Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Sonia Aucott of Aucott Interior Design to explore how farms, vineyards, country estates, and rural businesses can successfully diversify into hospitality.
In this episode, we unpack:
🌿 The key questions to ask before starting a hospitality project on your land
🏡 How to decide between cottages, glamping, event barns, or other accommodation types
📋 Why planning, operations, and guest experience all need to be mapped out early
✨ The design touches that create that all-important “wow factor” for your guests
♿ Why accessibility is becoming a must-have (and how it boosts ROI)
📸 How branding, photography, and partnerships can help you stand out and attract bookings
🌟 Find out more about Sonia's upcoming event here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rural-diversification-heritage-hospitality-and-land-use-reimagined-tickets-1552165281139?aff=oddtdtcreator 🌟
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH SONIA 🌟
Website: https://www.aucottinteriordesign.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aucottinteriordesign/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aucottinteriordesign/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soniaaucott/
Join me as I chat through the pros and cons of running your holiday cottage yourself and some top tips on your first steps to going it alone! In this episode, we dive into the benefits of taking control of your holiday rental business, and I share my top 5 tips for setting up and taking your own bookings.🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHiveIf you've got any questions about marketing your property, please email them over to katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Leo Walton, co-founder of Truvi (formerly Superhog), for a straight-talking, insight-packed episode every holiday let owner needs to hear!
In this episode, we dive into:
💡 Why direct bookings matter more than ever and how to start taking them confidently
🔐 How to protect your property and guests without relying on OTAs
⚙️ The tools and tech that make direct booking simple (even if you're not tech-savvy)
🚫 The common fears that hold hosts back and how to overcome them for good
Whether you're just starting out or ready to take control of your short-term rental business, this episode is packed with practical tips and perspective-shifting advice to help you build a more profitable, resilient hosting strategy.
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH LEO 🌟
Website: https://truvi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo_f_walton/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-walton-aa59bb25/
Join host Katie Bessant as she chats with Renate, the inspiring owner of Bonawe House Holiday Cottages on the stunning west coast of Scotland.
In this episode, we dive into:
🏔 Renate’s journey from the Netherlands to running 9 holiday cottages in rural Scotland
🔧 How she transformed and modernised a dated property with energy-efficient upgrades
♻️ Smart sustainability tips that benefit guests and the environment
🧺 What it’s really like managing all the laundry and maintenance herself
💥 Her most jaw-dropping guest experience
💡 Her no-nonsense advice on spending wisely as a property owner
This is a must-listen for anyone running a holiday let! Packed with practical insights, a lot of honesty, and a touch of mountain air!
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH RENATE 🌟
Website: https://bonawehouse.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonawehousecottages/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonawehouse
Join host Katie Bessant as she sits down with Kay Gibbs, expert holiday let coach, for a value-packed conversation every Airbnb host needs to hear!
In this episode, we dive into:
💡 Kay’s top 5 tips for boosting your Airbnb bookings
📸 The game-changing impact of great photography on your listing
🙅♀️ The most common mistakes hosts make (and how to avoid them)
⛔️ The truth behind those persistent Airbnb myths and legends
Whether you're just starting out on the platform or looking to level up your hosting game, this episode is full of actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH KAY 🌟
Website: https://www.kaygibbs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaygibbs_holidayletcoach/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaygibbsmentor
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Joanne from Our Place in Portland – a story of transformation, resilience, and coastal charm.
During the episode we chat about:
🔨 From Wreck to Retreat – How Joanne and her husband lovingly restored a crumbling Victorian cottage into a beautiful holiday let on the Jurassic Coast.
📱 Marketing That Works – How Joanne uses Instagram, Facebook, and her own website to attract bookings (including one that came directly from a single post!).
♻️ Eco Touches with Impact – The simple yet effective sustainable choices that helped them win a Level 6 sustainability award in Dorset.
🏠 Booking Strategy – Why they list on Airbnb and Booking.com, but focus on driving direct bookings for better guest relationships and more control.
💬 Real Talk on Resilience – Joanne opens up about being diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after launching and how she and her husband kept the business going strong.
