Afleveringen

  • How Ash Hotels Became the Coolest Brand You’ve Never Fully Defined

    How Ash Hotels Became the Coolest Brand You’ve Never Fully Defined

    · Behind the Stays

    If you’ve scrolled Instagram or Design Milk anytime in the last few years, you’ve probably come across a hotel that made you stop scrolling. Not because it was just beautiful, but because it felt like a world. A story.And chances are... that hotel was built by Ash.

    In this episode, I sit down with Ari Heckman, founder & CEO of Ash — one of the most distinctive hospitality brands redefining how hotels, neighborhoods, and even guest memories are made.

    Ari’s story is a masterclass in world-building. We explore how growing up in post-industrial Providence sparked his obsession with places that transform. Why he didn’t study hospitality at Cornell (even though he was a stone’s throw from the world’s most famous hotel school). And how Ash went from a small design studio to an experiential powerhouse shaping properties from Baltimore to New Orleans.

    We get into why modern travelers don’t just want design anymore — they want mythology, meaning, and discovery.We unpack how Ash thinks about cinematic storytelling, why boutique hoteliers must learn to master revenue as much as aesthetics, and what Ari believes is the next great unlock for independent brands scaling today.

    If you care about hospitality, placemaking, or just building things that matter — this one’s for you.

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • How He Built the Bloomberg of Travel: The Story of Skift with Rafat Ali

    How He Built the Bloomberg of Travel: The Story of Skift with Rafat Ali

    · Behind the Stays

    What if the future of storytelling isn't about bigger platforms — but sharper taste?What if the real shift happening in media isn't just economic... but moral?

    Today, you’re about to meet Rafat Ali — founder and CEO of Skift, one of the most respected travel media brands in the world. But his story didn’t start there.

    Rafat grew up in India, a shy kid who stuttered — and somehow rewrote his future with nothing but words and a relentless eye for what others missed. He went from studying engineering to working for tech media icon Jason Calacanis during the first dot-com boom...to later building Skift into a brand so trusted that today, CEOs and world leaders cross conference halls just to get a bro hug from him.

    In this conversation, Rafat shares why legacy media is collapsing, what too many creators get wrong about influence, and how AI and independent media are re-drawing the map faster than most realize.

    We talk about why design — not data — will be the real differentiator in the next chapter of content.

    We dive into the hidden risks of "audience capture" — and why building something truly enduring requires the courage to be misunderstood for a while.

    And we explore why Rafat believes the next great media empires won't be built by corporations — but by people, building with instinct, action, and radical authenticity.

    If you care about the future of media, if you're trying to build anything magnetic, or if you just want a rare look inside the mind of one of the industry's true visionaries...you're in the right place.

    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 journey.com/alliance.

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  • From Instagram Fame to Industry Change: JourneyMore, Mike Will Travel, and the Rise of Creator-Led Hospitality

    From Instagram Fame to Industry Change: JourneyMore, Mike Will Travel, and the Rise of Creator-Led Hospitality

    · Behind the Stays

    When the COVID-era short-term rental boom hit, a new class of creators quietly redefined hospitality marketing — and today, three of the best in the business join me for a conversation you won't want to miss.

    In this episode, I sit down with Hayden Hughes, Nicky Hughes, and Mike Iannetta — three pioneers who helped transform treehouses, A-frames, and glamp-sites from hidden gems into viral, booked-out brands. We unpack how they redefined marketing in the short-term rental world, where the future of creator-driven hospitality is headed next, and why they’ve partnered to launch a new guided course to help hospitality brands partner with the right creators.

