the brilliant Kenny Ridgell from Ridge Media. Kenny works with some huge hospitality names, but what I love most is how grounded and practical his advice is, especially for those of us building meaningful businesses without a corporate marketing team in our back pocket. We get into: What these AI-driven search changes really mean for smaller, independent brands Why the "old way" of doing SEO just isn't cutting it anymore And what you can do now to stay visible, relevant, and bookable in this fast-changing landscape We also share some incredibly useful tools, smart strategies to optimise your presence online, and ideas to help you adapt... even if you're doing all the marketing yourself. So… grab your cuppa, get comfy, and take a deep breath. This isn't about panic. It's about learning about what matters and changing what you do so you can keep up with everything. Because once you understand what's important, you'll be ready to lead the way forward. __________________ More Information Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio for small businesses https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Kenny Ridgell, Ridge Media   C: 864-354-6175 | O: 864-230-2546  1565 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607  https://ridgemediallc.com/      

What if the "quiet season" wasn't your biggest booking struggle, but your greatest business opportunity? In this eye-opening episode, Sarah Riley is joined by Ged Brown from Low Season Traveller to explore a powerful shift happening in tourism that few are talking about, but that savvy glamping business owners, retreat leaders, and unique holiday rental hosts need to hear. Together, they unpack: Why rising global travel is creating chaos during peak seasons, and what that means for boutique hosts How low season travel benefits everyone... your guests, your profits, and the planet Proven strategies to increase bookings, impact, and guest satisfaction during slower months Ged's journey creating the world's first platform for off-peak travel, and why it's changing the game If you're ready to stop chasing high-season chaos and start designing a glamping or short-stay business that thrives all year round, this conversation will shift your perspective and ignite new ideas. Plus, you'll learn how to build a brand that values connection over crowds, and sustainability over saturation, so your unique hospitality experience stays in demand no matter the season. __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. Learn it - join our tribe - or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Ged Brown - Low Season Traveller https://lowseasontraveller.com/ 

What if the key to feeling more grounded, more aligned, and more inspired in both life and business… was to think ten years ahead? It might sound like a lifetime away, especially when you're juggling guests, chasing algorithms, and trying to stay afloat in a world that never slows down. But in this powerful episode, I'm joined by corporate strategist and creative soul Tricia Duffy, the voice behind In 10 Years Time, to explore how a simple mindset shift can change everything. This isn't about productivity hacks or rigid goal-setting. It's about legacy. About designing a business... and a life... that fits who you're becoming. Tricia shares her deceptively simple exercise that's profoundly moving and refreshingly practical. It will help you pause, zoom out, and start creating from a place of calm, not chaos. If you've been feeling stuck, caught in short-term thinking, or just need a reminder that you are in charge of your direction... this episode is for you. Grab a pen, and let's map your future together. More Information Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Tricia Duffy - How To Live A Creative Life https://www.intenyearstime.com/ 

This is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of launching a stunning geodesic dome retreat on their land. Because here's the truth: what you don't know about buying domes could cost you thousands. I'm joined by the brilliant Ronnie Smith of Glamping Revolution, one of Europe's most trusted manufacturers of luxury glamping structures. Based in sunny Portugal, Ronnie and her team don't just design show-stopping domes (including Europe's largest suspended dome structure), they also work from inside them. So when it comes to real-world insights, she's the real deal. In this episode, we dive into: Why geodesic domes are guest magnets (and how to use that to your advantage) The biggest mistakes people make when buying their first dome, and how to avoid them What to look for in quality materials and an ethical supplier The secret to choosing a dome that lasts 15 years, not just one season We also explore the ancient, almost mystical sacred symmetry of the dome, and ask whether its timeless design could be the secret behind why guests are so drawn to it. If you're serious about glamping and want to make smart, sustainable choices from the start, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to build something unforgettable. Let's talk domes... the right way. __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. Learn it - join our tribe - or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Ronnie Smith ronnie@glampingrevolution.pt Glamping Revolution https://www.glampingrevolution.pt/en/  Amazing Modular Architecture https://amazingmodulararchitecture.com/   

