Third-party management gets talked about like a last resort, but that mindset leaves real money and time on the table. We sit down with Rafael Correa, President and CFO of Bluewater, to demystify what a great outdoor hospitality management company actually does, how it creates leverage for owners, and where the common myths fall apart once you look at day-to-day operations.

We dig into Bluewater’s growth story, including why brands like Spacious Skies decide to shift from owner-management to a third-party partner. Rafael shares a practical framework for choosing the right manager: start with your “why”, check geographic reach and on-the-ground support, match experience to your park’s place on the resort-to-long-stay spectrum, and talk to references who will tell you the good, the bad and the ugly. We also explore what should stay on-property, what should move to the corporate office, and how reviews reveal whether a team is truly listening to guests.

From there, we get tactical on revenue generation in a softer 2026 transient RV market: revenue management, marketing, PMS mastery, dynamic pricing, and Blue Water’s “trifecta” workflow that keeps the GM, revenue and marketing aligned. We also cover park model cabins as a growth lever, the operational realities behind “pretty units”, and how Bluewater is approaching AI in hospitality with security guardrails and a clear rule: if it makes service feel less human, it is the wrong use.

If you found this useful, subscribe, share with another operator, and leave a review so more outdoor hospitality owners can find the show.

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.

We sit down with Executive Leadership Simon Smith from Storable Newbook to unpack what the best glamping and RV park operators do differently with their property management software and data. We share the tactics that lift revenue per reservation, protect the guest experience, and help operators stay resilient as the market cools.

• extend-your-stay promotions that drive extra nights and higher revenue per reservation
• automated guest texting and shopping-cart add-ons that increase upsells without extra staff time
• how customer success teams transfer best practice across regions and property types
• market trends on occupancy, ADR, inflation pressures and what they mean for pricing decisions
• guest expectations around amenities, cleanliness and why Wi‑Fi can be a deal breaker
• the core metrics to track, including revenue per available site and promotion performance
• exporting booking data into AI tools to spot pricing and operational opportunities
• dynamic pricing basics and why OTA distribution still gets missed
• which OTAs matter most, including Hipcamp, Booking.com and Expedia
• where AI is heading next, including booking agents, reporting and BI
• practical marketing ideas, including closed enthusiast groups to fill low season
• loyalty and retention tactics that do not require a complex points system

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.

We walk through how we picked and built custom A-frame park model cabins for a Flagstaff cabin resort. We share the practical constraints and ROI trade-offs that actually decide whether your glamping units succeed, from zoning and power to transport and premium design details.

• pivoting Ponderosa Pines Resorts into a cabin-led nature and wellness resort
• sourcing modern park model cabins that stand out online
• starting with constraints: CUP, zoning ordinances, building codes, RVIA certification
• educating counties on classification and when axles are truly required
• understanding shipping height limits and how trailers change design
• planning utilities early, especially 30 amp vs 50 amp power decisions
• comparing canvas vs hardwall units using all-in cost per key
• factoring lifespan, replacement cycles, sound, critters, and climate control
• designing for the target guest: couples, road trippers, remote workers
• spending on high-perceived-value features: glass walls, kitchenette, great bathrooms
• deciding between off-the-shelf units and custom units for defensibility
• what we would upgrade next time on finishes for a premium feel

Interested about getting a quote for a custom designed unit? Find out more at sandboxstay.com

Click here to ask us a question or suggest content for the pod

We work really hard to bring you the best content from the best operators in our industry and we do it all absolutely free of charge. All we ask is that you consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so we can keep the momentum going. Simply go to the homepage of the podcast and scroll down till you see the stars. Thanks for your support and let's keep getting more people outside.

Newbook - www.newbook.cloud

Interested in learning more about Newbook? Book a software demonstration with one of their market consultants today and don't forget to mention you came from the Outdoor Hospitality Podcast to receive 15% off your Newbook subscription and your first month free. This offer is for Newbook Signature subscriptions only.

This podcast is powered by Sage Outdoor Advisory, the industry leaders in feasibility studies and appraisals.