The Unique Hospitality Podcast: Glamping ON WATER, the story behind Sol Stay

by Sage Outdoor Advisoryin The Unique Hospitality Podcaston Posted on

Floating Hospitality, Midwest Roots: The Story Behind Soul Stay

In a standout episode of The Unique Hospitality Podcast, co-host Connor Schwab (of Sage Outdoor Advisory) sits down with Joe Lisa and Bill Nolan, the creators behind one of America’s only floating glamping resorts: Soul Stay in Sandusky, Ohio.

From Distressed Marina to Dreamy Getaway

What started as a run-down marina with just $25,000 in annual revenue has been transformed into an innovative, high-end glamping destination right on the waters of Lake Erie. Thanks to a bold vision and a willingness to say “yes” to creative ideas, like a floating sauna and rooftop hot tub, Soul Stay is now heading into its third season with glowing reviews and sky-high occupancy rates.

And yes, Sage had the honor of completing the feasibility study that helped spark it all.

Why Soul Stay Stands Out

  • It Floats: Most glamping stays are in the woods or on a mountainside. Soul Stay is built on water. The resort features a fleet of floating tiny homes, each more luxurious than the last—anchored to docks and offering serene views of the lake.
  • The Floating Sauna: One of the standout features is an electric floating sauna at the end of the dock. Free to guests, it’s become a highly sought-after amenity, especially during cooler months.
  • Urban + Outdoors: Located just a mile from downtown Sandusky, Soul Stay taps into urban glamping potential without requiring guests to drive hours into the wilderness.
  • Art That Anchors the Brand: The team commissioned a stunning mural from renowned artist Jules Muck, turning a once-drab building into a beacon of creativity and regional pride.
  • Amenities that Build Community: From rooftop hot tubs to eight communal fire pits, the Soul Stay team has intentionally designed shared spaces that promote relaxation, stargazing, and connection.
A cozy nighttime scene at Soul Stay's glamping resort in Sandusky, Ohio, featuring illuminated fire pits, wooden pergolas, and lakeside seating areas along the boardwalk. This unique hospitality concept was supported by a feasibility study conducted by Sage Outdoor Advisory, helping validate the demand for elevated glamping experiences in urban waterfront settings.
The Soul Stay logo displayed over a Lake Erie sunset, with floating glamping units and dock infrastructure in the background. This image reflects the resort’s brand identity as a one-of-a-kind on-water glamping destination—an idea that was carefully evaluated and brought to life following a detailed feasibility study conducted by Sage Outdoor Advisory.
Interior view from a floating glamping cabin at Soul Stay, showcasing a bed with crisp white linens and a large window overlooking docked boats and water. This view exemplifies the immersive guest experience envisioned through a Sage Outdoor Advisory feasibility study, which guided the creation of Soul Stay’s lakefront glamping concept in the Midwest.
Modern floating glamping cabins at Soul Stay with natural wood siding, black metal trim, and dock-level access, representing an innovative blend of outdoor lodging and maritime design. These luxury units were part of a successful glamping development project that underwent a feasibility study led by Sage Outdoor Advisory to assess market fit and long-term viability.

Lessons for Glamping Operators

Soul Stay’s success story highlights several takeaways for aspiring outdoor hospitality developers:

  • Think Outside the Tent: Houseboats, floating saunas, rooftop hot tubs, these are just a few ideas that helped Soul Stay stand out.
  • Location Isn’t Everything, But It Helps: With 13 million annual visitors to the Sandusky area, the resort tapped into existing demand rather than building in a remote location.
  • Relationships Matter: Soul Stay’s success was fueled by strong partnerships with local government, tourism boards, and investors who believed in the vision.
  • Experience Is Everything: Joe Lisa’s philosophy is simple, make the guest experience better every season. From check-in processes to surprise-and-delight moments, that relentless refinement pays off.

What’s Next for Soul Stay?

The team is already working on expanding their fleet of luxury floating cabins, adding new amenities like sunset boat cruises aboard a vintage Lyman vessel, and dreaming about a second location, possibly another urban-meets-nature spot.

Whether you’re an investor, operator, or just dreaming about your own hospitality project, this episode is a masterclass in vision and heart.

Listen to the full episode here: The Unique Hospitality Podcast – Glamping On Water: The Story Behind Soul Stay