If you own an Airbnb, guesthouse, mini-resort, or boutique hotel, consider this: What makes a guest choose your property over the hundreds of others in your market?

And more importantly, what makes them come back, leave glowing reviews on your socials, and tell everyone they know about their experience at your place?

It's not just about clean sheets and good Wi-Fi anymore.

In today's crowded hospitality market, the properties that stand out are the ones that create memorable experiences. These are spaces that engage all the senses, tell authentic stories, and make guests feel something they can't find anywhere else.

That's exactly what I'll be covering in my presentation on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, at the RevPAR Growth Summit webinar.

Wednesday 19th November 2025
Duration: 20 minutes (yes, just 20 minutes of actionable insights)

🎭 Why storytelling matters in design
Learn how embedding narrative into your space with design creates emotional connections that can turn one-time guests into loyal customers.

👁️ Sensory engagement beyond the visual
Discover how to design for all five senses; not just what guests see, but what they hear, touch, smell, and feel. I'll share how The Tillary Hotel in Brooklyn turned sensory design into their competitive advantage.

🌿 Bringing nature indoors (without the clichés)
From the Nairobi Dawn Chorus, a sustainable treehouse project; see how biophilic design creates spaces that feel alive.

🎨 Personalisation that actually works
How to create flexible spaces that adapt to every guest type, from remote workers to families, without breaking the bank.

♻️ Sustainability, environmental connection, and regenerative design
I'll break down these three often-confused concepts and show you exactly how to implement them in your Airbnb, guesthouse, or boutique hotel.

🛋️ The comfort-beauty balance
Why gorgeous spaces fail if they're not functional, and how to get both right.

🏛️ Local context and timelessness
Design that's rooted in place and built to last (not just follow fleeting trends).

Here's what most property owners miss: emotional design builds brand loyalty, justifies premium pricing, and reduces long-term costs.

When guests connect with your space emotionally, they:

And the best part? Many of these principles can be implemented starting today—without massive renovations or budgets.

This isn't just theory. I'll give you a 5-step framework you can start implementing immediately

▶ How to identify your space's unique story

▶ Layering sensory experiences throughout your property

▶ Adding flexibility and personal touches

▶ Choosing sustainable materials that last

▶ Balancing comfort with beauty

For 2 days, November 18-19, Nathan & Jeneale Downer of ThanielArts are bringing you presentations from several industry experts who have found ways to drive revenue and increase your RevPAR in 2026.

You’ll hear about everything from Mastering Marketing and Operations to Building Brand Loyalty and Driving Sustainable Growth, as well as Designing Holistic Spaces that emotionally resonate with guests and more.

This webinar is specifically designed for owners and operators of:

I promise you'll walk away with at least one principle you can implement this month to elevate your guest experience this holiday season, and your bottom line.

P.S. Can't make it live? Register anyway and you'll get access to the recording. But honestly, the live session is where the magic happens.

I'll be answering questions, and you'll get to connect with other hospitality professionals who are thinking about design the same way you are.