    We get into it:

    Why short-form video changed everything for independent operatorsWhat still actually works on social today — and why trends alone won’t save youWhy UGC (user-generated content) isn’t enough anymore — and what’s replacing itThe hidden burnout creators are facing, and how the next generation of hospitality marketing will be built differentlyThe big opportunity no one's talking about (yet) for boutique hotels and micro-resortsHow the best operators are thinking differently about working with influencersAnd why creators who want to build real businesses are starting to think beyond content

    You'll also hear the story behind the Journey More Collective, a potential new playbook for scaling authentic creator-driven marketing and get all the details on the value of The STR Influencer Guide Hayden, Nikki, and Mike just released.

    If you're an operator wondering how to actually work with creators (the right way) — or a creator dreaming about building a business with staying power — this one’s for you. Oh, and if you’re interested in accessing The STR Influencer Guide for Operators, you can do so in the show notes below! Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Mike, Nikki, and Hayden.

    Purchase The Influencer Guide

    Connect with JourneyMoreConnect with Mike from Strive Hospitality (MikeWillTravel)Watch a Roundtable Discussion with Zach, JourneyMore, Mike, and other Unique Stay Builders

    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.

  • Is This the End of Direct Bookings? Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb’s New Off-Platform Policy

    Is This the End of Direct Bookings? Everything You Need to Know About Airbnb’s New Off-Platform Policy

    · Behind the Stays

    In this episode, I’m joined by Arthur Colker, Founder of StayFi, and Philip Kennard, CEO of FutureStay, to unpack one of the most talked-about moves in short-term rental history: Airbnb’s newly sharpened Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy.

    Depending on who you ask, it’s either a long-overdue consumer protection measure... or a strategic power grab designed to lock in lifetime guest value at all costs.

    Arthur and Philip bring firsthand insights — and a healthy dose of reality — to a conversation that’s been fueled by fear, misinformation, and a whole lot of LinkedIn hot takes.

    In this episode, we dive deep into:

    Why this "new" policy might actually be less revolutionary than most hosts realize — and what’s really different this time

    The two “buckets” Airbnb is focused on: protecting guests (good) and protecting their margins (more complicated)

    How vague language, selective enforcement, and the threat of guest complaints create a new dynamic hosts must navigate

    Why operators building brands off-platform shouldn't panic — but should pay attention to regulatory winds (especially in Europe)

    What might come next: services marketplaces, tighter control over payments, and the looming specter of pricing parity

    The psychological game: How vague rules might cause small operators to self-police harder than Airbnb could ever enforce

    If you’re a rentalpreneur, a professional operator, or someone who’s betting their future on brand-building in the STR world, this episode is a must-listen.

    We break down not just what’s happening — but what it means for the future of independent hospitality, ownership, and guest relationships in an increasingly walled-garden world.

    Because as Arthur and Philip both point out: the real battle isn’t about moving one booking — it’s about who owns the guest relationship in the long run.

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • 7 Non-Obvious Lessons Shaping the Future of Hospitality (And What To Do About Them)

    7 Non-Obvious Lessons Shaping the Future of Hospitality (And What To Do About Them)

    · Behind the Stays

    In this solo episode, Zach shares seven powerful, non-obvious lessons shaping the next era of hospitality—insights drawn from conversations with some of the most forward-thinking operators, creatives, and strategists in the space.

    From the rise of emotional loyalty and transformational stays to the power of digital atmosphere and placemaking over property management, this episode challenges traditional assumptions and inspires fresh thinking for hotel owners, experience designers, and anyone shaping the future of guest experience.

    You’ll walk away with:

    Questions to ask your team (and yourself) right now

    Real-world examples of brands already doing this well

    Execution ideas you can implement this quarter

    Whether you’re a boutique hotelier, a vacation rental operator, or a hospitality creative, this episode will push your perspective and deepen your purpose.

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • She Built a Luxury Resort Around the Moon — And It’s Working. This is the Story of Stellara.

    She Built a Luxury Resort Around the Moon — And It’s Working. This is the Story of Stellara.

    · Behind the Stays

    You’ve heard of luxury glamping. You’ve seen treehouses and mirror cabins. But you haven’t seen anyone doing it like this.

