Adventure Lodges & Retreats

At freetobook, we love learning more about all the exciting businesses across the world who utilise our booking software to manage their accommodation. We recently caught up with Lewis Collins, who works at Ultimate Adventure in North Devon, who is certainly a unique freetobook customer! 
 

Hi Lewis, firstly, can you tell us more about Ultimate Adventure and Adventure Lodges & Retreats?

Adventure Lodges & Retreats offers a truly unique experience, making it a special place to stay. We provide a combination of competitive rates, distinctive accommodation options, and top-notch amenities that set us apart. What really makes us stand out, though, is the wide range of adventurous activities available on-site, including high ropes, archery, mountain boarding, and a wipeout-inspired assault course – perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.

 

In addition to the activities, we’re located just 3 miles from the beach and have over 38 acres of beautiful green space for guests to explore and unwind in. Our typical customers range from families and groups of friends looking for adventure-filled getaways to couples and solo travellers seeking a unique, active escape in nature.  

 

That sounds great! So, how did you get started with Adventure Lodges & Retreats?  

Adventure Lodges & Retreats is a relatively new venture that was initially created to address low occupancy rates at our activity residential centre, Ultimate Adventure. The goal was to provide affordable accommodation in a popular tourist destination, attracting more visitors to the local area. After several discussions and meetings, the business was officially launched, and it became my responsibility to drive it forward. 

Quite the task! What challenges did you face?

In our first year, we faced some challenges with a lower-than-expected uptake and struggled administratively to manage inventory, customer enquiries, and bookings across multiple platforms. By year two, we knew we needed to make a change. We began searching for a channel manager that could support our diverse units and offerings. After several failed attempts, we eventually found freetobook, which proved to be a great solution for our needs. 

 

We’re glad you found us! How did you first hear about freetobook? 

 

After spending countless hours searching for a channel manager or booking system that could support our business growth, a colleague who had briefly worked with a hostel business suggested I check out freetobook. To my surprise, it exceeded all expectations from the start. After speaking with one of the freetobook advisors, it became clear that not only did it meet all our needs, but it also offered additional benefits I hadn’t even anticipated, all at a fraction of the cost compared to other systems. 

 

That’s brilliant. Since then, how has freetobook helped you to manage Adventure Lodges & Retreats and contribute to its success?

Since adopting freetobook, we’ve seen incredible results, including a 150% increase in sales and a significant boost in positive feedback from guests. Our interactions with customers have improved dramatically as well. I believe we’ve only scratched the surface of what the system can do, and I’m excited to see where it takes us in the future. 

 

That’s amazing! So, looking ahead, what are your hopes and goals?

 

Looking ahead to 2025, our goal is to increase occupancy rates outside of the peak seasonal dates. We plan to leverage the many features of freetobook, such as seasonal discounts and direct booking perks, to attract more guests year-round. We’re also exploring the possibility of incorporating additional sales channels to further expand our reach and ensure consistent growth.

 

 

Do you have any advice for other property owners considering using freetobook?

I highly recommend reaching out to the support team. They have extensive knowledge not just of the system, but of the market as well. The advice I’ve received from them has been instrumental in our success this year. 

 

Thanks, Lewis! We can’t wait to see how freetobook continues to help you to grow!