The Story of Charmed Resorts
In the most recent Glampitect podcast, host Nick Purslow had the pleasure of interviewing Tyson Leavitt, a creative visionary who transitioned from building whimsical playhouses for celebrities to owning Charmed Resorts, an enchanting glamping site in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta. Tyson, known for his work on a Netflix show where he created a playhouse for Steph Curry’s children, shared his inspiring journey and the magic behind Charmed Resorts.
The Birth of Charmed Resorts
Tyson Leavitt, the founder of Charmed Playhouses, initially gained fame by building elaborate playhouses for high-profile clients. His venture began as a landscape business, where he designed a unique playhouse for his kids. This initial creation led to a wave of demand, culminating in a TV show where Tyson and his team built custom playhouses for celebrities and wealthy individuals.
Despite the success, Tyson felt something was missing. Many people admired his playhouses but couldn’t afford them. This led him to a brilliant idea: why not create a place where the public could experience these whimsical structures? Thus, Charmed Resorts was born.
A Glamping Experience Like No Other
Charmed Resorts is a one-of-a-kind glamping site that transports visitors into a fairy tale world. Tyson and his team adapted their storybook-themed playhouses into larger, habitable structures, certified for guest stays. The first cottage launched quickly to capitalize on a news article, resulting in $100,000 worth of bookings within 48 hours!
This immediate success was a “Eureka” moment, confirming that people were not only enchanted by the storybook designs but also willing to invest in the unique experience they offered. Over the past three years, Charmed Resorts has expanded to 16 units, each more magical than the last.
The Magical Units
Every unit at Charmed Resorts is a masterpiece, meticulously designed to immerse guests in a storybook setting. From Beast’s Castle with its moody, dark ambiance and hidden bunk rooms to Hook’s Pirate Ship that captures every child’s imagination, each structure is a labor of love.
Tyson shared that one of his favorites is Beast’s Castle, featuring spiral staircases with rose details and a turreted deck. Another popular unit is Rapunzel’s Tower, which has been a significant hit since the beginning. The attention to detail and craftsmanship in each unit is astounding, making every stay a unique experience.
A Diverse and Dedicated Clientele
Charmed Resorts attracts a diverse range of guests. While young families are the primary demographic, the resort also sees creative individuals seeking a unique space to write or craft, grandparents bringing their grandchildren, and even bridal parties looking for a memorable getaway. The universal appeal of fairy tales and the high-quality, immersive experience offered by Charmed Resorts ensures that guests come from all walks of life.
The Power of Social Media
One of the key factors behind the success of Charmed Resorts is its strong social media presence. With over a million followers, Tyson’s team has expertly leveraged platforms like TikTok and Instagram to showcase their journey and creations. The content is not just about selling; it’s about engaging and entertaining the audience, offering a peek into the magical world they’ve built.
Interestingly, the resort hasn’t spent a dime on traditional advertising. All their bookings come from social media and word of mouth. This organic growth is a testament to the power of captivating content and a dedicated following.
Many of their Tik Tok videos exceed 1M+ views. Here are a couple videos that highlight just how popular Charmed Resorts is!
Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, Tyson has ambitious plans for Charmed Resorts. He envisions expanding throughout North America and eventually going global. The demand is already there, with requests pouring in from around the world. However, Tyson is taking a measured approach to ensure each new location meets their high standards and maintains the magic that makes Charmed Resorts special.
The Importance of Unique Offerings
At Sage Outdoor Advisory, we often emphasize the value of unique offerings in the outdoor hospitality industry. Charmed Resorts this principle perfectly. By creating bespoke, fairy tale-inspired accommodations, Tyson has carved out a niche market willing to pay a premium for an unforgettable experience.
This story also highlights the importance of adaptability and creativity. Tyson’s ability to pivot from high-end playhouses to a public glamping site demonstrates a keen understanding of market demands and an innovative spirit.
Lessons for Aspiring Glamping Resort Owners
For those looking to enter the glamping industry, Tyson’s journey offers several valuable lessons:
- Find Your Niche: Figure out what makes your offering special and run with it. For Tyson, it was the storybook designs that made Charmed Resorts stand out from the usual glamping spots.
- Leverage Social Media: A strong online presence can really boost your traffic and bookings. Focus on creating fun and engaging content that tells your story and highlights what makes you unique.
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in high-quality structures and experiences. People are willing to pay more for something that’s beautifully crafted and offers a unique experience.
- Adapt and Innovate: Be ready to change your business model based on feedback and new opportunities. Tyson’s move from private playhouses to a public resort is a great example of this.
- Community Engagement: Build a community around your brand. Connect with your audience, share your journey, and make them feel like they’re part of your story.
Wrap Up
The story of Charmed Resorts is a shining example of what can be achieved with creativity, dedication, and a deep understanding of your market. At Sage Outdoor Advisory, we are inspired by Tyson Leavitt’s journey and the magical world he has created. We look forward to seeing how Charmed Resorts continues to grow and enchant guests from around the globe.
If you’re interested in learning more about Charmed Resorts and the incredible glamping experiences they offer, be sure to check out the full podcast episode on Glampitect. Tyson’s story is one of passion, innovation, and the transformative power of a well-crafted fairy tale.