😳 Guest Horror Story – A fridge full of fish, a mysterious smell, and what they learned from a booking gone wrong.
🧠 Advice for Aspiring Hosts – Joanne’s top tips for those looking to start or refine their holiday let journey.
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH JOANNE 🌟
Website: https://www.ourplaceinportland.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/our_place_in_portland/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourplaceinportland/
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Sharon & Dee, The Holiday Home Girls.During the episode we chat about:🎨 Styling for Guests, Not Yourself – Why styling your holiday home with the guest in mind (not personal taste) is crucial for bookings and creating a memorable experience.📸 Photography & First Impressions – The role of professional photos in making your property stand out online and attract clicks.🧩 Systems That Save Time – How having the right systems in place can streamline operations and reduce stress for holiday home owners and managers.📣 Marketing That Converts – Tips on using social media, direct booking websites, and email marketing to drive direct bookings and build a loyal guest base.🌱 Lessons from the Field – Real stories, including guest horror tales, eco-friendly styling tips, and what most owners get wrong when setting up their property.🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive🌟CONNECT WITH SHARON & DEE 🌟 Website: https://www.theholidayhomegirls.com.au/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhomegirls/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHolidayHomeGirls/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-holiday-home-girls/To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Suzy Greenwood from Seaflowers, Devon. During the episode we chat about: - How Suzy renovated her family's B&B into a luxury guest house - The renovation process and how she curated unique, themed rooms - Marketing strategies to generate bookings, including press opportunities - The daily challenges of managing a rental and the importance of a support network. - Suzy's future plans for Seaflowers 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH SUZY 🌟 Website: https://seaflowers.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seaflowersdevon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seaflowersguesthousedevon To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Charlotte Hughes from The Scarlet Hen. During the episode we chat about: - How The Scarlet Hen started
- Why Charlotte has chosen to let her own home out to hen parties
- The challenges Charlotte has overcome to get the property up and running as a holiday let
- The secret to getting bookings 18+ months in advance
- How social media generates Charlotte bookings - Plus so much more! 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
🌟CONNECT WITH CHARLOTTE 🌟 Website: https://www.scarlet-hen.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/norfolk_house_scarlet_hen/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scarlethenatnorfolkhouse TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.scarlet.hen To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
During this episode, I share my five top tips for generating more bookings for your holiday rental and what marketing you should be investing in.
During the episode I chat about:
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive
Want to learn more about The Host Marketing Academy? Find out more here.
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Stefan Hoffelner from Your AirHost. In this episode, Stefan shares expert strategies on how to optimise your holiday rental listings, enhance guest experience, and boost profits through effective marketing, professional photos, guest reviews, and leveraging property management tools. During the episode we chat about: - The market trends and how the industry has changed over the years - Effective strategies for generating bookings throughout the year - The importance of guest reviews for securing more bookings - Marketing strategies to drive more direct bookings - How to price your property to drive bookings - Common mistakes and pitfalls - Plus so much more! 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH STEFAN 🌟 Website: https://www.yourairhost.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourairhost/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourAirHost/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-hoffelner-6b360955/ To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Paul Honeywell, owner of Oran na Mara on the Isle of Harris. In this episode, Paul shares the rewards and challenges of running a remote holiday rental, from marketing strategies that helped him attract guests to building relationships with the local community. Discover how Paul transformed his unique property into a sought-after destination and the key lessons he’s learned along the way, including tips for new holiday property owners. Paul's insights are sure to inspire! During the episode we chat about: - Paul's journey to becoming a holiday cottage owner - How the industry has changed over the years - The design and architectural inspiration behind Oran na Mara - How to ensure a luxurious and memorable stay for your guests - What marketing strategies have been most effective in attracting guests to Oran na Mara - How to manage guest bookings and experiences throughout different seasons? - Challenges faced when managing Oran na Mara - Advice to owners starting their own holiday cottage business - Plus so much more! Paul's diverse career began in Formula One motor racing as an assistant to world champion John Surtees. After transitioning to marketing, he rose through the ranks to become CEO of Europe's largest design and marketing consultancy. Later, Paul co-founded The Storytellers, an internal communications specialist serving major corporate clients worldwide. During this period, Paul spent much of his life traveling, often joking that he lived on airplanes! Upon selling his share of The Storytellers, Paul and his wife Helen embarked on an exciting new venture. They designed and built Oran na Mara, an iconic and highly unusual self-catering property on the Isle of Harris in Scotland. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH PAUL🌟 Website: https://www.orannamara.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oran.na.mara/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orannamara TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orannamara To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Dragon's Den star, Derry Green from The Secret Garden Glamping about how to set up your glamping business for success and successful marketing strategies to generate bookings year-round.
