Lessons Learned From 300+ Outdoor Resort Site Visits with HoneyTrek
In the latest episode of The Outdoor Hospitality Podcast, we sit down with Mike and Anne Howard, founders of HoneyTrek, to talk about what actually makes an outdoor hospitality experience memorable. After visiting more than 300 properties across 150+ outdoor resorts worldwide, the Howards have seen just about everything, what works, what falls flat, and what guests talk about long after they’ve gone home.
This conversation isn’t about the newest amenities or chasing trends. It’s about intention, storytelling, and the small, thoughtful choices that turn a stay from simply “nice” into something guests genuinely remember.
The Power of the Proprietor’s “Why”
One theme that comes up again and again is the importance of the proprietor’s “why.”
The strongest outdoor hospitality brands aren’t built around what’s popular, they’re built around purpose. When owners are clear on why they created their property, that clarity shows up everywhere: in the design, the guest journey, the messaging, and even the smallest details.
Guests can feel authenticity. And when that sense of purpose is missing, even a beautiful property can feel a little empty.
Researching “Comfortably Wild,” Firsthand
What makes HoneyTrek’s perspective so valuable is that it’s grounded in real experience. Mike and Anne didn’t study outdoor hospitality from afar, they stayed on-site, talked with owners and staff, and experienced properties exactly the way guests do.
That firsthand research became the foundation for their upcoming book, Comfortably Wild, and it shows. From arrival to departure, they’ve closely observed where magic happens, and where friction sneaks in.
Warm Arrivals Set the Tone
One of the clearest takeaways from the episode: arrival matters more than most operators realize.
Confusing parking, long instructions, or overwhelming check-in processes can immediately pull guests out of the experience. The best properties focus on simplicity, clear signage, friendly faces, and an immediate sense of ease.
A smooth, calm arrival builds trust. And once trust is there, guests are far more open to engaging with everything else the property has to offer.
Storytelling Guests Can Actually Feel
This episode dives into storytelling in a very practical way. Not marketing copy but storytelling guests experience on-site.
Some examples Mike and Anne share include:
- Hand-drawn maps and trail guides
- Simple signage that explains the land or local history
- Low-cost activities that help guests connect with place
None of these require big budgets. They do, however, require intention. When done well, they make guests feel like they’re part of something, not just passing through.
Thoughtful Keepsakes and Meaningful Farewells
Another recurring idea is memory-making.
Small touches like stamped postcards, guest books, handwritten notes, or locally inspired keepsakes help extend the guest relationship beyond the stay itself. These moments feel personal, not procedural, and they’re often what guests remember most.
The best farewells don’t feel rushed or transactional. They feel human.
Sustainability That Builds Trust
Sustainability comes up as more than just an operational goal, it’s a trust signal.
Mike and Anne note that guests often respond more positively to simple, transparent sustainability choices than to expensive initiatives that aren’t well explained. When guests understand why decisions are made, sustainability becomes part of the story instead of a limitation.
Done right, it strengthens both the experience and the brand.
Staff Culture Is the Experience
One of the most powerful insights from the episode is this: guests remember people more than places.
From genuine interactions to shared rituals, like signing a guest book or waving goodbye, staff culture directly shapes how guests feel about a stay. A strong internal culture creates warmth, consistency, and authenticity that no amenity can replace.
Start Small, Iterate, and Learn in Person
For operators in launch or growth mode, the Howards offer practical, grounded advice:
- Start small and soft-launch
- Iterate based on real guest feedback
- Visit comparable properties in person
- Share your build publicly and early
They also encourage collaboration over competition, partnering with nearby properties for overflow bookings and shared resources can benefit everyone.
High-Impact Amenities Don’t Have to Be Expensive
Not every memorable experience requires major capital investment. The episode highlights how small, well-aligned amenities can have an outsized impact when they fit the property’s story and environment.
Once again, intention consistently beats excess.
HoneyTrek’s Ongoing Work
Beyond their travels, HoneyTrek works closely with outdoor hospitality operators through consulting, content creation, and global research, helping properties clarify their story and design experiences guests genuinely connect with.
You can learn more at honeytrek.com and follow them on Instagram at @honeytrek.
Podcast Partners & Resources
This episode is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in outdoor hospitality feasibility studies and appraisals.
It’s brought to you in partnership with Newbook, a cloud-based property management platform built specifically for outdoor hospitality operators. Podcast listeners can receive 15% off a Newbook Signature subscription plus their first month free by booking a demo and mentioning The Outdoor Hospitality Podcast.