    In this episode, I sit down with Meredith Garrett — founder of Stay Minty and Stellara — to explore how she’s redefining what it means to deliver luxury in nature. You may know her for her wildly creative short-term rental brand Stay Minty, with its kaleidoscope of high-design vacation homes and glamping domes. But with Stellara, Meredith is pushing the envelope even further — into the stars, quite literally.

    We discuss:

    How she transformed treehouses and mirror cabins into immersive, astrology-inspired sanctuaries that change with the moon.

    Why she believes experiential hospitality is moving from “boutique” to “transformational.”

    The math behind scaling nature-based resorts — and how many units it actually takes to make something like Stellara work.

    Whether food & beverage is the missing link in micro-resort hospitality — and her hunt for the elusive private chef who can bring lunar dinners to life.

    This conversation is for the dreamers, the builders, and the operators who believe luxury can be intimate, immersive, and wildly imaginative. Meredith is one of the most creative minds in this space — and I think you’re going to leave this episode feeling more inspired (and more curious) than you were before.

    Connect with MeredithBook a stay at StellaraFollow Stellara 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 journey.com/alliance.

  • The Boutique Hotel Conundrum: Expand the Brand or Build a Collection? — Quentin Incao, Q Hospitality Management

    The Boutique Hotel Conundrum: Expand the Brand or Build a Collection? — Quentin Incao, Q Hospitality Management

    · Behind the Stays

    Picture this: You’re road-tripping through the Pacific Northwest, and you pull up to a stunning, cliffside micro-resort where elk roam the grounds and the ocean waves crash in the background. Or maybe you’re in the heart of a bustling city, checking into a boutique hotel that oozes local charm and creativity. The problem? These days, everyone from massive chains to up-and-coming brands wants a piece of that “boutique” magic.

    In this episode, I’m joined by Quentin Incao, founder of Q Hospitality Management, a company that specializes in operating and consulting for some of the most unique boutique properties around. Quentin’s career has taken him from managing iconic independent hotels to building experiential outdoor resorts that redefine what luxury means.

    We dig into the boutique dilemma: Why are big brands suddenly obsessed with being “boutique”? Has the term lost all meaning now that every major hotel chain has its own “indie” spin-off? And most importantly, how are the real independents – the ones that actually care about authenticity and unique experiences – pushing back?

    Quentin and I discuss:

    The rise of brand operating companies and why they’re becoming more common in the boutique space.

    What makes a great operator for a glamping resort versus a luxury hotel in the city – and why not every team can handle both.

    Why some boutique hoteliers are choosing to build collections of unique, one-of-one properties instead of expanding a single brand.

    How the new wave of micro-resorts and landscape hotels are reimagining what it means to deliver a luxury experience.

    Connect with Quentin on LinkedIn

    Learn more about Q Hospitality

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • Why Big Chains Hijacked Boutique (and How Independent Hotels Are Fighting Back) with Ariela Kiradjian, Co-Founder of BLLA

    Why Big Chains Hijacked Boutique (and How Independent Hotels Are Fighting Back) with Ariela Kiradjian, Co-Founder of BLLA

    · Behind the Stays

    Imagine growing up in a world where hospitality wasn't just a business — it was family. Where your childhood was spent in boardrooms with industry pioneers, and your teenage years were marked by co-founding an association that would go on to redefine boutique hotels worldwide.

    Today’s guest, Ariela Kiradjian, has dedicated her life to answering the question: What does it mean to truly preserve the soul and individuality of independent hotels? As the co-founder of BLLA (Boutique & Lifestyle Leaders Association), Ariela is on a mission to protect the spirit of boutique hospitality from being diluted by big chains and mass marketing.

    Ariela’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Raised by a mother who was already a force in the travel world, Ariela was exposed to the inner workings of boutique hotels from a young age. By 14, she was launching BLLA alongside her mom, setting out to amplify the voices of hoteliers who value individuality and craft.

