Today we're welcoming Zach, founder of the Behind the Stays podcast and former CEO of Stay Watch, who's here to share some exciting news about the future of boutique hospitality. From his journey documenting unique stays across the country to his recent acquisition by Journey - a new platform aiming to revolutionize how we experience and get rewarded for choosing independent properties - Zach offers invaluable insights into where the industry is headed. We'll explore everything from the tension between traditional hospitality operators and "hobby hosts" to how boutique properties might finally be able to compete with big hotel chains' loyalty programs.

For anyone interested in the evolution of unique stays, the future of hospitality, or how independent properties can thrive in an increasingly competitive market, this conversation offers both practical insights and an exciting glimpse into what's next.

Join Journey Here: https://www.joinjourney.com/

PLACES TO FIND ZACH
@zboozee
@behindthestays
LinkedIn
Behind The Stays Podcast

BOOKING SITES
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com


YouTube Channel:
/ @cozyrockcabin1664

Today's episode is a powerful testament to perseverance and purpose. We're joined by Brie and Dave, the creators of Sweet Briar Ridge in Minnesota, where three geodesic domes offer more than just a unique stay - they provide a sanctuary for healing. As a paramedic and outdoor educator respectively, this couple's journey from vision to reality wasn't just about building a business; it was about creating a space where first responders, veterans, and anyone seeking connection with nature could find peace.

What started as a dream in 2017 evolved into a two-year battle with building inspectors, multiple engineering studies, and countless pivots. Through it all, their unwavering commitment to their mission - providing a place where the 'three-day effect' of nature could work its magic - kept them going. Now, with their first season behind them and their third dome under construction, they're seeing firsthand how their perseverance is paying off in the lives of their guests.

For anyone thinking about developing a unique property or wondering how to stay true to your mission when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this conversation offers both practical insights and inspiration. We'll explore everything from navigating small-town politics to creating spaces that prioritize healing over efficiency, and why sometimes the hardest path leads to the most meaningful destination.

https://sweetbriarridgemn.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZk_9Qfckf7tZX62LeqEMKHMyCyvcRSOlJuAsqNXWknR7W2xWJh71hUa0M_aem_sqmIerNxipSij5HCggZeDQ

INSTAGRAM HANDLES
@sweetbriar_ridge
@cozyrockcabin
@cozycabinboone
@cozycampsebec

BOOKING SITES
Sweet Briar Ridge: https://sweetbriarridgemn.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZk_9Qfckf7tZX62LeqEMKHMyCyvcRSOlJuAsqNXWknR7W2xWJh71hUa0M_aem_sqmIerNxipSij5HCggZeDQ
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com


YouTube Channel:
/ @cozyrockcabin1664

Today we're welcoming a self-proclaimed "grandma millennial" who's revolutionizing the retreat space in northern Michigan. From her first floating house project to her current ambitious ridge-top development, she brings a refreshing perspective on building without outside investors and doing things her own way. As someone who's flipped houses, built unique properties, and learned to trust her design instincts, she's now embarking on her most ambitious project yet - creating an intentional retreat space where groups can disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.

For anyone interested in the nitty-gritty of financing creative projects, navigating zoning challenges, or building on difficult terrain, this episode offers candid insights into the reality of developing unique properties. We'll explore everything from the importance of novelty in saturated markets to the courage it takes to build something different, and why sometimes the best business strategy is simply following your own creative vision.

https://www.camphudsonpines.com/

@miretreatnorth
@jessbuildingthings

BOOKING SITES
Riverbend Retreat: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1004562222864426647?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZZrl1sfCc3Fr6m0LPKY7yIsCcyYQXLT6q8zw8N0Pm_OWrOA_ZV287NP8U_aem_OT-a3nEmIYfhEui-6_WREA&source_impression_id=p3_1731450172_P3W1Es-rQh--uNef
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com


YouTube Channel:
/ @cozyrockcabin1664

Today we're inviting you into a conversation with Camille, the owner of Camp Hudson Pines in the Adirondacks - a unique property that bridges traditional camping culture with modern cabin experiences. From seasonal RV sites to renovated riverside cabins and luxury glamping tents, Camille has created a space where nature lovers of all comfort levels can find their perfect stay. With a master's degree in children's literature and a thesis on Harry Potter, she brings an unexpected perspective to hospitality, weaving together stories of the property's past while crafting its future.

For anyone fascinated by the intersection of camping and cabin culture, or curious about how to thoughtfully renovate and manage multiple properties while preserving their heritage, this episode offers remarkable insights. We'll explore everything from estate sale discoveries to creating inclusive outdoor experiences, and how sometimes what makes a cabin a "cabin" lies in the eyes of the beholder. Let's dive in!

https://www.camphudsonpines.com/

@camp.hudsonpines
@cozyrockcabin
@cozycabinboone
@cozycampsebec

BOOKING SITES
Camp Hudson Pines: https://resnexus.com/resnexus/reservations/book/1F7E7F95-F354-4D04-80CA-8A98A44900F6?_gl=1*1ii7k6m*_ga*NjEzOTMzOTg3LjE2OTc2NDg4MDI.*_ga_BMPH228YLZ*MTcwNjcyNjgyNC4yOC4wLjE3MDY3MjY4MjQuNjAuMC4w
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com


YouTube Channel:
/ @cozyrockcabin1664

Today we're welcoming the co-owner of Norra Hem, a stunning cliffside cabin on Hornby Island, one of British Columbia's enchanting Gulf Islands. What started as a six-month renovation project turned into a two-year labor of love, transforming a family property into a luxury short-term rental that celebrates local culture and craftsmanship. Our guest shares her journey of building and launching their first rental property on an island that requires two ferry rides just to reach, and how they've created an intentional, immersive experience that honors both the property's family legacy and the island's unique character.

