76. The Low Season Advantage: Unlocking Hidden Profit and Purpose in Off-Peak Travel

What does it take to build a beautiful, thriving glamping brand from scratch, with no hospitality background, limited funds, but a whole lot of creativity? It takes guts to dream big with ambition but no experience, and we can all learn a lot from those who do it. In this episode, we sit down with Eamon Heggarty, the founder of Coorie Retreats, to unpack the inspiring story behind one of the UK's most talked-about boutique retreat brands. From resourceful financing and clever design choices to mastering social media storytelling, Eamon shares the realities of building a dream business from the ground up. We also explore Coorie's bold next chapter, with new sites planned in Edinburgh, Donegal, and the UAE, and how innovation (including their now-famous salt floating tubs) keeps the brand ahead of the curve. Whether you're a retreat owner, creative entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of escaping the 9–5 for a business in nature, this conversation will leave you inspired and full of ideas for what's possible when passion meets purpose. In this chat with Sarah Riley, Eamon shares: How to launch a glamping business with little experience or capital Creative ways to finance and design on a budget Why authentic storytelling drives bookings better than ads The inspiration (and science!) behind salt floating tubs How to expand internationally while staying true to your brand More Information Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio for small businesses https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/   Eamon Heggarty, Coorie Retreats Website: https://coorieretreats.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coorieretreats/    *Please show your thanks by leaving a review*

We're tackling a hot topic that's causing a stir across the experiential travel world—from glamping hosts and retreat leaders to boutique accommodation owners: Is traditional SEO… officially dead? If you've ever found yourself wondering how on earth you're meant to keep up with the pace of change in the digital world... you're not alone. And today's episode is one you won't want to miss if you want help keeping up. With AI search, zero-click results, and Google's new overviews changing the way people find information, website traffic is down across all industries by an average of 20%. So the real question becomes: What now? And what should you be doing differently? To unpack all of this, I'm joined by the brilliant Kenny Ridgell from Ridge Media. Kenny works with some huge hospitality names, but what I love most is how grounded and practical his advice is, especially for those of us building meaningful businesses without a corporate marketing team in our back pocket. We get into: What these AI-driven search changes really mean for smaller, independent brands Why the "old way" of doing SEO just isn't cutting it anymore And what you can do now to stay visible, relevant, and bookable in this fast-changing landscape We also share some incredibly useful tools, smart strategies to optimise your presence online, and ideas to help you adapt... even if you're doing all the marketing yourself. So… grab your cuppa, get comfy, and take a deep breath. This isn't about panic. It's about learning about what matters and changing what you do so you can keep up with everything. Because once you understand what's important, you'll be ready to lead the way forward. __________________ More Information Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio for small businesses https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Kenny Ridgell, Ridge Media   C: 864-354-6175 | O: 864-230-2546  1565 Laurens Road, Greenville, SC 29607  https://ridgemediallc.com/      

What if the "quiet season" wasn't your biggest booking struggle, but your greatest business opportunity? In this eye-opening episode, Sarah Riley is joined by Ged Brown from Low Season Traveller to explore a powerful shift happening in tourism that few are talking about, but that savvy glamping business owners, retreat leaders, and unique holiday rental hosts need to hear. Together, they unpack: Why rising global travel is creating chaos during peak seasons, and what that means for boutique hosts How low season travel benefits everyone... your guests, your profits, and the planet Proven strategies to increase bookings, impact, and guest satisfaction during slower months Ged's journey creating the world's first platform for off-peak travel, and why it's changing the game If you're ready to stop chasing high-season chaos and start designing a glamping or short-stay business that thrives all year round, this conversation will shift your perspective and ignite new ideas. Plus, you'll learn how to build a brand that values connection over crowds, and sustainability over saturation, so your unique hospitality experience stays in demand no matter the season. __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. Learn it - join our tribe - or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Ged Brown - Low Season Traveller https://lowseasontraveller.com/ 

What if the key to feeling more grounded, more aligned, and more inspired in both life and business… was to think ten years ahead? It might sound like a lifetime away, especially when you're juggling guests, chasing algorithms, and trying to stay afloat in a world that never slows down. But in this powerful episode, I'm joined by corporate strategist and creative soul Tricia Duffy, the voice behind In 10 Years Time, to explore how a simple mindset shift can change everything. This isn't about productivity hacks or rigid goal-setting. It's about legacy. About designing a business... and a life... that fits who you're becoming. Tricia shares her deceptively simple exercise that's profoundly moving and refreshingly practical. It will help you pause, zoom out, and start creating from a place of calm, not chaos. If you've been feeling stuck, caught in short-term thinking, or just need a reminder that you are in charge of your direction... this episode is for you. Grab a pen, and let's map your future together. More Information Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Tricia Duffy - How To Live A Creative Life https://www.intenyearstime.com/ 

This is a must-listen for anyone dreaming of launching a stunning geodesic dome retreat on their land. Because here's the truth: what you don't know about buying domes could cost you thousands. I'm joined by the brilliant Ronnie Smith of Glamping Revolution, one of Europe's most trusted manufacturers of luxury glamping structures. Based in sunny Portugal, Ronnie and her team don't just design show-stopping domes (including Europe's largest suspended dome structure), they also work from inside them. So when it comes to real-world insights, she's the real deal. In this episode, we dive into: Why geodesic domes are guest magnets (and how to use that to your advantage) The biggest mistakes people make when buying their first dome, and how to avoid them What to look for in quality materials and an ethical supplier The secret to choosing a dome that lasts 15 years, not just one season We also explore the ancient, almost mystical sacred symmetry of the dome, and ask whether its timeless design could be the secret behind why guests are so drawn to it. If you're serious about glamping and want to make smart, sustainable choices from the start, this episode will leave you inspired, informed, and ready to build something unforgettable. Let's talk domes... the right way. __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. Learn it - join our tribe - or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Ronnie Smith [email protected] Glamping Revolution https://www.glampingrevolution.pt/en/  Amazing Modular Architecture https://amazingmodulararchitecture.com/   