    In this episode, Ariela takes us on a journey through:

    The evolution of boutique hospitality: How big chains hijacked the word “boutique” and why it’s time to reclaim it.

    The real essence of boutique hotels: It’s not just design — it’s about intimacy, independence, and soul.

    The funding dilemma: Why finding capital for true boutique projects remains a challenge — and how BLLA is fighting to change that.

    The boutique advantage: Why hotels that invest in experience and individuality are poised to thrive.

    Ariela’s passion for preserving the heart of boutique hotels is infectious, and her insights are a masterclass in what it means to blend business with soul.

    Connect with Ariela on LinkedIn

    Learn more about BLLA

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • Building the Four Seasons of Vacation Rentals: Inside the Luxus Vision with Founder Stephen Petasky

    Building the Four Seasons of Vacation Rentals: Inside the Luxus Vision with Founder Stephen Petasky

    · Behind the Stays

    Imagine being nine years old, on your first-ever family trip to Disneyland, only to have your hotel room broken into and your precious park tickets stolen. Then, just as hope seems lost, a stranger knocks on the door and hands your family their leftover Disney passes, saving the day.

    That moment didn’t just shape Stephen Petaskey’s childhood — it laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey and his passion for creating remarkable travel experiences. Today, Stephen is the visionary behind Luxus Vacation Properties, a company known for redefining luxury travel by blending consistency, comfort, and a human touch.

    In this episode, Stephen shares how that early lesson in resilience and generosity set him on a path to building one of the most respected names in luxury vacation rentals. From managing private vacation clubs to developing global branded stays, Stephen has spent nearly two decades perfecting what it means to create certainty in travel.

    We dive into:

    The Birth of Luxus: How a personal need for family-friendly travel inspired a multimillion-dollar portfolio.

    The Four Pillars of Luxury: The unshakable standards that make every Luxus stay unforgettable.

    Playing the Long Game: Why Stephen believes in building a brand one remarkable experience at a time.

    The Future of Luxury Travel: How branded vacation homes can stand toe-to-toe with luxury hotels.

    Finding Balance in Growth: Merging the flexibility of OTAs with the consistency of a branded portfolio.

    Stephen’s story is proof that the best brands aren’t built overnight — they’re crafted through persistence, innovation, and a genuine desire to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re curious about the evolution of luxury vacation rentals or looking for inspiration from a hospitality industry pioneer, this conversation is not to be missed.

    Learn more about Luxus

    Connect with Stephen 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 journey.com/alliance.

  • What Happens When Two Engineers Build a Boutique Resort with Zero Hospitality Experience?

    What Happens When Two Engineers Build a Boutique Resort with Zero Hospitality Experience?

    · Behind the Stays

    What happens when two lifelong friends and engineers decide to stop dreaming about their mountain getaway — and start building it from scratch?

    Meet Dave Mayo and Matt Kamp, the co-founders of New River Ridge—a design-forward micro resort perched on 14 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

    These guys aren’t developers. They’re not influencers. And they’re definitely not hotel veterans.

    But what they are is obsessed with building a better kind of retreat. One where couples can truly disconnect, recharge, and rediscover each other in nature—without sacrificing thoughtful design or high-end comfort.

    In this episode, we unpack:– How a shared dream turned into a full-blown SBA-funded hospitality business– Why they traded prefab shortcuts for custom stick-built cabins—and what most people misunderstand about that decision– The zoning workarounds, financing hurdles, and site planning pivots that nearly derailed the project– How they’re navigating build-in-public storytelling while still holding full-time jobs– Why they believe in building lifestyle assets, not just investment properties—and how that mindset shapes every decision

    Whether you’re a builder, dreamer, or first-time founder with land on the brain, this episode is your permission slip to start small—and think big.Follow New River Ridge 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 journey.com/alliance.