During the episode we chat about:
Derry is a entrepreneur and business owner of The Secret Garden Glamping, based in Skelmersdale, who appeared on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den receiving offers from not one but four Dragons; Deborah Maaden, Peter Jones, Sara Davies and Touker Suleyman, to support his niche business. Derry came up with the glamping idea through the covid period when he set up a camp in the family garden as a way to entertain his children. Before long, using his own self-taught construction skills, he turned the tent into a fully-fledged luxury glamping pod and The Secret Garden Glamping was born.
The Secret Garden Glamping is now the most viewed, most followed and most booked site in the UK and has won many awards including Visit England Award for camping, Glamping and holiday park of the year, The AA Glamping site of The Year and the BiBAs Leisure and Tourism Business of the Year. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH DERRY🌟 Website: https://www.thesecretgardenglamping.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesecretgardenglamping Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesecretgardenglamping/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesecretgardenglamping To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Laura Delage-Pandeli from Olive & Wilde Interiors about how to use interior design to boost your holiday cottage bookings. During the episode we chat about: - Interior design trends in the industry - Simple design tips to elevate your property and make it stand out - How to balance aesthetics with durability, especially in high-traffic areas - The role of social media in promoting your property - Plus so much more! Laura, at Olive & Wilde Interiors specialises in designing standout holiday lets and Airbnbs. With a knack for blending bold colours, textures, and patterns, she creates spaces that captivate guests and enhances their overall experience. Laura’s designs not only look beautiful but also reflect the local vibe, ensuring each stay is memorable and unique. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: https://theholidayhive.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH LAURA🌟 Website: https://www.oliveandwilde.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliveandwildeinteriors/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliveandwildeinteriors LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-delage-pandeli-bba04a8b/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/oliveandwilde/ To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Jemima Stones about how to use social media to boost your holiday cottage bookings. During the episode we chat about:
Jemima Stones is the Social Media Manager at Cool Stays. She lives by the sea in Deal with her fiance and our cat, Tubby Custard. She's been with Coolstays for 4 years, and was previously a social media manager for a large historic attraction, a gin distillery and has a whole host of experience in the travel and tourism industry.
Coolstays is a digital directory for amazing stays across the UK and Worldwide, think fairytale treehouses, woodland cabins, architectural marvels and quirky country cottages.
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
Website: https://theholidayhive.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/
🌟CONNECT WITH COOL STAYS🌟
Website: https://www.coolstays.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coolstays/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Coolstays/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coolstays
To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com
Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Jane Mack about her experience in the holiday letting industry.
During the episode we chat about:
Jane Mack is the owner of Jane Mack Consulting, providing consultancy and coaching services to the holiday let industry.
Jane and her husband bought a holiday home property management company back in 2010, and decided to expand it to offer advertising and bookings. By 2012 they had created a full holiday letting agency. Their business continued to grow until they sold it to the UK’s largest holiday letting company in 2017.
After a few years of continuing to run and manage the local office for the company, Jane decided that it was time for a change.
After doing training in social media and Facebook Ads to better her knowledge of the ever changing online world, she got her coaching accreditation and put her focus into the holiday let industry.
Having managed over 100 holiday properties, thousands of guests and with 10 years of hands-on experience, she decided to help others in the industry to grow their businesses, just as she had done.
Jane is also a mum of 2 boys and lives on the beautiful Isle of Arran where she enjoys morning runs, big walks and beach BBQ’s.
🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝
🌟CONNECT WITH JANE🌟
To contact Katie, email katie@theholidayhive.com