Welcome to Behind the Stays — a podcast that shares the stories behind your favorite boutique hotels, short-term rentals, and hospitality brands and the hosts, operators, and entrepreneurs who’ve brought them to life. Every Tuesday and Friday you’ll meet the military veterans, retired flight attendants, tech entrepreneurs, school teachers, single moms, hoteliers, and real estate investors who are all, in their unique ways, shaping the future of travel and hospitality. Discover how these visionaries — from all over the world — have built stunning landscape hotels in the mountains, designed bohemian bungalows on the beach, erected eclectic off-grid and nature-immersed escapes, and so much more. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Behind the States is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance.
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
In this solo-episode, Zach transports listeners to Dawn Ranch, a boutique retreat in Guerneville, California, nestled in the heart of Sonoma wine country. The property, designed as a haven for creative renewal, invites guests to escape the distractions of modern life and reconnect with themselves. The host reflects on their stay while exploring trends and innovative ideas shaping the future of boutique and experiential travel.
Tune in to hear:
- How Dawn Ranch fosters creative awakenings and why properties like it play a crucial role in helping guests think deeply and recharge.
- Data-backed insights on the rise of experiential travel, including a 34% increase in spending on travel experiences since 2019.
- The shift toward boutique hotels and unique stays, with boutique properties growing at nearly double the rate of big-box hotels.
- Creative ideas for hospitality entrepreneurs, such as niche retreats like book club weekends, gamified treasure hunts, and pop-up wellness labs.
- The importance of storytelling and designing spaces with soul, and how properties can craft narratives that resonate deeply with guests.
- Why exclusivity and luxury experiences are pivotal in creating lasting guest connections and fostering loyalty.
This episode serves as both inspiration and a roadmap for hospitality innovators eager to embrace emerging trends and offer transformative experiences to their guests. Whether you’re a boutique hotelier, short-term rental operator, or an enthusiast of unique stays, this conversation explores how the future of travel is being shaped by thoughtful, immersive, and creative hospitality.
This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!
Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.
It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!
Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.
Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.
6 days ago
6 days ago
In this episode Zach sits down with the French Cowboys — Dylan and Franklin — to chat about how they built their business, what the future of boutique hospitality will look like, why experiential hospitality is overhyped, and the pros and cons of owning and managing boutique hotels vs. boutique vacation rentals.
Learn more about the French Cowboys.
This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN!
Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space.
It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami!
Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.
Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
Tuesday Nov 12, 2024
In this special crossover episode of Behind the Stays and The Unique Hospitality Podcast, hosted by my friend Nick Purslow, we bring together two of the most innovative names in experiential hospitality—Ben Wolff of Onera and Isaac French of Live Oak Lake. Known for creating standout micro-resorts and unique stays, Ben and Isaac are veterans of the podcast scene, but this time, they’re answering some questions they’ve never been asked before.
Tune in for unfiltered insights on what it takes to create deeply personal, experiential stays that go beyond just beautiful design. Our conversation dives into Ben’s big-vision approach with projects like Onera Wimberley, where scale meets seamless guest experience, and contrasts it with Isaac’s preference for smaller, more intimate stays—designed to immerse guests fully in nature and unparalleled design.
We also explore how shifts in consumer spending and a growing preference for authenticity and personalization are reshaping the hospitality landscape and why consumers are looking beyond the traditional, finding luxury in boutique, nature-centric stays that prioritize immersive moments over cookie-cutter amenities.
You’ll get Ben and Isaac’s takes on:
- How Instagram and tech-centric tools are transforming hospitality, enabling small brands to capture attention, build loyalty, and reach consumers at scale, just like industry giants.
- Why scaling across multiple properties, brand differentiation, and why personal brand-building can be a game-changer in boutique hospitality.
- Why “build fewer, spend more” is becoming the motto for unique stays, and how these one-of-a-kind locations are meeting consumer demand for high-quality, memorable escapes.
- Predictions for the future of boutique hotels, from decentralized hospitality chains to collaborative, local-first models.
- And so much more
Listen to The Unique Hospitality Podcast
Follow Behind the Stays on Instagram
Follow Isaac on Twitter/X or Instagram
Follow Ben on Twitter/X or Instagram
Learn more about Posh Outdoors
Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.
Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Meet Adam Dailey – an adventurous soul and hospitality innovator who owns a collection of short-term rentals and boutique hotels in San Diego.
From an Olympic sports tour operator to a global family traveler, Adam’s journey into hospitality began with a family sabbatical, taking him, his wife, and their four young children around the world.
Today, Adam channels that passion for exploration and authentic experiences into managing boutique hotels and vacation rentals that blend charm, service, and design to create truly memorable stays.