The glamping and luxury outdoor hospitality industry is entering a bold new chapter. Sustainability is no longer optional. AI is rewriting how guests find you. And travellers? They're no longer satisfied with just a pretty stay… they want connection, meaning, and transformation. In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to stay relevant as expectations rise and attention spans shrink. With fewer website clicks, smarter algorithms, and constant digital disruption, visibility is no longer a nice-to-have… it's your survival strategy. Inspired by the timeless lessons in one of the best books ever written, this episode explores how to navigate relentless change in a way that feels grounded, intentional, and powerful. Because the truth is, the cheese isn't just moving occasionally… it's shifting daily, and you need to know what's going on. So the question isn't if you should adapt…it's how quickly and how consciously you can, and that starts here. The future isn't coming… it's already here. Are you ready to meet it? __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. learn it - join our tribe - or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/ 

Powerful energy healing for your land, home, business and life - Today's episode might just open a doorway to something you've always sensed, but never been able to describe. So first I'll ask you… Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt… something? A sense of calm, clarity, alignment, or maybe the opposite? That reaction is no accident. And in this conversation, we're exploring why it happens, and how it can change the way we build, host, live and succeed. I'm joined by the wonderful Valentina Cereda https://www.energyandspace.org/  a Health and Wellbeing Architect who specialises in creating sacred spaces that honour the energetic essence of land. Her work blends ancient wisdom with modern design to support health, wellbeing, and deeper alignment, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Valentina and I met unexpectedly, and our conversation stayed with me. In fact, it's what inspired this episode. Together, we explore: What "invisible energy" really is, and why it matters more than we realise How your built environment subtly influences your health, emotions, and success And how dowsing, energy mapping, and sacred spatial design are being used to shape meaningful hospitality and aligned living There's science behind this, yes, but also intuition, presence, and a deep call to reconnect with something we've collectively forgotten. If you've been feeling drawn to this topic, curious, lit up, even a little unsure… that's no accident either. As I always say: follow your curiosity and see where it leads. It might just be the nudge toward a more grounded, nourishing way of doing business… and living well. If you're dreaming of designing a retreat event, glamping space, or even your own home with more intention, energy, and soul… this is the episode for you. More Information Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Valentina Cereda -  Health And Wellness Architect https://www.energyandspace.org/  

What happens when a love for art, culture and community transforms into a thriving boutique hospitality business in the hills above Rio de Janeiro? In this soulful episode of The Business of Glamping and Unique Holiday Rentals, I sit down with Dacia Young, a passionate Bed and Breakfast owner who left behind the familiar and followed a dream to Brazil's bohemian heart... Santa Teresa. We explore how her unique 13-room heritage property, expertly decorated with elegant art pieces, became more than just a guest stay… it became a reset space and a sanctuary for rest, reflection, and realignment. In this episode, we dive into: Why she chose a boutique, cultural model over the traditional tourist trail How her family-run Bed and Breakfast delivers that wow factor with local art, garden views and homemade breakfasts What inspired her to launch "Reset Retreats", and how they're helping guests slow down, reflect, and restore The power of hosting transformational experiences (and what guests really want from a retreat) What it's like to move abroad and start a business around a different pace of life If you've ever dreamt of running your business in a vibrant new country… or building a retreat that offers more than just a pretty view, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded and full of ideas. Because sometimes, the best way to grow your business… is to slow down. If you want to visit Dacia in Casa Jomo, attend one of her retreats or learn from her if you are thinking of relocating, visit: https://www.casajomo.art/ __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/

In this episode, host Sarah Riley chats with Steph Curtis-Raleigh, a global expert in the experiential travel and glamping industry, to take stock of the sector's latest developments. From luxury eco-resorts thriving worldwide to challenges facing traditional glamping operators, they explore key industry trends, shifts in demand, and innovative business models that are shaping the future. Steph shares inspiring success stories worldwide, including a groundbreaking resort in Mauritius that turned an urban plot into a thriving community hub. They discuss how networking, adaptability, and creativity drive businesses forward, even in uncertain times. If you're in the experiential hospitality space, this episode is packed with insights and takeaways you won't want to miss. For more information about the Eco Resort Network please email Steph or visit: https://www.ecoresort.network/ and steph@ecoresort.network    Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/

