On this very special Book Direct Day, I’m thrilled to welcome Heather Dunwoody to the podcast for a deeply resonant conversation about the why behind what we do in this industry. Heather isn’t just someone who works in branding and guest experience. She’s someone who truly understands that hospitality goes far beyond service. For her, it’s about creating meaningful connections and welcoming guests into something much deeper than just a place to stay.

After reading her article Sewn in Soil and Spirit on Medium, I knew we had to dive into a conversation about designing guest experiences that go beyond the surface. From wild foraging to mushroom inoculation, from stargazing rituals to unlocking the potential of your pollinator garden, this episode explores how authentic, participatory experiences can redefine what it means to host.

We talk about:

• Why hospitality is moving from the “experience economy” to the “transformation economy”
• How hosts can identify and amplify the hidden magic of their location
• Simple ways to turn existing amenities - like gardens, wildlife, or dark skies - into unforgettable moments
• Why intentional design doesn’t have to mean costly upgrades, and how micro-rituals can deliver major impact
• How to view your property as a “one-of-one” that tells a story no other listing can
• The power of community and why hyperlocal connection is hospitality’s biggest differentiator

Whether you’re running a micro-resort or managing a single cabin in the woods, this episode will get you thinking differently about your space, your guests, and your purpose.

Key Takeaways

✅ Guests today want more than just a place to stay - they’re seeking life-affirming experiences
✅ Designing with intention doesn’t have to be expensive - it starts with noticing what’s already there
✅ Small touches, like a birdwatching kit or a recipe linked to your herb garden, can leave lasting impressions
✅ Community isn’t just a bonus - it’s a differentiator that platforms can’t replicate
✅ Book Direct isn’t just about better pricing - it’s about building real, memorable relationships

Resources & Mentions

📄 Heather Dunwoody’s Article – Sewn in Soil and Spirit: How Hospitality Led Me to My Truest Calling - Read on Medium 

📱 Apps Mentioned

• Merlin Bird ID – identify birds by sound
• Night Sky – stargazing tools and constellations tracker
• PictureThis or PlantNet – identify plants and herbs in your garden

🧑‍🌾 Ideas to Explore

• Create a “foraging starter guide” or nature scavenger hunt
• Offer guests a local recipe kit with ingredients from your garden
• Partner with a nearby expert for mushroom walks, night hikes, or pollinator tours

Connect with Heather Dunwoody

📧 Email:heather@hospitalityinbloom.com

📖 LinkedIn 

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!

Did this episode spark an idea for your property? Share it with us on Instagram @VacationRentalFormula or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. We love hearing how you're putting these ideas into practice.

And remember - Book Direct Day isn’t just about skipping the platform fees. It’s about creating connections, building trust, and delivering the kind of hospitality that no algorithm can replicate.

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📣 Midroll Sponsor: STRAIT Chat & the AI Ambassador Program

This episode is brought to you in part by the STRAIT Chat Community - an exclusive space for short-term rental pros who want deeper conversations, smarter systems, and more collaborative learning.

And if you're curious about using AI in your business - whether it's for guest communication, operations, or even marketing - check out our AI Ambassador Program. It's designed to help you learn, lead, and get hands-on with the tools shaping the future of hospitality.

🌐 Learn more and join us at VacationRentalFormula.com/AI

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