In this episode, we dive into:
- Adam’s journey from corporate burnout to launching a hospitality portfolio inspired by his global travels
- His pivot from owning and managing vacation rentals to owning and managing boutique hotels
- Why he believes smaller, well-designed properties (20-30 rooms) allow for an exceptional level of personal service
- Lessons learned from his partnership with Sonder, and the difference between low-touch, tech-driven stays and high-touch, luxury-focused hospitality
- Why the right touchpoints—like an on-site concierge or thoughtful lobby design—create a feeling of true luxury, even in boutique settings
- Adam’s insights on navigating the evolution of guest expectations in a saturated market where unique stays are in high demand
- The role of AI and technology in optimizing operations, without sacrificing the human element that guests crave
Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Adam.
Follow Behind the Stays on Instagram
Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.
Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance.
If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Meet Jason Thawley, founder of Tree Tents — a one-of-a-kind suspended tree structures.
Tree Tents isn’t your typical prefab company. With a product lineup featuring the iconic “Tree Tent”, fuselage-inspired pods, and the whimsical Birdhouse, Jason’s designs offer travelers an immersive outdoor experience that’s as unique as it is sustainable. As the demand for glamping grows, Jason’s creations provide unique stay entrepreneurs a way to offer something truly different, designed to bring guests closer to nature with every moment.
Tune in to hear:
- How Jason’s curiosity and early love of nature inspired his designs
- The story behind Tree Tents’ first structure—built on a tight deadline for a UK TV series
- Why immersive design matters in creating memorable glamping experiences
- Jason’s take on “rooming with nature”—why separate structures make the outdoors part of each stay
- His vision for affordable, eco-friendly units that meet the needs of small business owners
- Tree Tents’ growing presence in the U.S., and why the brand is expanding internationally
In this episode, Jason shares how each structure is crafted to give guests the feeling of true escape, encouraging them to embrace the outdoors while enjoying a unique, comfortable stay. Whether you’re a glamping enthusiast, hospitality entrepreneur, or just curious about what’s next in nature-immersive design, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of experiential stays.
Behind the Stays and its parent company StayWatch have been acquired by Journey — a next-generation loyalty program designed for the modern traveler. Learn more about what Journey is building at JoinJourney.com.
Apply to Join the Journey Alliance
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
In this can't-miss episode, host Zach shares the most exciting announcement in the history of the show: Behind the Stays (and its parent company StayWatch) has been acquired by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program designed to help travelers earn points on unique stays, landscape resorts, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and more.
Joining Zach is John Sutton, the visionary founder of Journey, who brings over a decade of experience from his time at Red Ventures and collaborations with industry giants like Brian Kelly, Founder of The Points Guy.
Together, they unveil how Journey plans to bridge the gap between boutique hotels and unique short-term rentals by creating a unified loyalty program that truly benefits both travelers and property owners.
Discover how Journey aims to empower property owners with powerful marketing tools, shared insights, and a community that values their independence and brand identity. Learn about the star-studded team behind Journey, including notable figures like Chris Burch (founder of Tory Burch) and James McBride (luxury hotelier), all passionate about transforming the travel landscape.
Tune in to hear Zach and John discuss:
- The vision behind Journey and why it's set to disrupt traditional loyalty programs
- The creation of the Journey Alliance and how it's uniting exceptional properties
- Innovative marketing and storytelling tools available to alliance members
- How Journey plans to offer more meaningful rewards to travelers
- The role of Journey Studios in amplifying authentic brand stories of hotels and vacation rentals
- And so much more
Sign up for the Journey waitlist
Request to be a part of the Journey Alliance
Read the exclusive Bloomberg article announcing Journey
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Meet Edward Haynes — a visionary entrepreneur with roots in the event rental industry, now revolutionizing the luxury glamping space.
What started as a pivot during the pandemic has become a mission to help landowners transform beautiful landscapes into high-end, profitable escapes. Edward’s journey reflects the intersection of innovation, craftsmanship, and hospitality, blending unique structures with unforgettable guest experiences.
His company EJH Distribution sources and distributes premium accommodations—from safari tents to stunning glass “Tubo” structures—while Posh Outdoors empowers landowners to build luxury stays through profit-sharing partnerships.
For Edward, success is more than just unique units; it’s about crafting experiences that make the first and last impressions unforgettable.
