Superhosts Down Under with Silvia and Ray

Welcome to Superhost Down Under! This week, Silvia and Ray tackle the unglamorous issue that can make or break every short-term rental: linens. They are joined by Usha, founder of Parvatii Stays and a Home Time partner who grew from one Airbnb to managing around 20 properties across NSW and South Australia. Usha shares how her business grew through COVID, why she vets owners before properties, and...

Welcome to Superhost Down Under! In this week's episode, Silvia and Ray tackle the great pet debate: to host or not to host furry friends? We are then joined by Lis, a former magazine decorating editor turned successful farmhouse Airbnb host. Lis shares her origin story of turning an investment property into a highly sought-after rural retreat, the power of professional photography, and her top cl...

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under , hosts Ray Yee and Silvia are joined by short-term rental industry veteran Geoff Gedge. Geoff shares his incredible 18-year hosting journey and the secrets behind maintaining a near-perfect 5.0-star track record. We dive deep into his properties—Bluegums Retreat and Kurrajong Retreat in beautiful Hepburn Springs, Victoria—and discuss how he navigates multi...

In this episode, Ray and Silvia are joined by David Speirs, an Adelaide-based property investor and former Airbnb superhost who now runs two short-term rentals as a family business under the Haven Retreats brand. The episode opens with Ray's candid update on joining the Guesty multi-channel platform and the unexpected cash flow trade-offs. David then shares why he walked away from Airbnb entirely...

In this episode, Ray and Silvia are joined by Jodie Odlin, a 10-year Airbnb host, creator of the Hospitable Hosts book series, founder of a publishing company, and the driving force behind the Global Hospitality Collective. The episode opens with a discussion on co-host responsibility for property damages, including a tricky real-world scenario involving a mystery carpet stain, AirCover limitation...

Episode Description In this episode, Ray and Silvia are joined by Jenny, a San Francisco-based Superhost who shares a deeply personal journey into Airbnb hosting. What began as a way to navigate a major life transition turned into a sustainable lifestyle, allowing Jenny to keep her family home while welcoming guests from around the world. The episode opens with a discussion on guest expectations,...

In this episode, Ray and Silvia dive into the "behind-the-scenes" of property management when things go wrong—from cold showers in Sydney to power outages in Melbourne. We are then joined by Eloi and Emiie , the sibling duo behind Sable and Stone Stays , who share how they built a thriving Airbnb arbitrage business in Melbourne in less than a year. In This Episode, We Cover: Host Horror...

In this episode of Superhost Down Under , hosts Ray Yee and Silvia interview Elena Stepanova , founder of My Perfect Host . Elena discusses her transition from a corporate career to managing a portfolio of over 20 properties[cite: 122, 123, 140]. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The "Brick" Solution: Silvia shares how a host sourced bricks from a building site on New Year's Eve to rais...

Ray and Silvia are joined by Carmel O’Beirne, a lifestyle host from Clifton Hill, Melbourne, who uses her one-bedroom apartment to fund travel and supplement her income as she transitions toward retirement. The episode opens with Ray sharing a challenging guest situation involving a dropped wallet, refusal to check out, and police intervention — a reminder that hosting can sometimes take unexpecte...

Ray and Silvia are joined by Emma Bartlett, a new Airbnb host in Trinity Beach, North Queensland, juggling a full-time job and two young children. They kick off with a discussion about the hosts' shared pet peeve: guests who don't provide feedback during their stay, only in post-checkout reviews. Ray shares his frustration with missed opportunities to improve guest experiences, while Emma,...

Ray and Silvia are joined by Stefan Jordana , a Brisbane-based host (and emerging interior designer) behind a colourful, tropical one-bedroom Airbnb nicknamed “The Fishbowl.” They kick off with a practical host topic: communal facilities in strata buildings—what guests should be allowed to use (pool, gym, rooftop BBQ), what’s often too hard to manage (bookable cinema/dining rooms), and why some re...

This week on Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia are joined by returning guest Tanya, plus Superhost couple Jay and Rod. Tanya shares a recent, highly stressful stay that escalated fast — including late-night Airbnb support contact, refund pressure, a privacy breach, cancellation outcomes, and a retaliatory one-star review. Jay and Rod then share how they built three strong-performing Airbnb lis...

