The revival of this ancient Japanese escape is transforming business for smart Glamping Site owners and AirBNB hosts.
Glamping hosts and accommodation owners are looking to the past for inspiration as they seek to stand out in a crowded market… and the results have been remarkable.
Rural retreats and quiet getaways are cashing in on popular “smart home” gadgets, and ever present smartphones, delighting their guests with the rustic simplicity of the wood-fired hot tub.
First used in Ancient Japan as a deep-soaking bath, the wood-fired hot tub is seeing a surge in popularity, and Glamping site owners have been among the first to see the benefit.
Declan Brennan, General Manager of British wood-fired hot tub manufacturer Royal Tubs is in awe of the difference a wood-fired tub can make to a glamping site. He said “We’ve always known that wood-fired hot tubs fit perfectly into a countryside surrounding, and it’s fantastic to see small, family businesses benefitting from their unique appeal and simplicity.” But it’s not just manufacturers who are seeing an upturn in business.
Jenny Whitham of Faraway Follies owns and runs two short term rentals in Llandegla, North Wales. She saw a 275% increase in year-on-year bookings after adding a wood-fired hot tub to each of her lodges, even after increasing nightly rates by over 45% to recoup her investment. Jenny said “We knew we didn’t want to use chemicals in the tub, and being able to use fresh water and drain onto the land is perfect for us.”
Another Royal Tubs customer; Emma Bibby-Jones of Coryhill Hideaways, operates two Shepherd’s Huts on AirBNB. In the aftermath of Brexit, importing a wood-fired hot tub from Scandinavia was too costly. Royal Tubs were helpful, and able to deliver quickly, making them an easy choice. Emma noted the ease of cleaning and looking after the hot tub between guests, and said the hot tub features prominently in their reviews: “We’re close to a designated Dark Sky area, and on clear nights the view is spectacular. Our booking rates are hugely influenced by having the hot tubs, it’s just a shame that some of the best reviews are left in the visitor book, instead of online!”
Another Host we spoke with; Helen Tate, runs the Ööd House in Sussex. A natural retreat complete with swimming lake and private jetty is a popular escape for staycationers looking to slow down and unwind all year round. Helen credits their wood-fired hot tub for allowing them to charge premium rates and maintain a high occupancy rate. Helen said “The first thing [every guest] wants to do when they arrive is use the hot tub. Although it’s an investment, it pays for itself and we won’t hesitate to add another Royal Tub to new properties as we expand.”
But beyond the eye-catching popularity and relaxation that a wood-fired hot tub brings to guests, Hosts are finding their other hidden benefits to be good for business. With the sky high cost of electricity, a wood-fired hot tub is very cheap to run by comparison, and can be fully heated in less than 2 hours… perfect for Hosts who want to add a welcoming touch. Of course, nobody minds saving themselves the cost of installing an electric hot tub either!
Wood-fired hot tubs can be used with or without chemicals, which means lovers of convenience and the natural approach can enjoy their simple charm.
For Royal Tubs, the wood-fired future is bright. Declan Brennan added: “As has always been the case, the early bird catches the worm, and that certainly seems to be the case with wood-fired tubs. We’re seeing more glamping sites and accommodation owners choose these tubs for their low cost and relative ease, and we’re eager to see whether their popularity continues to rise with guests. We’ll certainly be keeping stock high, and prices low while we wait and see.”
Glamping site owners and hosts can secure £400 off ANY Royal Tub right now; just cite “Glamping Business” when you call 01536 606040