What's it like to work in a traditional job and build a glamping business on the side? Is it possible? More importantly, is it realistic to think that your side hustle can one day be your forever job, allowing you to power down from the corporate world?  This is what Teresa and Jon from Devonia Escapes have been exploring, which led them to setup their cabin business, Devonia Escapes. Want to know how they've designed their corporate escape plan? Literally? Welcome to episode 69 Get in touch: Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/   Teresa & Jon: Devonia Escapes in North Devon, UK, https://devoniaescapes.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devoniaescapes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devoniaescapes   

The glamping industry is booming, but it's a seasonal business. This means bookings will slow down during off-peak or mid-week periods. So, what can you do to counteract this slowdown? This is when you need a feeder business. But what's that you ask? Well, a feeder business can keep your glamping enterprise thriving by sending customers through your door. This technique involves running high-end C-Level corporate retreats and events during quiet times. In this episode, I talk with Sarah Dale about her glamping business, The Canvas Experience, and her corporate retreat business for high-level executives, Project1490. Learn how this creative approach keeps bookings steady year-round and why the corporate world is embracing the charm of luxury outdoor stays. You will learn real-world examples and how diversifying your glamping business in this way will be both soul-satisfying and lucrative.  Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/   The Canvas Experience: https://www.thecanvasexperience.com/  Project 1490: https://www.project1490.com/     

Laura runs a glamping site tucked away amongst the trees in the heart of the beautiful countryside, amongst sunny meadows and shade-dappled woods. They have fully kitted-out canvas bell tents and handmade wooden cabins. So what made them want to launch a retreat events business alongside their existing glamping services? Is it profitable and how did they manage to sell out their retreat event spaces? Laura, from Welsummer Glamping, shares all this and more in this episode, which highlights the benefits of glamping stays + retreat events from a business owners point of view. Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/   Welsummer Glamping: https://welsummercamping.com/        

Pitching to any investor is difficult but imagine being surrounded by TV cameras, studio lights and four dragon investors. That's another level! This is exactly what Derry Green of Secret Garden Glamping did when he pitched his idea on the Dragons Den (also known in the USA as Shark Tank). In this episode Derry shares how it came about, his results and how it all works behind the scenes. He also shares his top tips for attracting investment for any hospitality idea and what he hopes to achieve with his new project. This is an inspirational episode full of top tips from a seasoned glamping business owner running one of the most successful sites in the United Kingdom. For more information or to get in touch with Derry Green visit his website: https://www.thesecretgardenglamping.uk/   Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/

How can you make your guest attraction marketing easier? Are there tools you can use and how does that work? Today I invite you into the brave new world of marketing with AI and using tools available to help you with guest attraction. This episode is perfect for anyone struggling to attract the customers they want and unable to find the time to make a difference to their numbers. To find out more about Ben Kilner and his current projects, go to https://benkilner.com To access his AI expertise, go to https://aiinbusiness.co We provide these inspirations for your benefit... for free... so we would love to receive a positive review or comment in return, which helps us smile and find the motivation to do more for you in return. You can subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/

