Ep #5 - Turning a Remote Location into a Desirable Destination with Paul Honeywell

Join host Katie Bessant as she interviews Paul Honeywell, owner of Oran na Mara on the Isle of Harris. In this episode, Paul shares the rewards and challenges of running a remote holiday rental, from marketing strategies that helped him attract guests to building relationships with the local community. Discover how Paul transformed his unique property into a sought-after destination and the key lessons he’s learned along the way, including tips for new holiday property owners. Paul's insights are sure to inspire! During the episode we chat about: - Paul's journey to becoming a holiday cottage owner - How the industry has changed over the years - The design and architectural inspiration behind Oran na Mara - How to ensure a luxurious and memorable stay for your guests - What marketing strategies have been most effective in attracting guests to Oran na Mara - How to manage guest bookings and experiences throughout different seasons? - Challenges faced when managing Oran na Mara - Advice to owners starting their own holiday cottage business - Plus so much more! Paul's diverse career began in Formula One motor racing as an assistant to world champion John Surtees. After transitioning to marketing, he rose through the ranks to become CEO of Europe's largest design and marketing consultancy. Later, Paul co-founded The Storytellers, an internal communications specialist serving major corporate clients worldwide. During this period, Paul spent much of his life traveling, often joking that he lived on airplanes! Upon selling his share of The Storytellers, Paul and his wife Helen embarked on an exciting new venture. They designed and built Oran na Mara, an iconic and highly unusual self-catering property on the Isle of Harris in Scotland. 🐝 CONNECT WITH KATIE 🐝 Website: ⁠⁠https://theholidayhive.com/⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theholidayhiveofficial/⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-bessant-31bb84135/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theholidayhiveofficial⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@HolidayHive 🌟CONNECT WITH PAUL🌟 Website: https://www.orannamara.com/ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/oran.na.mara/ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/orannamara TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@orannamara To contact Katie, email ⁠⁠[email protected]