It looks like you're using an old web browser that we no longer support, so some parts of the site may not work as well as they should and you won't be able to make a booking. Please update your browser (view more details) to make sure you get the best experience.

Hero header image

What guests really want – how to exceed expectations

We asked our Guest Experience Manager Justine to provide some tips on what guests are really looking for, how to exceed their expectations and ways to make their stay one to remember.

Hot tubs

Still our most popular website search, with 17,000 hot tub filter searches per month (that’s 25% of all our collection views). We’ve partnered with wood-fired hot tub company Naked Flame to give you 20% discount – just mention Canopy & Stars when making a purchase. Alternatively, you could have a go at making one of your own from something quirky!

Creativity is key

How can you make a seat, a bed or even a wall exciting and different? It will make your space stand out, increase your occupancy and nightly rate and help get you noticed by the media.

Wild cooking

The campfire is at the heart of any outdoor experience and adds to the ‘wild frontier’ feel of a stay. Pizza ovens are popular too! Perhaps cook up a feast for your guests, creating a beautiful dining spot in the woods or an idyllic spot with beautiful views.

Wild washing

It’s not every day you get to bathe under the stars or shower amongst the trees! It also makes a great photo opportunity.

Meet the animals

City-dwelling guests love the chance to meet your furry friends. Can guests collect eggs from the chickens or help out on the farm?

Provide extras

Think binoculars, body boards/wetsuits, buckets and spades, board games, bats and balls, walking maps or vegetable patches.

Master the fundamentals

Make sure your spaces are properly cleaned regularly throughout the season, keep condiments and supplies topped up and ensure footpaths and walkways are cleared. If furniture, sheets and towels are looking tired then replace them.

Make your outdoor space as interesting as your indoor space

Perhaps hang hammocks or a lounging tree net. Are you on the water? If so, think about providing a rowing boat or fishing rods. Wild swimming is really popular too!

Special occasions

50% of bookings are attributed to an occasion, so think about providing a bottle of fizz, a card or a cake – little touches go a long way. You can read more about the popularity of occasion stays here.

Activities onsite and in the local area

Make sure your listing is up to date (email us with anything new). Note any classes, new places to visit, great pubs within walking distance and anything else guests might enjoy.