  • Why Most Hotel Developments Feel Soulless — And How Zach Rapaport Plans to Change That.

    Why Most Hotel Developments Feel Soulless — And How Zach Rapaport Plans to Change That.

    · Behind the Stays

    What does it take to transform real estate development into something more than just bricks and mortar—into places with soul, story, and unforgettable experiences?

    Today’s guest, Zach Rapaport, is on a mission to answer that question. As the founder of Meerkat Development, he’s redefining what it means to build hospitality and lifestyle-driven spaces from the ground up. His journey started in construction — literally digging foundations — and evolved into leading development projects for some of the most compelling hospitality brands today, including Joe & The Juice, Selina, and Lifehouse. From scaling global F&B concepts to crafting boutique hotels that blend place and purpose, Zach has been at the forefront of experience-first hospitality development. In this episode, Zach pulls back the curtain on:

    Why most developments feel soulless — and how he’s changing that.What it takes to design hospitality concepts that aren’t just trendy, but timelessThe 75/25 rule of brand consistency — how much a space should adapt to its location vs. maintain its DNAThe untapped opportunity in storytelling-driven development (and why it’s a competitive advantage)Lessons from scaling Joe & The Juice across the U.S., building lifestyle hotels at Selina, and leading development for Lifehouse

    If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build experiences, not just properties — or how the future of hospitality is being shaped by people who think like creatives but execute like developers — this one’s for you.

  • From Red Bull to the Backcountry: Why Sam Degenhard Left a Dream Job to Build the Next Great Outdoor Hospitality Brand

    From Red Bull to the Backcountry: Why Sam Degenhard Left a Dream Job to Build the Next Great Outdoor Hospitality Brand

    · Behind the Stays

    What does it take to walk away from one of the coolest marketing jobs on the planet—at a company so many would kill to work for—to go sleep in the dirt and build an outdoor hospitality brand from scratch?

    Today’s guest, Sam Degenhard, did exactly that. After a decade at Red Bull, where he helped shape the world of action sports marketing, Sam traded corporate prestige for the unpredictable wilds of entrepreneurship. He founded Campfire Ranch, a next-gen hospitality brand designed for adventure-seekers who crave nature but don’t want to deal with the headaches of traditional camping.

    In this episode, Sam takes us inside his journey from Red Bull to the backcountry, revealing:

    What Red Bull gets right about branding and experiential marketing—and how he’s applying those lessons to hospitalityWhy most campgrounds and outdoor stays are fundamentally broken—and how Campfire Ranch is fixing themHow building a brand as an op-co, while letting others own the real estate, allows for faster, more sustainable growthWhy today's outdoor traveler demands more than just a campsite, and how Campfire Ranch is redefining the experience

    If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into a business, building a hospitality brand with soul, or simply want to know what’s next in outdoor travel, this one’s for you.

    [email protected]://www.linkedin.com/in/samdegenhard/www.CampfireRanch.cohttps://www.instagram.com/campfire_ranch

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • Loyalty is Broken — Here’s How We’re Fixing It

    Loyalty is Broken — Here’s How We’re Fixing It

    · Behind the Stays

    Loyalty programs should feel rewarding, but most hotel programs feel like a frustrating game of hoops to jump through. In this solo episode, Zach breaks down why traditional hotel loyalty is failing and what needs to change.

    Here’s the problem: Most hotel loyalty programs are built for the brand, not the traveler. Only 18% of consumers feel they get real value from these programs, and 75% of points go unused because of complicated redemption rules and blackout dates. Instead of fostering genuine loyalty, these programs often leave guests feeling unrecognized and unmotivated to return.

    So, what should loyalty actually look like? It should be experiential, personalized, and rewarding beyond just free nights.

    The best programs create a real emotional connection — think about why people engage with Starbucks Rewards daily but forget about their hotel points for years. Guests want perks that matter to them, whether it’s a personalized welcome gift, a guaranteed late checkout, or a local experience they’d never find on their own.