How can we build tourism businesses that are kinder and more regenerative to the environment, healthy to the worker, pleasing to the guest, engaging to the community and profitable to the owner? We don't operate in bubbles so we have to work together to create solutions that everyone will win from in the long term, including Mother Earth. In this optimistic sustainability conversation, Sarah Riley talked with Professor Dr. Willy Legrand about how the eco-resort, luxury camping and glamping industries can help strengthen the bond between the hospitality and nature and how it has the potential to influence the wider tourism industry. We also discussed: industry best practices redefining eco-luxury in hospitality greenwashing reinvesting in nature If you are a trailblazer and have been involved in sustainable best practices in hospitality that you are proud of then Dr. Willy Legrand would like to hear from you. Please contact him through LinkedIn or his email below. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-willy-legrand/ Email: willy.legrand@iu.org With expert tips and advice, you can create a successful and profitable eco-accommodation glamping business that provides your customers with the perfect balance of luxury and nature and you with the perfect lifestyle business. Sarah Riley - The Glamping Academy Learn what it takes to launch a glamping business here: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com Join the Start Up And Grow Club here: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/club Take part in the Masterclasses here: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/masterclasses Contact Sarah through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahrileyuk/ All show notes from the Glamping Business Podcast can be found here: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/

What inspires a family to start a glamping business while their country is at war, they are faced with a pandemic and have 5 young children? We all deal with challenges in different ways. I know that when I'm struggling, all I need to do is listen to the inspirational stories of others to get motivated again. My mind was blown by what Ulyana and her husband Andrii have achieved in Ukraine, and despite all their challenges, they knew they were building more than a business. They were building a dream! So get ready to be inspired by the Mala Richka story! If you're ready to take the plunge into the luxury outdoor accommodation industry, then this is for you. With expert tips and advice, you can create a successful and profitable glamping business that provides your customers with the perfect balance of luxury and nature and you with the perfect lifestyle business. Learn what it takes to launch a glamping business here: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/ Join the Start Up And Grow Club here: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/club Take part in the Masterclasses here: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/masterclasses Show notes from the Glamping Business Podcast: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/  Contact Ulyana and Andrii at Mama Richka: https://malarichka.com Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malarichka/related_profiles/ Find them on the map:  https://www.google.com.ua/maps/place/Mala+Richka,+Kempinh/@49.0898558,23.5074827,16z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x473a3b4174e6533f:0x82f0f40ad50d97cc!8m2!3d49.0912883!4d23.5096999!16s%2Fg%2F11pvbdw13j

Lilypod Glamping is a unique floating sanctuary designed with love and handbuilt with passion in Devon UK. It is a unique stay inspired by nature using the natural wonder of timber. It is low carbon, off-grid short stay unique accommodation that uses natural materials to make an eco-tourism offering worth visiting. Nestled on a stunning lake at Alder Farm, hushed by mature deciduous trees on the border of Dartmoor. With local activities in abundance, ranging from spas to wild swimming, horse riding in the National Park, local farm shops, unique towns and awesome pubs, this is a glamping stay worth experiencing.  In this episode I speak with the Lilypods designer and builder about the highs and lows of creating such a unique space and how important it was to him to find such a stunning location and then develop something to gently on the environment. This episode is both inspirational and aspirational and demonstrates that you don't need to be neglectful of sustainable practices when designing something truly amazing in the genre of low carbon, ecologically responsible off-grid glamping. If you are thinking of visiting Lilypod, be quick before the secret gets out!  Lilypod Website: https://lilypod.uk/ Location: MR7R+VG Lewdown, Okehampton We provide these inspirations for free for your benefit so we would love to receive a positive review or comment in return, which really helps.  You can also subscribe to the podcast to receive notifications of all new episodes as soon as they go live. If you would like to speak with Sarah Riley then reach out via The Glamping Academy https://glamping.academy  hosted by https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/   

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Louis Thompson who is the founder and CEO of multiple businesses including Nomadic Resorts, an award-winning architectural and landscape design office that delivers innovative, experiential hospitality projects across the planet. His company designs bespoke green building projects for various luxury hotel groups including Soneva, Banyan Tree, Playa Viva, Neom and Resplendent Ceylon. Louis also founded Nomadic Escapes, a new outdoor hospitality management company focussed on, biophilic tented experiences; net zero carbon operations, re-wilding and regenerative landscaping. Throughout his career, Louis has worked at the cutting edge of green building and landscaping projects including the pioneering Farm to Fork treetop restaurant at Soneva Fushi, the Treetop Dining Pod at Soneva Kiri and the innovative bamboo treehouses at Playa Viva. In this episode, we talk about the future of experiential travel, sustainability by design, how to develop a community-enhancing regenerative approach and how unique structures are key to attracting the attention of the right type of guest for unique hospitality resorts.  We also touch on the wellness travel trend, designing the needs of guests into the core of a unique offer and how social media influences all of this. Finally, we discussed what glamping has that helps it stand out from the bigger hotels and resorts to help it survive the growing competition in the marketplace. Contact: Louis Thompson here: https://nomadicresorts.com/ Sarah Riley here: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/ For more about this podcast and how to take part visit here:  https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/glamping-business-podcast      

