Glamping Americas Podcast

You got into glamping because you love the personal side of it. Chatting with guests when they arrive. Giving them your own local tips, not something off a leaflet. Being the person who makes their stay feel like it was made just for them. But what happens when the phone is ringing, and questions are coming in by email from potential guests who might move on to the next property if you don't pick...

In this episode, I sit down with Collin from Pacific Yurts to trace these structures from their Mongolian origins as the 'ger' or 'gur' to their modern role in glamping and hospitality. We cover why these circular, historic homes create such a distinct feeling for guests, what goes into building a yurt that can withstand snow loads and coastal storms, and the real economics behind them, including...

What if everything you've been told about building a successful glamping business is backwards? What if adding more amenities isn't the answer... What if discounting isn't the answer... And what if the secret to charging three times the average nightly rate has nothing to do with having a bigger budget? In this fascinating episode, Sarah Riley sits down with Janice Wilson , software engineer, hosp...

What do Taylor Swift, a sold-out concert, and a 71-acre property in rural Indiana have in common? More than you might think. When Maggie Klein secured tickets to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, she unknowingly set in motion a chain of events that would completely change her family's future. With the house needed for concert guests, her husband Mark suddenly found himself with an unexpected free weekend...

In this fascinating conversation, Sarah Riley interviews Leslie Martin, founder of the breathtaking Lagom  Retreat in the Texas Hill Country... a Swedish-inspired glamping, wellness and events destination that is already turning heads across the hospitality world.   What makes Leslie's story even more incredible?   She came from the tech industry with zero hospitality experience.   Now  she's  cre...

What if starting an outdoor hospitality business didn't  require land, cabins, permits, or a six-figure investment? In this episode, Sarah Riley speaks with Adam Odgaard from  Isabella Camping  about the  Camp-Let tent trailer…  a clever Danish invention that has been popular across Europe for decades but is only now arriving in the United States.   We explore how this lightweight trailer (just 59...

What does the future of glamping and unique hospitality  really look like? In this episode, Sara h Riley speaks with  Nathan Mayfield, President of  ResNexus , about the major trends shaping the future of  glamping, campgrounds, and unique stays…  from AI and automation to guest e xpectations, direct bookings, data, and digital marketing.   With years of experience and a broad view across the hosp...

In this episode, Sarah Riley talks with Chris Jeub  of Monument Glamping… a familiar name in the industry and one of the early voices helping landowners turn beautiful properties into outdoor hospitality businesses. Chris shares the remarkable story of how a simple idea in 2019, of moving his bedroom into a hunting tent during a home remodel, unexpectedly became a fully-fledged glamping operation...

In this episode, Sarah  Riley  talks with  Tyler  Watts , a civil engineer turned real estate developer  who's  transformed raw land into thriving outdoor hospitality businesses ,  using creativity, strategy, and  seller financing  instead of deep pockets.   Tyler shares how he scaled from single-family homes to multi-million-dollar apartment portfolios, then pivoted into glamping and RV resorts ....

Today,  we're  stepping into the world of  Walden Retreats,  a breathtaking riverside escape in the Texas Hill Country that reimagines what it means to live well, simply, and with intention. Inspired by Henry David Thoreau's timeless work  Walden , this is a place where luxury meets philosophy, and where the modern  traveler  can pause, breathe, and reconnect with what truly matters.   Thoreau spe...

What does it really take to build an outdoor hospitality business from the ground up, and do it in record time… even with a full-time job? In this episode, we sit down with the founders of Nature Nook Acadia , who went from a construction site to hosting their very first guests in less than four months.   They share the behind-the-scenes reality: the long days of building, the unexpected challenge...

What really happens when the glamping industry's brightest minds, boldest creators, and most passionate operators come together in one place? In this lively and insightful episode, Sarah Riley and Steph Curtis-Raleigh relive the energy and inspiration of Glamping Show Americas, sharing their favourite moments, key takeaways, and the behind-the-scenes stories you didn't see on stage. From Bolt Farm...

