Open Air Business August/September 2018

GLAMPSITES
internet and it worked very well.
Fortunately accommodation in
this area is always in short supply
in season so guests found us and
keep finding us.
Also, because we were new
and had a different concept, we
had a lot of editorial in the press
from Coast magazine, The Times,
Telegraph, a German glamping
publication, TV and even Aeroflot’s
inflight magazine! We did do
a winter promotion through a
voucher site the second year with
amazing success – it had good
advertising value but a tight profit.
How would you describe your
ethos and unique selling point?
Glamping is what it suggests -
glamorous camping. We have
stayed minimal, spacious (approx.
20sqm internal space), with all
the life giving basics - Kettle,
toaster and BBQ. We have created
an environment which is in the
country but has the order and
ambience of a country garden.
How did you choose your interior
decoration?
We kept the interiors simple, all
white with the minimum of fittings.
We didn’t want it to be like a
caravan. Of course some would like
this with microwaves etc. but we
are mainly off-grid so have to be
economical with the power. This
is helped with LED lights. Many
guests understand the benefits of
getting away from the norms of
home living. Many ask us not to
give the kids the Wi-Fi password!!
What challenges have you faced?
The main challenge is running a
business off-grid, low power, low
water supply, etc. also getting
“WE CHOSE
OUR BRAND
TO REFLECT
A MIX OF
LOCATION
AND THE
ACTIVITIES OF
MANY OF THE
GUESTS WE
WANTED”
across exactly what glamping
is. Sometimes husbands try and
surprise their partner who turns
up with high heels and a bouffant
hairstyle at which point you know
it is not going to work. Occasionally
there is the ‘to the manor born’
guest who thinks that it is a hotel.
You need to get the message
across. The people you want are
usually brilliant guests and really
enjoy the experience.
Describe your average day midseason
Glamping at most times of the year
is short lets until the main season,
so there are changeovers on most
days. The site needs continual
maintenance and any communal
facilities need constant checking.
Why do you enjoy the business?
The business involves meeting
people from all walks of life -
people who generally enjoy the
outdoor life and want a break to
recharge their batteries. Running a
new type of business is a challenge
and creates its own frontier. This is
a good experience in this age and
provides plenty of interest.
What are you most proud of?
Designing and manufacturing a
product and making it work as a
business is something I am proud
of.
What other outdoor hospitality
sectors do you operate in?
Our site does suit the wedding
business and also the corporate
market but it needs the back up
of the other facilities like cottages
and function areas. It is surprising
how many weddings we have had
as to date we have not advertised.
We have a function room which is
heated and can seat 120 at tables.
What advice could you give
to someone coming into the
industry?
It is a good industry based on the
fact that people want to be in
the countryside but they are now
looking at doing it in more comfort.
Before anyone starts it is a
matter of looking around with
open eyes at various styles. What
someone will be doing may not be
your flavour but try and see where
they are in the market place, where
they are going and where they
are coming from. Then, like any
financial institution, it’s all about
the ‘biz’ plan. Research all finance
options.
ADDRESS BOOK
DETAILS
Atlantic Surf Pods
Atlantic Farm
Bude, Cornwall
EX23 9FG
01288 355288
www.atlanticsurfpods.co.uk
40 WWW.OPENAIRBUSINESS.COM