In an interesting episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast, hosts Nick Purslow and Connor Schwab welcome Tori Bolt of Bolt Farm Treehouse, a renowned glamping site celebrated for its breathtaking views, luxury accommodations, and unforgettable guest experiences. Bolt Farm Treehouse, located on a scenic mountaintop in Tennessee, has become a premier destination, even catching the attention of high-profile guests, such as Airbnb’s CEO. Tori and her husband, Seth, have meticulously crafted Bolt Farm as a sanctuary where visitors can slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience genuine luxury—a combination that has led to near-full occupancy and nightly rates upwards of $800.
The episode dives into how Tori and Seth’s commitment to quality and unique guest experiences has catapulted Bolt Farm Treehouse into a leading name in independent glamping. Their journey is nothing short of inspirational, starting as a wedding venue built by Seth’s father to the now expansive property featuring mirror cabins, domes, and a soon-to-open Wellness Haven. Tori’s recounting of guest testimonials reveals that Bolt Farm Treehouse is more than just a destination; it’s a transformative escape for many, often rekindling relationships and offering guests a much-needed retreat from the daily grind.
An Unwavering Commitment to Crafting Unforgettable Experiences
Throughout the episode, Tori highlights the core values behind Bolt Farm’s success: authenticity, passion for guest experience, and innovation. Bolt Farm’s units—luxurious treehouses, mirror cabins, and domes—are not merely accommodations but part of a curated experience. Designed with heated marble floors, copper bathtubs, outdoor showers, and panoramic views, each unit reflects Seth’s vision of an ideal space that inspires awe and serenity. Tori and Seth personally test each new unit before opening to ensure the space feels flawless for guests, obsessing over every detail to eliminate any distractions that might pull guests out of “vacation mode.”
One particularly fascinating aspect discussed was Bolt Farm’s design philosophy: a focus on non-linear, nature-inspired shapes to enhance guests’ sense of wonder. Seth’s insistence on creating a pentagon-shaped treehouse instead of a typical square structure exemplifies their commitment to breaking the mold. It’s an unconventional approach, but one that resonates deeply with guests, bringing them closer to nature and evoking feelings of royalty and grandeur.
A New Era for Wellness and Community at Bolt Farm
The episode also sheds light on exciting additions to Bolt Farm, such as the spa, a retreat center offering amenities from massages to IV drip lounges. This expansion marks a significant step toward positioning Bolt Farm as not just a glamping site but a wellness destination. The Wellness Haven reflects Bolt Farm’s approach to blending high-end luxury with natural beauty, an ideal choice for those seeking not only a retreat but a rejuvenating experience.
Additionally, Tori shares insights on creating an immersive, community-driven dining experience without the overhead of a traditional restaurant. This approach could potentially include communal dinners where guests gather at long farm tables, fostering connections. Tori expresses her excitement about this idea, which aligns perfectly with Bolt Farm’s ethos of cultivating meaningful experiences.
Marketing Magic: The Power of Authenticity
Marketing is another area where Bolt Farm excels, largely due to Tori and Seth’s transparency and storytelling abilities. The podcast hosts praise Bolt Farm’s natural social media presence, where Tori and Seth’s personalities shine through, connecting with their audience on a personal level. Tori believes that “people follow people, not businesses,” emphasizing the importance of showing up authentically and consistently on social platforms. The couple’s relatable, genuine approach has built a loyal following and positioned Bolt Farm as a leading brand in luxury glamping.
The organic growth of Bolt Farm’s online presence underscores the importance of staying true to one’s brand and values. For years, Tori and Seth managed PR and social media without external help, leaning into their story and building relationships with influencers and media outlets. Only recently have they hired a PR agency, and even then, their approach remains focused on authentic storytelling rather than traditional marketing strategies. Bolt Farm’s commitment to authenticity and guest engagement has attracted the attention of major outlets like Travel + Leisure, resulting in invaluable visibility and increased bookings.
Valuable Takeaways for Aspiring Glamping Entrepreneurs
The episode concludes with Tori sharing valuable advice for anyone looking to enter the glamping or hospitality industry. She encourages entrepreneurs to stay true to their vision, invest in mentorship, and focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience. According to Tori, having a clear identity is essential, especially in a saturated market. Bolt Farm’s success, she explains, was not built overnight; it required years of refining their approach, learning from mistakes, and staying resilient. In fact, Tori estimates that their early mistakes cost them nearly $9.7 million—a figure they now use to illustrate the value of mentorship and strategic planning.
For those looking to follow in their footsteps, Bolt Farm now offers intimate workshops where aspiring glamping entrepreneurs can learn from Tori and Seth’s journey. These workshops are designed to provide hands-on guidance in areas like marketing, construction, guest experience, and team building, offering participants a rare opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders.