Behind the Stays

Meet Blake Smith, the visionary founder of Walden Retreats, a boutique property that masterfully blends the serenity of nature with sophisticated design. Inspired by his years living and working in East Africa, Blake brought lessons from safari camps and Ugandan hospitality back to Texas, reimagining what it means to escape into nature. Walden Retreats, named after Henry David Thoreau's iconic work, offers guests a profound connection to the outdoors—crafted through thoughtful design, simplicity, and intentional experiences. From hand-curated spaces that encourage guests to slow down and reconnect, to the inspiration behind their signature safari tents, Blake's journey from building a social enterprise in Uganda to creating an immersive nature retreat in the Texas Hill Country is nothing short of extraordinary. Tune in to hear: How Blake’s time in East Africa shaped his unique hospitality vision. The story behind Walden’s name and its connection to Thoreau’s philosophy. Why Walden Retreats eschews traditional luxury for thoughtful simplicity. Insights on balancing guest comfort with an authentic connection to nature. The future of Walden as it grows from a 15-unit retreat to an expansive portfolio. Learn more about Walden Retreats Follow Walden Retreats on Instagram  Connect with Blake Smith on LinkedIn 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. 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.  

As the year wraps up, the hosts celebrate the most memorable discussions, from a young entrepreneur who crafts unique stays to a revealing tale about the darker side of Airbnb. Discover how a century-old beach house transformed into a chic Airbnb in just 11 days. Explore the story behind an innovative tiny home and learn about a company merging luxury with sustainability for unforgettable experiences. Dive into predictions for camping's future and how today’s travelers value emotional connections in their accommodations.

Meet Tori Bolt — Co-Founder of Bolt Farm, a celebrated nature retreat in Whitwell Tennessee, offering 23 meticulously designed villas.  In 2016, Tori and Seth Bolt embarked on a bold adventure, building their first luxury treehouse—an intimate project that began as a handcrafted wedding gift. What they didn’t know then was that this creative labor of love would spark a new era in experiential hospitality. Long before the surge in unique stays and experiential accommodations, the Bolts were leading the way, crafting spaces that balanced the serenity of nature with the sophistication of high-end design. It wasn’t long before their work caught the attention of Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, a feature that helped position Bolt Farm as a pioneer in the luxury glamping space. Seth Bolt, a longtime member of the Grammy-nominated band Needtobreathe, brought a unique perspective to the design process. Years of touring and experiencing hospitality across the spectrum informed the couple’s meticulous approach to guest experience. The result? A collection of stays where every detail, from heated marble floors to handcrafted interiors, is intentional, offering guests a haven for rest, connection, and inspiration. In this episode, we explore: How their first luxury treehouse laid the foundation for Bolt Farm’s success. What it meant to be featured on Netflix and how the exposure transformed their brand. The journey from a small collection of unique stays to a full-fledged wellness resort with a seven-day-a-week spa and curated dining options. The couple’s vision for expansion, including discussions around franchising and strategic partnerships that maintain their signature level of quality and charm. Lessons from balancing bold creativity with operational excellence as they scale. Tori and Seth’s story is one of creativity, resilience, and innovation. From their first treehouse to their plans for nationwide expansion, this episode is a testament to what’s possible when you dream big and create with intention. Connect with Seth and Tori Follow Bolt Farm on Instagram  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. 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.

Samantha Hardcastle, founder of The Storied Experience, elevates hospitality by weaving storytelling into guest journeys. She shares her innovative approach to experience design, including immersive concepts like a full moon dinner inspired by Aztec lore. Samantha highlights three opportunity zones for memorable experiences: multi-day retreats, interactive touchpoints, and local collaborations. She argues that intentional design fosters engagement and connection, showcasing cost-effective ideas to spark creativity. Authenticity and bold storytelling, she believes, are the future of hospitality.

In just a moment you'll meet Peter Triolo, the General Manager of Archer Hotel Tysons, a standout boutique hotel that's redefining hospitality in Virginia. With over eight years at Archer, Peter has been a driving force behind the brand's growth—from his beginnings at the Archer Hotel Napa to the expansion of unique properties across the country. His journey is all about creating genuine, memorable experiences that resonate with every guest. Archer Hotels are more than just places to stay; they're immersive environments that reflect the soul of their local communities. Each hotel is thoughtfully designed with local inspiration—from the peach murals honoring Tysons' history as a former peach field to daily treats and cocktails that celebrate regional flavors. Tune in to hear: How Archer Hotels craft unique yet consistently welcoming experiences across different locations The brand's philosophy of being playful, careful, and thoughtful in every guest interaction Stories of personalized touches, like handwritten notes and special surprises that make stays unforgettable Peter's insights on maintaining a boutique feel while the brand grows The importance of community connections and supporting local artisans And so much more Discover The Archer Hotel Connect with Peter on LinkedIn 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.  

Meet returning guests Monique DeLorenzo and Kerri Gibson, two visionary short-term rental operators who recently piloted an exciting marketing partnership. A couple of months ago Kerri came on the show to share a vision that she and Monique had to bring together four distinct properties, a pair of talented creators, and a shared goal of curating the ultimate New England road trip experience. In this episode, Kerri and Monique discuss what the results of this first-of-its-kind collaboration were… Tune in to hear: The birth of a boutique road trip: How Monique and Kerri turned a bold idea into a full-fledged marketing campaign in partnership with the folks at Lumen Camps and The Maine Cabins.  Lessons learned from the journey: From wrangling tourism boards to selecting the perfect collaborators, they share what worked—and what they’d refine. How boutique stays align with shifting traveler preferences: Why personalized, design-forward accommodations are capturing consumer spending. The long-term vision: How Monique and Kerri plan to turn this road trip campaign into a blueprint for regional hospitality experiences across seasons. Why engagement is everything: The surprising metrics—from Instagram followers to DMs—that show their strategy resonated with audiences. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Kerri and Monique.  Connect with Kerri Connect with Monique 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.

Explore the enchanting Dawn Ranch boutique retreat in Sonoma, where creative awakenings thrive. Discover the 34% surge in experiential travel spending and the rise of unique stays outpacing conventional hotels. Delve into innovative hospitality ideas like niche retreats and gamified experiences that deepen guest engagement. Learn how storytelling and exclusive luxury create lasting connections. This discussion unfolds a roadmap for hospitality innovators eager to transform guest experiences in delightful and meaningful ways.

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.  

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.  

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 Connect with Adam on LinkedIn 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.