    This is where Journey comes in. We’re reimagining hotel loyalty to be about meaningful rewards, engagement-based perks, and a seamless way for independent properties to offer the same level of recognition as big brands — without the corporate bureaucracy. Imagine redeeming points for a private beach dinner, an exclusive spa treatment, or a behind-the-scenes hotel tour — experiences that make travel unforgettable.

    Loyalty shouldn’t be a gimmick. It should be a thank you. And we’re building a program that does just that.

    How do YOU think we should reimagine loyalty here at Journey? Send me an email at [email protected] and let us know!

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • 75 Hospitality Titans Share Their Secrets in Steve Turk’s New

    75 Hospitality Titans Share Their Secrets in Steve Turk’s New "Hospitality Unlocked" Book

    · Behind the Stays

    Steve Turk returns to the podcast, this time with a brand-new title—author.

    In this episode, live from the IMN STR Forum in Miami, Steve shares the journey behind Hospitality Unlocked, a book packed with insights from 75 of the industry's top leaders. We dive into his inspiration (hint: Tim Ferriss was a big influence), the art of guest experience, and the surprising lessons he uncovered while compiling wisdom from hospitality’s best.

    But that’s not all—Steve also reflects on his own career, from pool boy to hotel executive, and reveals what it really takes to climb the ranks in luxury hospitality. Plus, we unpack some of the biggest trends shaping the industry, including the rise of solo travel, the future of family-friendly experiences, and why wellness travelers are spending more than ever.

    If you're thinking about building your own hospitality brand — or just want an inside look at the minds shaping the future of hotels—this episode is a must-listen.

    Tune in to hear:

    Why Steve believes patience, self-advocacy, and adaptability are the keys to successThe biggest takeaways from interviewing 75 hospitality iconsWhy family travel and solo wellness retreats are the next big opportunitiesHow Hospitality Unlocked is giving the next generation a roadmap to success

    Buy Hospitality UnlockedConnect with Steve Turk on LinkedInListen to Steve's Podcast

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • Why You Should Buy a Hotel (And How To Do So) with Edwin Kramer (From EDITION, Nobu, and Four Seasons)

    Why You Should Buy a Hotel (And How To Do So) with Edwin Kramer (From EDITION, Nobu, and Four Seasons)

    · Behind the Stays

    If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a hotel, this episode is for you.

    Edwin Kramer, a global luxury hospitality expert with three decades of experience at brands like EDITION, Nobu, and Four Seasons, joins us to discuss the evolving definition of luxury, the art of hospitality, and why more people should own hotels.

    Known for his mantra “Life is short—own a hotel,” Edwin now helps entrepreneurs and investors develop, launch, and scale boutique hospitality ventures through his consultancy, Kramer Hospitality.

    In this episode, we explore:- Why hospitality is attracting more entrepreneurs than ever- The future of luxury: experience-driven, personalized, and community-focused- Lessons from working with Ian Schrager, Marriott, and Nobu- The biggest mistakes first-time hotel owners make- Where the market is ripe for disruption—from boutique concepts to membership-driven hospitality- Why the best hotels feel like a return, not just a stay

    Edwin also shares insider strategies for securing investment, spotting the next great hotel opportunity, and avoiding costly pitfalls when developing a hospitality brand. Whether you’re building a micro-resort, reimagining a historic inn, or simply passionate about the art of world-class hospitality, this episode is packed with game-changing insights from a true industry master.

    Connect with Edwin on LinkedIn

    Learn more about Kramer Hospitality

  • How They Transformed a Cape Cod Inn into the #1 Inn in the U.S — The Story of Candleberry Inn with Marco DiDomizio

    How They Transformed a Cape Cod Inn into the #1 Inn in the U.S — The Story of Candleberry Inn with Marco DiDomizio

    · Behind the Stays

    What happens when you pour your heart and soul into reviving a historic inn, transform it into the #1 Bed & Breakfast in America, and then decide to walk away? In this episode, Marco DiDomizio, co-owner of the Candleberry Inn, shares his incredible journey — from leaving a succesful corporate careers in New York City to restoring a hidden gem on Cape Cod into a TripAdvisor and Travel + Leisure award-winning destination.

