Before joining Thrive, Sarah and John were running a busy, well-reviewed business with a strong reputation for guest experience. Bookings were steady but almost all reservations came through OTAs, quietly eroding profits through commission fees.
 

Short stays dominated the diary, pricing decisions felt reactive and, although the business looked successful from the outside, it lacked the structure needed to support sustainable, long-term growth. 

By stepping back and deliberately repositioning the business around the right guests, longer stays and a clear direct booking strategy, the foundations began the change.
 

The result:

• Direct bookings increased from 10% to 60% within six months.

• The business reached 100% direct bookings by the end of the year.

• Profits increased by over 50%.

• Rates increased with confidence, without harming occupancy.

• Guests now stay longer, spend more and return often.

• The owners reclaimed real time off, without sacrificing income.

What once felt reactive is now calm, profitable and genuinely enjoyable to run.

“Having Stephanie by our side has been invaluable. We’re now confidently charging what we’re worth, every booking is direct, and the business finally feels sustainable. Thrive didn’t just make us more profitable - it gave us back control.”

Before Thrive, Siobhan's business was shaped almost entirely around short, one-night stays. The constant cycle of arrivals and departures created relentless changeovers and left little space to step back and operate the business with intention. 

Day-to-day decisions were driven by immediate demands rather than long-term direction and the business required constant attention just to keep everything running smoothly.
 

By following the Thrive Method step by step, the business was rebuilt around the right guests, longer stays and clearer systems that supported how the business actually needed to operate.

The result:

• Average length of stay increased from one night to nearly six.

• Longer stays dramatically reduced daily workload and changeovers.

• Direct bookings became the primary source of reservations.

• Rates increased without resistance from guests.

• The business now runs with a far calmer operation and a more balanced, motivated team.

2025 became the most stable and successful year the business has experienced, with fewer turnarounds, less pressure and far more control. The business also received industry recognition for both guest experience and team culture.

“The biggest change isn’t just the numbers - it’s how much easier everything feels. We’re attracting guests who stay longer, spend more and genuinely value what we offer. The business finally works for our guests, our team and our bottom line.”

After more than 30 years running their eco-lodges within a conservation sanctuary, Joy and Simon found the business no longer felt aligned with the effort it demanded. What had once been rewarding had become heavy, despite decades of experience and commitment.

The day-to-day operation left little room to step back and the question shifted from how to grow to whether they wanted to continue at all.

By simplifying how the business operated and deliberately rebuilding the foundations around profitability and the right guests, the direction of the business began to change.

The result:

• Income increased by $90,000 in the first year, with continued growth year on year.

• A simpler, more streamlined way of running the business.

• A noticeably lighter daily workload and fewer operational pressures.

• More time, energy and enjoyment - without sacrificing profitability.

• A business that finally feels sustainable, both financially and personally.

After three decades in business, it has become the most rewarding and easiest it has ever been to run.

“We were genuinely questioning what came next because the business had become so demanding. Within a year, our income increased by $90,000 - but more importantly, the business now feels manageable and rewarding again. We finally feel confident about the future.”

When Nigel and Juliette joined Thrive, they had a clear long-term goal: to retire within three years. At the time, the business didn't yet support that ambition in a realistic or sustainable way.

Only around 30% of bookings were direct, repeat guests were limited and short stays kept them closely tied to daily operations. Although they worked hard, the business lacked the structure needed to create true flexibility.

By rebuilding the business around the right guests, longer stays and a strong direct booking strategy, everything began to shift.
 

The result:

• Direct bookings increased from 30% to 100%.

• Nearly half of all bookings came from repeat guests.

• Longer stays reduced day-to-day pressure and created breathing space.

• The business became more profitable, more enjoyable and easier to run.

• The owners gained the freedom to close for four months each year.

With a business that worked on their terms, they had real options. When the time felt right, they sold the business for a premium price and retired ahead of schedule - exactly as planned.

“We set a clear goal for our future - and with the right structure and support, we achieved it. Thrive didn’t just help us build a profitable business; it gave us freedom, confidence and choice.”