Today, we uncover a detail many overlook , but one that has the power to transform your guest experience ... furniture and layout design.   My guest, Mike Waring , founder of Mustang Home Goods , blends Japanese joinery, North American architecture, and timeless craftsmanship to create sustainable, ergonomic, and story-driven furniture perfect for glamping sites and boutique retreats. You'll hear:...

What if the future of travel isn't about going farther, but going deeper? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the shift from surface-level escapes to soul-nourishing journeys  and experiences that reconnect us to people, place, and purpose.   Joining me is Whitney Scott, strategist and co-founder of Walden Insights. Whitney helps hospitality leaders navigate toward regenerative intellige...

What if your business could be built with intention, on wild, beautiful land, and still thrive without compromising your values? In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Brendan Riley, the visionary behind Marmora Retreat and Boho-Luxe Glamping in Ontario.   A full-time project manager, father of three, and soulful entrepreneur, Brendan shares how he transformed untouched land into a wellne...

The digital landscape is shifting... fast! If you've felt like your website traffic is down and you're not sure why, you're not imagining things.   AI search, zero-click traffic, and Google's new search overviews are changing how potential guests discover and book their next stay. In fact, website traffic across industries has dropped by 20% and the old rules of SEO just aren't working as they use...

In this episode of Glamping Business Americas , we're diving into a fast-growing trend that's changing the way luxury camp resorts operate … third-party management.   Could handing over a few tasks actually help you grow faster, serve guests better, and protect your sanity?   To help us unpack it all, we're joined by Dan Invergo , Director of Business Development at Northgate Resorts . With a prov...

What happens when you combine next-level design, a passion for nature, and a little rock 'n' roll? You get Bolt Farm Treehouse, one of the most talked-about glamping destinations in America. In this episode of the Glamping Americas Podcast, Sarah Riley sits down with the powerhouse that is Tori Bolt... co-founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, to uncover what it really takes to grow a luxury-in-nature br...

Success in hospitality isn't just about great service... it's about knowing the unspoken rules that keep seasoned owners ahead of the game.   In this episode of The Glamping Americas Podcast , we're uncovering seven powerful principles that can save you time, money, and stress .   From costly handshake agreements to the 80/20 rule and the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, these insi...

What makes a treehouse truly magical? In this episode, we dive into the art and science of treehouse design, exploring the essential, non-negotiable elements that bring these elevated escapes to life. From structural integrity and material selection to artistic vision and site-specific planning, we uncover the intricate balance between nature, creativity, and guest experience. We also discuss how...

Are you struggling to fill your glamping units or wondering how to attract more direct bookings? In this must-listen episode of The Glamping Business Podcast , Sarah sits down with Ben Wolff, co-founder of  Onera and Oasi , two trailblazing names in upscale experiential hospitality and marketing.   From Onera's stunning landscape hotels to Oasi's expert strategies driving 75%+ direct bookings, Ben...

Gabriel Sierra , is an inspiring entrepreneur using his glamping business, Tiny Pines, in Honduras, as a force for good. His journey is a fascinating blend of family heritage, sustainable tourism, and deep community impact. G abriel has turned a mountainside in Honduras - an area once overlooked for tourism - into a thriving, regenerative retreat that supports local families and uplifts an entire...

Can you launch a glamping business on a tiny budget and run it for only a few hours a day so you can be a stay-at-home mom? This is Halley Fleming's story from Ozark Mountain Adventure. When designing her business, she didn't want to compromise so she could spend more time at home with her family. But she also didn't want to land herself in trouble with debt and investors adding pressure to her da...

Welcome to today's episode, where we dive into the booming luxury camping marketplace - a sector experiencing unprecedented growth. From soaring market valuations to a surge in attendees at the recent Glamping Show in Colorado, the signs are clear: this industry is on fire. Now that this year's show is over, it's time to reflect on all the incredible opportunities we uncovered at the event. Downlo...

What makes one glamping business soar while another struggles? It's a curious thing to witness. But believe me when I say there are common factors that influence positive results in this industry. These aren't just theories; these are core principles that have been tried, tested, and proven to lead to success. Download the Glamping Industry Report here: https://www.glampingshow.us/industry-report....