    Marco takes us behind the scenes of how he and his partner, Angelo, spotted potential in an underperforming property, strategically elevated every guest touchpoint, and mastered the art of personalized hospitality—leading to record-breaking rates, loyal repeat guests, and international recognition.

    We also dive deep into:- How to spot an asset with untapped potential in hospitality- The key upgrades that drive real revenue growth- Why small details — like knowing the bartender’s name — matter more than ever- The psychological shift from innkeeper to seller and why timing the exit is crucial- Marco’s next chapter: Helping future innkeepers find, buy, and scale their dream properties

    If you're thinking about investing in boutique hotels, reimagining historic properties, or simply love the magic of high-touch hospitality, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and real-world lessons from someone who built—and exited—a legendary inn at the peak of its success.

    Connect with Marco on LinkedIn

    Learn more about Inn AdvisorsDiscover Candleberry Inn

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • From Rock Bottom to 100+ STRs: How Patryk Swietek Built The Co-Host Company

    From Rock Bottom to 100+ STRs: How Patryk Swietek Built The Co-Host Company

    · Behind the Stays

    What does it take to scale a thriving hospitality business from scratch—and do it at lightning speed? Today, we sit down with Patryk Swietek, founder of The Co-Host Company, a rising star in the short-term rental space who’s proving that the smartest way to grow isn’t always from the ground up—it’s by acquiring, optimizing, and redefining what great hospitality looks like.

    Patryk’s journey is anything but ordinary. From shoveling snow in Chicago as a kid to building a gaming server business at 14, he was wired for entrepreneurship. But after working under industry titans at AvantStay, navigating layoffs during COVID, and hitting rock bottom, he made a decision: No more playing by someone else’s rules.

    Now, he’s leading The Co-Host Company, managing over 100 high-end properties, and proving that with the right strategy, short-term rentals aren’t just a side hustle — they’re a serious, scalable business. We’ll dive into how he leveraged acquisitions to scale quickly, his philosophy on storytelling through hospitality, and why the best listings aren’t just booked—they’re designed to sell an experience.

    Plus, we’ll talk about the future of STRs, why most Airbnb ‘gurus’ have disappeared, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • How to Build a Boutique Hotel That Feels Like It’s Always Been There

    How to Build a Boutique Hotel That Feels Like It’s Always Been There

    · Behind the Stays

    Some people enter hospitality by accident. Others are born into it—raised at tables where the meal was just the beginning of the experience.

    For Bobby Quintal, hospitality isn’t just a career — it’s a lifelong passion shaped by growing up in New Orleans, one of the most culturally rich and culinary-driven cities in the world.

    From his early days working in restaurants to leading development for Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, one of the most highly regarded restaurant groups in the world, Bobby has spent his career crafting memorable spaces that blend food, design, and storytelling.

    Now, as a partner at Sandstone Hospitality, Bobby is helping redefine boutique hotels—breathing new life into historic properties like The Columns, building brand-new destinations like Hotel Henrietta, and weaving F&B-forward hospitality into every project.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    How growing up in New Orleans shaped Bobby’s view on hospitalityLessons from working with Danny Meyer & Union Square Hospitality Group and how legendary brands like Shake Shack built an empire by prioritizing emotion over transactions.Reinventing The Columns Hotel—how Bobby and his team transformed a fading New Orleans institution into a must-visit experience The delicate art of new builds vs. historic renovations—why the best designers listen to the story a space already wants to tell instead of forcing a narrative onto it.How Sandstone weaves F&B into every projectThe role of subtle branding in hospitality —why a small oyster bar named "Fives" has an unexpected connection to a historic tobacco magnate, and how a pink espresso machine at Hotel Henrietta tells its own story.Why smaller cities with soul are the next frontier for experiential hotels.And so much more