Kerry has been a successful glamping business owner for many years. She has single-handedly managed multiple businesses and has had her fair share of ups and downs. She is also known to share generously and talk openly about industry vitals while others keep their cards close to their chests. In this episode, we talk about: Key glamping events in the calendar we are looking forward to most this year The most important part of glamping that some owners miss today Industry insights from a serial glamping business owner and TV star What it's really like to start a glamping business on rented land Her tips for starting a glamping business in a foreign country without even knowing the local language How this style of hospitality can be a retirement plan and a passive income if managed right Why location, location, location is still number 1 for attracting repeat guests And how to price your offering competitively in the market at the moment Learn from one of the most established glamping business entrepreneurs in the industry at these events.   The Glamping Business Start Up And Grow Retreat - 16-20 October Click here to spend 5 days with Kerry Roy and Sarah Riley helping you build your business in person: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/italy-retreat   Eco-Resort Network - Montenegro 24-26 May Enjoy your breakfast with an industry giant like Sarah Dusek, Founder of Under Canvas and Bill Bensley, Founder of Bensley Hotel Designs at The Eco-Resort Network in Montenegro. We have been able to negotiate a 25% discount on a delegate pass and money off your hotel booking https://www.ecoresort.network/ Use coupon:  INSPIRED250 This will discount €250 from the delegate ticket price. You can also find the 15% hotel discount code and link through the organiser's website   See you there! Inspired Courses and The Glamping Academy    

Always take the time to hunt out the experts and speak with those who are generous enough to share their expertise in the industry. Especially when they have been working within it for so many years. This is why I was happy to welcome Phil Russell from Tor View Shepherds Huts in Somerset onto the show. In this episode, Phil shares his insights into the industry and the typical glamping guest. He also talks about the thing that surprises him the most about some guests that stay with him. Having been in business for 10 years now, he discusses the top things that have led to his success and how his determination was key. He also talks about maintaining his team and how he has built it to support him where he needs it most. Phil finally shares what he would do first if he was starting from scratch again and how having a seasonal lifestyle business really works with his personal passion to travel.  Contact Sarah Riley at The Glamping academy https://glamping.academy Visit the Masterclasses at: https://inspiredcourses.com Contact Phil Russell at: https://torviewshepherdshuts.co.uk/  

What sustainability practices are most appreciated by guests and what services are being used to attract eco-tourists and those with a preference towards environmentally sensitive businesses? Rachel Bowers has been deciphering guest preferences on glamping offerings, boutique hotels and unique hospitality and how eco-travel does not mean guests need to sacrifice the quality of the service they receive.  It's very rare to find research on this topic that includes guest and operator surveys for this industry, so when something comes along I want to hear about it. That's why I invited Rachel onto the podcast to talk about her project and what it means for sustainability. The need for environmental elements to become a priority in hospitality design is clear, but which ones are best and how is it all being fueled by the rising eco-travel demands of the younger generations? This podcast episode has been supported by The Start Up And Grow Club and The Glamping Academy, hosted by Inspired Courses. For more information please visit: The Club: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/club The Glamping Academy: https://glamping.academy/ Inspired Courses: https://www.inspiredcoursesvip.com/ Rachel Bowers has kindly offered to share her research and you can contact her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbowers/ If you found this episode helpful, we would love your review of this episode and particularly to give Rachel your thanks.  Looking forward to you joining me again soon. Sarah Riley - The Glamping Academy