Ray and Silvia are joined by Carmel O’Beirne, a lifestyle host from Clifton Hill, Melbourne, who uses her one-bedroom apartment to fund travel and supplement her income as she transitions toward retirement. The episode opens with Ray sharing a challenging guest situation involving a dropped wallet, refusal to check out, and police intervention — a reminder that hosting can sometimes take unexpected turns.

Inspired by her daughter’s success paying off a mortgage through Airbnb, Carmel began hosting her “cosy nest” — an earthy, plant-filled apartment with a green urban jungle balcony in a vibrant Melbourne neighbourhood. Her approach is what she calls “lifestyle hosting”: using Airbnb income to support extended travel, including a month in India, while keeping her home active and secure.

Carmel relies on trusted neighbour friends when she travels, meeting guests in person for key handover to reinforce respect and care for her home. She is selective with bookings to maintain strong relationships in her owner-occupied building. Rather than scaling, she plans to continue hosting sustainably, avoiding “empty house syndrome” while balancing income, community harmony, and flexibility.

• How to handle difficult guest situations, including when police become involved.
• Why guest preparedness and clear house rules are essential.
• Pricing strategies: Smart Pricing vs manual or third-party tools.
• The power of clear instructions to prevent misunderstandings and bad reviews.
• Preparing a personal home for guests while protecting privacy.
• Building a reliable local support network for remote management.
• Managing neighbour relationships in owner-occupied buildings.
• How lifestyle hosting can fund travel and supplement retirement income.

Name: Carmel O’Beirne
Airbnb: View Carmel’s Listing

Ray’s South Yarra Airbnb: View Listing
Ray’s North Melbourne Airbnb: View Listing
Silvia’s Airbnb: View Listing

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription.
Learn more

Ray and Silvia are joined by Emma Bartlett, a new Airbnb host in Trinity Beach, North Queensland, juggling a full-time job and two young children. They kick off with a discussion about the hosts' shared pet peeve: guests who don't provide feedback during their stay, only in post-checkout reviews. Ray shares his frustration with missed opportunities to improve guest experiences, while Emma, a new host with a five-star rating, reflects on initial guest support, and Silvia highlights the benefits of direct feedback in a shared home.

Emma shares her journey into Airbnb, driven by a desire to maintain a family base in Trinity Beach, North Queensland, while residing in Melbourne. Her two-bedroom townhouse stands out with its Daintree rainforest-inspired styling, offering warm colours and greens distinct from typical coastal decor. A key focus is making the property family-friendly, providing extensive amenities like a cot, booster chair, and toys to ease travel for families. Despite a highly competitive market and initial hesitation from management companies due to seasonal bookings, Emma has achieved unexpected booking success. She efficiently manages the property remotely through a trusted local cleaner, podcast-inspired smart lock systems (using guest mobile numbers for codes), automated messaging, and dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs. Hosting in a tropical climate brought unique challenges, including managing various insects (ants, wasps) and mold, necessitating regular pest control and AC maintenance, with Ray suggesting Sensibo for humidity control. Emma attributes her high guest satisfaction to accurate property representation, unique styling, abundant supplies, durable selections, and a personal touch as a new family host, which she believes fosters guest understanding and open communication.

The episode wraps with Emma expressing her pleasant surprise at the Airbnb's success, which has exceeded initial expectations. She emphasizes that her meticulous setup, durable design choices, and personal approach have ensured smooth remote management and fostered positive guest interactions, allowing her family to enjoy the property for their own holidays once or twice a year.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Strategies for encouraging guest feedback during their stay versus post-stay reviews.
• How to successfully set up and manage an Airbnb property remotely, even with family commitments.
• The importance of thoughtful styling and equipping a property to stand out in a competitive market.
• Practical considerations for making an Airbnb family-friendly and reducing guest packing burdens.
• Addressing unique environmental challenges in tropical climates, such as pest control and humidity/mold management.
• Leveraging technology like smart locks, automated messaging, and dynamic pricing tools for efficient remote operations.
• The value of durable materials and a systematic cleaning process for long-term property maintenance and guest satisfaction.
• The benefit of transparent communication and personal touches in fostering guest empathy and improving overall experience.