    Connect with Bobby

    Learn more about Sandstone

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • Ultra-Luxury Travel, Billionaire Guests, and the Art of Curation with Wolf Worster, Founder of Sirreti

    Ultra-Luxury Travel, Billionaire Guests, and the Art of Curation with Wolf Worster, Founder of Sirreti

    · Behind the Stays

    Imagine owning so many homes around the world that you lose track of them—so instead of letting them sit empty, you hire someone to manage them, curate them, and quietly offer them to an elite circle of travelers who can afford $20,000-a-night stays.

    If that’s the world you live in, you might hire Wolf Worster lives in.

    As the founder of Sirreti, a private network shaping the ultra-luxury villa and private residence industry, Wolf works with high-net-worth individuals, property managers, and travel advisors to create the most exclusive stays on the planet — homes so private and so pristine, they don’t even appear on public listings.

    One of his clients? Michael Dell, the billionaire founder of Dell Computers. That’s the level we’re talking about here.

    But what makes a property truly ultra-luxury? And how has high-end travel changed as younger billionaires step onto the scene, throwing traditional expectations out the window?

    In this episode, we explore:

    The secret world of ultra-high-net-worth travel — where money is almost meaningless, but privacy and exclusivity are everything.Why younger billionaires travel differently — from tech founders to heirs of generational wealth, how their spending habits and preferences are reshaping luxury hospitality.How Sirreti is redefining luxury standards — and why even the wealthiest travelers don’t just want high thread-count sheets; they want a story, an experience, and a seamless booking process.The hidden flaws in ultra-luxury hospitality — from outdated tech to service inconsistencies, and why the highest-end stays still struggle with guest experience.The role of travel advisors in this elite world — why they’re more important than ever, and why smart operators are shifting away from OTAs and direct bookings to focus on this lucrative channel.The rise and fall of luxury markets — why Ibiza and St. Barts are struggling while other under-the-radar destinations are thriving.Why there’s still no “Ritz-Carlton” of private stays — and what it would take to build a recognizable ultra-luxury brand in the vacation rental industry.

    Connect with WolfExplore Sirreti

    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 journey.com/alliance.

  • How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Micro-Resort

    How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Micro-Resort

    · Behind the Stays

    Meet Ian Joseph — real estate investor turned hospitality entrepreneur — who is on a mission to bring a new kind of micro-resort experience to life.

    What started as a simple desire to buy a vacation home led him to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, a historic spa town with deep hospitality roots.

    Now, Ian is in the early stages of launching Branch, an experiential micro-resort designed to blend striking architecture, immersive nature experiences, and strong community connections.

    Branch hasn’t broken ground yet, but Ian is deep in the trenches — securing financing, finalizing design plans, and laying the foundation for what he hopes will be the first of many unique stays. Inspired by brands like Live Oak Lake, he’s determined to build a hospitality concept that goes beyond beautiful accommodations and taps into the story, history, and culture of its location.

    In this episode, we dive into:

    Why Ian chose Berkeley Springs, West Virginia and what makes it a hidden gem ready for a hospitality revival.The rise of micro-resorts and why entrepreneurs without traditional hotel backgrounds are leading the way.How Ian is designing Branch to integrate with the local community — partnering with restaurants, chefs, and wellness providers instead of competing with them with onsite offerings.How he’s designing unexpected, locally inspired experiences for guests — like moonshine tastings, fruit wine flights, and hyper-local food collaborations.What he’s learned about raising capital for a hospitality development — including securing debt financing and finding the right equity partners.His long-term vision for Branch and why he believes the best hospitality brands will be built around story-driven destinations.And so much more

    Follow Branch 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.

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