Ben Wolff, co-founder of Onera, discusses the inception of their luxurious treehouse retreat in Texas Hill Country, inspired by memorable travels. He shares insights on experiential stays, the future of luxury travel, and strategies for direct bookings through influencer collaborations. The podcast explores the value of unique hotel experiences, digital marketing tactics, and building a specialized team for construction projects in the hospitality industry.
Ben emphasizes delivering seamless and unforgettable luxury stays with high design and connection to nature.
Utilizing social media and influencer collaborations is crucial in driving bookings and creating a viral presence for unique hospitality experiences.
The future of hospitality lies in offering innovative stays, embracing high design, and catering to the desires of millennial and Gen Z travelers.
Deep dives
Creating Unique and Experiential Hospitality
Ben, co-founder and developer of Onera, discusses the concept of creating unique and experiential hospitality experiences. He shares his passion for providing one-of-a-kind stays that go beyond traditional hotel offerings. Ben emphasizes the importance of delivering a seamless and frictionless guest experience while focusing on high design and a connection to the natural landscape. He also highlights the power of social media and influencer collaborations in driving bookings and creating a viral presence. Ben believes that the future of hospitality lies in innovative and experiential concepts that cater to the modern traveler.
Lessons Learned in Development and Design
Ben reflects on his experience in developing Onera Fredericksburg and shares valuable insights. He discusses the challenges and setbacks he faced, including sourcing units from China and the importance of quality control in construction. Ben emphasizes the need to avoid cutting corners and highlights the value of having a capable team and strong relationships in the development process. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of unique design elements and creating stays that are Instagrammable and shareable, capturing the attention of potential guests and driving direct bookings.
The Rise of Experiential Hospitality
Ben believes that experiential hospitality is a rising trend in the industry. He highlights the importance of offering unique stays and embracing high design, catering to the desires of millennial and Gen Z travelers. Ben discusses how innovation and differentiation are key in disrupting the traditional hospitality landscape. He encourages ambitious hosts and property owners to bring unique and innovative concepts to market, as there is an increasing demand for experiential and one-of-a-kind stays. Ben sees a bright future for those who embrace this trend and build properties that offer extraordinary experiences.
The Vision and Future of Owasi
Ben shares his vision for Owasi, an experiential hospitality brand. He discusses the current management of a $65 million portfolio of boutique hotels and luxury retreats and the future plans for expanding the brand. Ben reveals the exciting development of a tropical landscape resort in South Florida, aiming to bring a Costa Rica, Bali, and Tulum-style experience to the United States. He highlights the emphasis on unique design, natural landscapes, and amenities tailored to group experiences. Ben believes in the power of social media and retargeting to drive direct bookings and is committed to innovating hospitality for the modern traveler.
Building Unique Experiences in Hospitality
Ben's passion lies in building unique and unforgettable experiences in the hospitality industry. He discusses his upcoming project in Devil's Backbone, Texas, which will feature breathtaking views and distinct landscape hotel-style units. Ben emphasizes the value of providing extraordinary stays that go beyond cookie-cutter accommodations. He encourages other hosts and property owners to think outside the box and develop innovative concepts that capture the imagination of guests. Ben believes that the future of hospitality lies in creating experiences that are both luxurious and intimately connected to the natural landscape.
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of hospitality with Ben Wolff, the co-founder of Onera, a luxurious treehouse retreat nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. He wears multiple hats, not only as the visionary behind Onera but also as a key figure at Owasi, an experiential hospitality firm managing a diverse portfolio of resorts and boutique hotels.
Inspired by memorable travels and a desire to create seamless and unforgettable experiences, Ben shares the story behind Onera's inception and its unique approach to luxury hospitality. Throughout our conversation, we'll uncover Ben's insights into the evolving landscape of experiential stays and the future of luxury travel.
Join us as we explore the secrets behind Onera's success and delve into Ben's vision for the future of hospitality.
Connect with me...
Podcast: Patryk Real Estate Show
Instagram: Patryk_Swietek
Facebook Group: STR Nation
Connect with Ben Wolff on:
LinkedIn: Ben-Wolff
X: @uniquestaysguy
Onera
Website: stayonera.com
Instagram: @stayonera
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