Whether you're dreaming of building a high-end cabin rental in a remote location, passionate about supporting local businesses, or searching for ways to create truly memorable experiences for your guests, this episode delivers invaluable insights. We'll explore everything from managing major renovation surprises to curating the perfect arrival experience, and how to maintain authenticity while delivering luxury accommodations. As always, thanks for joining me!

@norra.hem
@cozyrockcabin
@cozycabinboone
@cozycampsebec

BOOKING SITES
Norra Hem: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1130629398555225307?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAab5PwqKjBcmle0yeqs9aZvsVDC7xPdfeFxze62Jef-Aqhm1am_lOL7S0dM_aem_UB2I9iJiAoUJ6ZfiVxRGzg&source_impression_id=p3_1730232299_P3bMCOxxQMwjoC7B
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com


YouTube Channel:
/ @cozyrockcabin1664


Keywords: Tiny house, DIY construction, Airbnb hosting, financial challenges, Custom building, Property management, Guest experience

This episode of the podcast is a bit different, and it's the first time we're doing a thematic episode. Rather than interviewing a cabin host and diving into their story and experience, I have TWO cabin hosts with me (one is a repeat guest, Melissa from Tanglebloom Cabin, and one is a brand new guest, Eman from the Catskill Equestrian Cabin), and together we dive into the theme of contentment. In a world of growth and more doors and scaling and revenue, we're asking ourselves how to know when 'enough is enough'. Is that thing? How do we listen to our guts? How do we run businesses that feel aligned with happiness instead of profits? These might be unanswerable questions, but it felt important to put them into the conversation in the same way we talk about growth. Thanks for joining us, as always, and can't wait to hear what you think!

@tanglebloom_cabin
@thecatskillequestriancabin
@cozyrockcabin
@cozycabinboone
@cozycampsebec

BOOKING SITES
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com


YouTube Channel:
/ @cozyrockcabin1664


Keywords: Tiny house, DIY construction, Airbnb hosting, financial challenges, Custom building, Property management, Guest experience

On this episode we’re sitting down with Mike Girard, co-owner of the Kingfield Chalet near Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine. Mike will take us through the journey of discovering and purchasing their dream cabin, how they’ve made it both a family getaway and a successful rental property, how sustainability has shaped the choices they’ve made for the cabin and why going eco-friendly is both rewarding and practical.

If you’re interested in finding the right balance between cabin life, hosting, and making your space more eco-conscious, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Community Solar - Discounted electricity sourced from local/regional solar farms. Mike & Kyle work with PowerMarket:
https://powermarket.io/

Efficiency Maine - home energy efficiency audits; subsidized rebates on insulation, heat pumps, EVs and more:
https://www.efficiencymaine.com/

Mike's event company, Emgee Events LLC, which supports his sales agency and enables some fun Kingfield Chalet crossover with mini events, dealers retreats and media shoots:
https://www.instagram.com/emgeeevents/profilecard/?igsh=MTB0YWc0cjZncm9pdQ==

@kingfieldchalet
@cozyrockcabin
@cozycabinboone
@cozycampsebec

BOOKING SITES
Kingfield Chalet: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fairbnb.com%2Fh%2Fkingfieldchalet%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabmZnIwR6JqwQ6iBK8ku4a6kROr_bbG0IoqvQw3283nO2T_NjbepODzwwI_aem_t7dU1GsEkC58a9XMM00-eA&e=AT0paKU823dDqOuoI9f5XQGpri6hvwe3-Jt8T-1uhudySdQKTTpGKxzWiYNd1URvwBrtIGjQC028KI42W9X0JqNjqT31AyG901iS-MGiQqXysoo65Qk9hIg
Cozy Rock Cabin: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311027
Cozy Cabin Boone: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311026
Cozy Camp Sebec: https://staycozycabin.holidayfuture.com/listings/311051

Cozy Rock Website: http://www.staycozycabin.com
Book a Cabin Consultation Here: http://www.staycozycabin.com


YouTube Channel:
/ @cozyrockcabin1664


Keywords: Tiny house, DIY construction, Airbnb hosting, financial challenges, Custom building, Property management, Guest experience

Today we’re sharing something a bit different… Spenser and I had planned a podcast on Friday to talk about hospitality, and as the time neared it became clear we couldn’t just progress as usual with all that’s happening down here in North Carolina. So while we have lots of friends who host here in the mountains of North Carolina that I would have loved to jump on, we planned this very last minute and had Jandy, from Out of Bound Retreats, jump on so we could pivot and talk about all that’s happened in the past week. I will note, that by the time airs, some of what we discussed may have changed, we might have more information… this is not meant to be a news podcast. Just real time conversation around what we’re seeing, what we’re hearing, what we’re doing, and what we’re struggling with. Thanks, as always, for joining us 🤍