Tune in to hear:
- How Edward pivoted from events to hospitality in response to the pandemic
- The rise of luxury glamping and why travelers are turning away from conventional hotels
- Posh Outdoors’ unique business model, helping landowners monetize with minimal upfront costs
- Why Edward believes ski resorts and vineyards will become the next big hubs for luxury stays
- The challenge of balancing prefab solutions with customization to maintain uniqueness
- How Posh’s first site in Sky Ridge, Canada will set a new standard for luxury glamping
- F&B innovations for remote resorts and the power of shared spaces in hospitality
Edward’s deep understanding of both events and hospitality means no detail is overlooked, from on-site amenities to the guest journey itself.
Whether you’re curious about starting your own micro-resort or fascinated by the latest glamping trends, this conversation offers insights into the future of luxury hospitality.
Alright, friends—without further ado, get ready to meet Edward.
Learn more about EJH Distribution
Learn more about Posh Outdoors
Connect with Edward on LinkedIn
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.
Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?
Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.
This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.
But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Meet Eliza Clark, the Co-Founder of Foxfire Mountain House and The Lost Fox Inn, two remarkable boutique hotels in New York and Connecticut.
Eliza is an inspiring storyteller turned hospitality entrepreneur who grew up outside of Toronto. From her beginnings as a novelist and TV director for HGTV, to co-founding two breathtaking inn Eliza’s journey is all about crafting immersive experiences that bring people together.
The story of Eliza’s journey into hospitality entrepreneurship is really a love story — after a hard divorce, she met now-husband Tim, an executive American chef. It was their romance that ultimately inspired Eliza to take a leap from television to hospitality.
Together, they’ve created boutique properties that seamlessly blend history, design, and unforgettable food and beverage experiences. Their hotels aren’t just places to stay; they’re curated environments built with heart, imagination, and a whole lot of hard work.
Tune in to hear:
- How Eliza’s storytelling background influences every aspect of her properties
- The challenges and joys of running a hospitality business as a family
- The creative process behind transforming a bioluminescent fungus into a brand story (you won’t want to miss this one!)
- Lessons from balancing beautifully designed spaces with Tim’s world-class food and beverage programs
- Why Eliza believes boutique hospitality is about offering personalized, “indie” travel experiences
- And so much more
Alright, friends, without further ado, let’s jump in with Eliza Clark.
Book a Stay at Foxfire Mountain House
Follow Byrd Studio on Instagram
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.
Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?
Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.
This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.
But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Meet Stephen and Sam Hopkins — the founders of Missing Hotel, a one-of-a-kind retreat nestled in the Texas Hill Country.
With 96 acres bordering a nature preserve and uniquely designed domes and villas, the property offers more than just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to disconnect and reconnect with what matters most.
We dive deep into their founding story, from working corporate jobs in the energy sector to making the bold decision to take a year-long sabbatical that transformed their lives and careers. Their passion for creating experiences stems from their own love of travel, and with Missing Hotel, they’ve crafted a stay that combines surprise, spontaneity, and simplicity to create meaningful moments for guests.
Tune in to hear:
- How the inspiration for Missing Hotel struck during a sabbatical and a few bottles of rum in Australia
- The challenges (and a few wild stories) of building unique structures during COVID, including being held at gunpoint over $3,000
- Why Stephen and Sam believe in keeping elements of mystery and surprise throughout their guests’ stays
- Their approach to creating spaces that offer a mental reset through digital detox and immersive, experiential hospitality
- Their exciting plans to expand Missing Hotel into new states and wilder ideas in the next five years
This conversation is packed with insights into creating unforgettable guest experiences, the power of brand storytelling, and the future of experiential hospitality.
Discover Missing Hotel
Follow Missing Hotel on Instagram
Apply for the Experiential Hospitality Community
This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers. Hudson Creative is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.
If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.
And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Meet Zoey Berghoff, the entrepreneur and visionary who's transforming the short-term rental landscape by creating unique, unforgettable stays—and teaching others how to do the same.
Zoey is an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and a mom who travels full-time—all while building an incredible community on Instagram. She's dedicated to helping others leave their 9-to-5 jobs and dive into entrepreneurial ventures in the hospitality space, especially focusing on unique and memorable stays.
In this conversation, we dive deep into Zoey's remarkable journey—from leaving her corporate job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and influencer in the short-term rental world.
Tune in to hear:
- Where the idea of renting out a yurt, her first unique stay, came from
- The challenges and triumphs of scaling unique stays in remote locations
- The power of building a personal brand on social media and how it amplifies business growth
- Why Zoey believes that offering out-of-the-ordinary experiences is the future of hospitality
- How she balances entrepreneurship and motherhood while traveling full-time with her family
- Her insights on the next big opportunities in the unique stays and boutique hotel space
And so much more. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Zoey.
Connect with Zoey on Instagram
This episode is brought to you by The Content House
If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.
What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.
Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…
The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…
Follow The Content House on Instagram
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.