The glamping and luxury outdoor hospitality industry is entering a bold new chapter. Sustainability is no longer optional. AI is rewriting how guests find you. And travellers? They're no longer satisfied with just a pretty stay… they want connection, meaning, and transformation. In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to stay relevant as expectations rise and attention spans shrink. With fewer website clicks, smarter algorithms, and constant digital disruption, visibility is no longer a nice-to-have… it's your survival strategy. Inspired by the timeless lessons in one of the best books ever written, this episode explores how to navigate relentless change in a way that feels grounded, intentional, and powerful. Because the truth is, the cheese isn't just moving occasionally… it's shifting daily, and you need to know what's going on. So the question isn't if you should adapt…it's how quickly and how consciously you can, and that starts here. The future isn't coming… it's already here. Are you ready to meet it? __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. learn it - join our tribe - or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/ 

Powerful energy healing for your land, home, business and life - Today's episode might just open a doorway to something you've always sensed, but never been able to describe. So first I'll ask you… Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt… something? A sense of calm, clarity, alignment, or maybe the opposite? That reaction is no accident. And in this conversation, we're exploring why it happens, and how it can change the way we build, host, live and succeed. I'm joined by the wonderful Valentina Cereda https://www.energyandspace.org/  a Health and Wellbeing Architect who specialises in creating sacred spaces that honour the energetic essence of land. Her work blends ancient wisdom with modern design to support health, wellbeing, and deeper alignment, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Valentina and I met unexpectedly, and our conversation stayed with me. In fact, it's what inspired this episode. Together, we explore: What "invisible energy" really is, and why it matters more than we realise How your built environment subtly influences your health, emotions, and success And how dowsing, energy mapping, and sacred spatial design are being used to shape meaningful hospitality and aligned living There's science behind this, yes, but also intuition, presence, and a deep call to reconnect with something we've collectively forgotten. If you've been feeling drawn to this topic, curious, lit up, even a little unsure… that's no accident either. As I always say: follow your curiosity and see where it leads. It might just be the nudge toward a more grounded, nourishing way of doing business… and living well. If you're dreaming of designing a retreat event, glamping space, or even your own home with more intention, energy, and soul… this is the episode for you. More Information Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    Valentina Cereda -  Health And Wellness Architect https://www.energyandspace.org/  

What happens when a love for art, culture and community transforms into a thriving boutique hospitality business in the hills above Rio de Janeiro? In this soulful episode of The Business of Glamping and Unique Holiday Rentals, I sit down with Dacia Young, a passionate Bed and Breakfast owner who left behind the familiar and followed a dream to Brazil's bohemian heart... Santa Teresa. We explore how her unique 13-room heritage property, expertly decorated with elegant art pieces, became more than just a guest stay… it became a reset space and a sanctuary for rest, reflection, and realignment. In this episode, we dive into: Why she chose a boutique, cultural model over the traditional tourist trail How her family-run Bed and Breakfast delivers that wow factor with local art, garden views and homemade breakfasts What inspired her to launch "Reset Retreats", and how they're helping guests slow down, reflect, and restore The power of hosting transformational experiences (and what guests really want from a retreat) What it's like to move abroad and start a business around a different pace of life If you've ever dreamt of running your business in a vibrant new country… or building a retreat that offers more than just a pretty view, this episode will leave you inspired, grounded and full of ideas. Because sometimes, the best way to grow your business… is to slow down. If you want to visit Dacia in Casa Jomo, attend one of her retreats or learn from her if you are thinking of relocating, visit: https://www.casajomo.art/ __________ Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/

In this episode, host Sarah Riley chats with Steph Curtis-Raleigh, a global expert in the experiential travel and glamping industry, to take stock of the sector's latest developments. From luxury eco-resorts thriving worldwide to challenges facing traditional glamping operators, they explore key industry trends, shifts in demand, and innovative business models that are shaping the future. Steph shares inspiring success stories worldwide, including a groundbreaking resort in Mauritius that turned an urban plot into a thriving community hub. They discuss how networking, adaptability, and creativity drive businesses forward, even in uncertain times. If you're in the experiential hospitality space, this episode is packed with insights and takeaways you won't want to miss. For more information about the Eco Resort Network please email Steph or visit: https://www.ecoresort.network/ and [email protected]    Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/

What's it like to work in a traditional job and build a glamping business on the side? Is it possible? More importantly, is it realistic to think that your side hustle can one day be your forever job, allowing you to power down from the corporate world?  This is what Teresa and Jon from Devonia Escapes have been exploring, which led them to setup their cabin business, Devonia Escapes. Want to know how they've designed their corporate escape plan? Literally? Welcome to episode 69 Get in touch: Sarah Riley - Glamping, retreats, events, and guest attraction  Courses. Guided Growth. Done-for-You Marketing. *learn it *join our tribe *or let us handle it Glamping Academy & Owners Club https://inspiredcourses.com Boutique marketing studio https://inspiredcollectiveltd.com/    All show notes: https://www.inspiredcamping.com/category/podcast/   Teresa & Jon: Devonia Escapes in North Devon, UK, https://devoniaescapes.co.uk/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devoniaescapes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devoniaescapes