This week on Superhosts Down Under , Ray and Silvia sit down with Will from Mel Boutique Property, the operator behind Degraves Street Apartment — a design-led short-term rental tucked into one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways. Located just moments from cafés, galleries, and the city’s creative pulse, Degraves Street Apartment is a thoughtful example of how boutique hospitality can exist within...

This week on Superhosts Down Under , Ray and Silvia sit down with filmmaker and disability advocate Sarah Barton , the host behind two thoughtful and beautifully considered short-term rentals in Melbourne and Wye River. Sarah has worked for decades at the intersection of film and disability rights. Long before becoming a parent to a daughter with a disability, she was already creating documentarie...

Website: https://custombnb.com.au/ Instagram: @custombnb Superhosts Down Under – Episode with Meredith Cowley (Custom BNB Hosting) In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with Meredith Cowley, founder of Custom BNB Hosting, to explore what it really takes to build and run a short-term rental management business across Australia’s east coast. Meredith shares her journey fr...

In this episode, we speak with Lorna Hay, a Western Australia–based superhost, business owner, and operator of multiple successful Airbnb properties across Perth, Darwin, and the Kimberley. Lorna shares how her hosting journey began when her son moved to boarding school and how it grew into a thriving, lifestyle-driven business supported by her trade services company. Alongside Ray and Silvia, Lor...

Episode Description In this episode of Superhosts Down Under , Ray and Silvia chat with Esther , founder of Nelly Woods Collective Stays , about her journey from corporate tech to hosting three design-led “slow stays” across Australia — including Into the Woods and Nelly in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and her newest retreat Tiers Rest in Tasmania. The conversation opens with a lively discussion...

Description In this episode of Superhosts Down Under , Ray and Silvia chat with Karen, host of Rosehaven on Rosebud—a charming 1950s European-style cottage on the Mornington Peninsula. Karen shares how a first-guest backyard party taught her to vet bookings and set clear rules; why final walk-throughs, sustainable cleaning hacks (bicarb, lemon, ultra-fine steel wool), and thoughtful touches help m...

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under , Ray and Silvia sit down with Kim Steele , founder of Seabrook Stays , to explore her 16-year journey in short-term rentals—from one coastal cottage to managing 60+ properties across Australia and the United States, all while keeping a hands-on, family-run approach. The conversation opens with a jaw-dropping guest story involving a homeless intruder, a lof...

In this special episode of Airbnb Superhosts Down Under , hosts Ray Yee and Silvia turn the spotlight on Ray’s own South Yarra property. For the first time, listeners get a deep dive into the design philosophy, guest experience, and lessons learned from running one of Melbourne’s most thoughtfully curated Airbnb studios. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ​ Behind the design: How Scandinavian minim...

In this episode of "Superhost Down Under," we welcome Fei, the owner of Hazel Beach House, to share her journey from being an avid Airbnb guest to a successful host. Join us as we delve into the challenges and joys of managing a coastal property, the importance of community connections, and the art of creating a memorable guest experience. Whether you're a seasoned host or just start...

In this episode of Superhost Down Under, we welcome Kim, a seasoned property management expert, to share her insights on managing Airbnb properties. From setting clear boundaries with guests to styling holiday homes, Kim offers invaluable advice for both new and experienced hosts. Tune in to learn how to navigate the challenges of property management and enhance your hosting experience. Key Topics...

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under , we sit down with Kath and Philippe, hosts of a peaceful, art-filled retreat nestled in the foothills of Queensland’s picturesque Granite Belt. Originally from France, Philippe brings his passion for art and antique restoration, while Kath shares her love of gardening, sustainability, and thoughtful hosting. Together, they’ve created a welcoming space that...

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under , we speak with Marg, a superhost based in Mount Barker, South Australia. Marg is a vibrant artist, retired mediator, and theatre performer who welcomes guests into her quirky, history-filled home— Fettlers Cottage . Marg shares her unique approach to live-in hosting, how she manages two Airbnb rooms with one shared bathroom, and why transparency, empathy,...

In this episode of Airbnb Superhosts Down Under , Jenny Gill joins Ray and Silvia to share her journey of growing from a side hustle into a full-time short-term rental business. With nine years of hosting experience, Jenny now manages four Sydney-based properties, each attracting different types of guests—ranging from solo travellers to families. Jenny discusses the challenges of guest behavior, f...