A holiday haven for your guests

Hosting guests in your holiday home during Christmas and New Year's Eve can be a rewarding experience, both for you and your clients. Whether your property is nestled in the serene landscapes of Mallorca or the picturesque region of Umbria (like our properties), here's how to ensure a memorable and profitable stay while addressing potential challenges.

Want to know more about our unique vacation villas? Head to our website: www.only-summer.com

How to become a holiday haven for your guests?

During these days everyone expects that you dorn your holiday villa with elegant ornaments and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Go a step further and present local holiday delicacies as welcome gifts. In Mallorca, immerse yourself in the Mediterranean Christmas traditions by enjoying neules, which are circular decorations crafted from white paper. These cutouts feature intricate designs resembling snowflakes or depicting nativity scenes. In Italy you should highlight your luxury villa with regional decorations such as wooden presepe (nativity scenes).

Catering is paramount these days

Accommodate varying guest expectations both with traditional and modern holiday meal options. How about offering a private chef? In Mallorca, consider offering a special New Year's Eve dinner package either at a restaurant you collaborate with or a private chef. For Italian properties, highlight local culinary traditions like Prosecco for New Year's toasts. If you have your own winery like we do (www.villabucher.com), offer your best wines for your clients.

Special Activities

Enhance the guest experience with festive activities such as guided winter activities that are unique to your location. In Mallorca, arrange visits to festively lit town squares and Christmas markets. Did you know that they put up an ice-rink at the Plaza Espa?a square in Palma? For Italian fincas, facilitate participation in local New Year's Eve celebrations. At our culinary club Degosteria (www.degosteria.com), we offer several special themed dinners to indulge in local delicacies.

How to turn these stays profitable for you?

A first step would be to implement a minimum stay policy during peak dates. You could also offer holiday packages that bundle accommodations with special meals and activities. In Mallorca, consider adding spa packages as a revenue stream if you happen to collaborate with massage therapists. For Italian properties, promote wine tasting experiences featuring local varieties. We offer a great wine tasting experience at our culinary club Degosteria (www.degosteria.com).

Technological support

Use your social media to showcase your finca's holiday preparations. Offer also virtual check-in options to reduce wait times and provide a digital concierge service for easy activity bookings

Personalisation is key

Go the extra mile to create lasting memories for you clients. What about personalized holiday cards in each room? You could engage a local artist for this to make it even more authentic. Offer a small gift on Christmas morning or New Year's Day to your clients. It could be a product of your own range. In Mallorca, consider providing guests with "12 grapes" for the Spanish New Year's tradition and explain it to them. Invite them to experience it at the market place of the next town located near your holiday home. For Italian villas, why not arrange a special New Year's Eve dinner with local specialties? We do this at our beautiful culinary club Degosteria (www.degosteria.com).

What are potential hick-ups ?

What could possibly go wrong with these preparations? Well, better anticipate and plan for common issues such as staff shortages, supply chain disruptions or overbooking. Possible solutions could be: offer incentives for holiday shifts, stock up on essentials early and implement a robust reservation system.

By focusing on these aspects, you can create a magical holiday experience that not only meets your clients' needs but also ensures a profitable season for your finca. Whether in Mallorca or Umbria, the key is to blend local traditions with luxury amenities, creating an atmosphere that feels both authentic and indulgent. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can turn potential challenges into opportunities for exceptional service, setting the stage for glowing reviews and repeat bookings in the years to come.

Find out more about our brand and luxury vacation homes: www.only-summer.com