Guest

Name: Emma Bartlett Instagram: @trinitybeach_townhouse Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1086727624986172101

Where to stay — hosted by the Superhosts Down Under team

Ray’s South Yarra Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5 Ray’s North Melbourne Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3 Silvia’s Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X

Sponsorship

This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Use code Ray15 for 15% off your first subscription. https://riverside.sjv.io/xLR1Wx

Ray and Silvia are joined by Stefan Jordana, a Brisbane-based host (and emerging interior designer) behind a colourful, tropical one-bedroom Airbnb nicknamed “The Fishbowl.”

They kick off with a practical host topic: communal facilities in strata buildings—what guests should be allowed to use (pool, gym, rooftop BBQ), what’s often too hard to manage (bookable cinema/dining rooms), and why some residents and building managers default to blaming Airbnb guests when issues arise.

Stefan then shares how he transformed his ground-floor, south-facing unit into an experience-led stay—using statement pieces, lighting, and multi-purpose furniture to solve space and brightness challenges, and to stand out in a market full of “white-on-white” listings. He also breaks down what surprised him most once hosting began, why he chose a co-host/property manager, and what he’s learned about launching confidently while maintaining five-star standards.

The episode wraps with Stefan’s next chapter: documenting his interior design studies and building his brand, with plans to expand his Airbnb portfolio—while keeping an eye on evolving Brisbane short-stay regulation.

What you’ll learn in this episode

• Communal facilities in strata buildings: what to allow vs what to avoid (especially bookable amenities)
• Why issues in buildings are often blamed on Airbnb guests first
• How “The Fishbowl” aesthetic came to life and why bold design stands out in search results
• Brightening darker apartments with reflective finishes, white balance, dimmable and mood lighting
• Space-maximising design: storage walls, hidden study, Murphy bed, pull-out sofa and multi-purpose furniture
• What guests actually comment on versus what hosts tend to worry about
• Co-hosting best practices, transparency and communication expectations
• The fine line between helpful guest messaging and over-communication
• Choosing a property manager when quality and detail matter

Guest

Stefan Jordana
Instagram: @stevielarkin_design

Where to stay — hosted by the Superhosts Down Under team

Ray’s South Yarra Property
https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5

Ray’s North Melbourne Property
https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

Silvia’s Property
https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X

This week on Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia are joined by returning guest Tanya, plus Superhost couple Jay and Rod. Tanya shares a recent, highly stressful stay that escalated fast — including late-night Airbnb support contact, refund pressure, a privacy breach, cancellation outcomes, and a retaliatory one-star review. Jay and Rod then share how they built three strong-performing Airbnb listings and a complementary paddleboarding business, plus the systems they use to host reliably even while travelling.

Tanya’s complex guest stay and what hosts can learn

How amenity expectations (like air conditioning) can create disputes

Practical ways to approach Airbnb review disputes (including using policy-based language)

Why one bad review shouldn’t define a good host

Jay and Rod’s journey from early hosting challenges to three cash-flow-positive listings

How they manage operations, cleaning, maintenance, and contingencies

Hosting while travelling internationally: communication, backups, and checklists

Using a local experience business to differentiate the guest experience

Be extremely clear in your listing description about amenities and where they apply (for example, air conditioning location)

If a stay becomes a dispute, document everything and reference Airbnb policy when escalating

Don’t over-optimise for star ratings — focus on consistent service and clear expectations

If you can, self-manage at the start so you understand what “good” looks like before delegating

Reliable cleaners, trades, and simple operating systems make remote hosting realistic

Jay & Rod’s Airbnb listings

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/835771603387295054?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/40829555?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/40413091?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

Shoal Bay SUP

www.shoalbaysup.com.au

Instagram: @shoalbaysup

South Yarra Property

https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5

North Melbourne Property

https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3

Silvia’s Property

https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X

Instagram

@superhosts_down_under

This week on Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with Will from Mel Boutique Property, the operator behind Degraves Street Apartment — a design-led short-term rental tucked into one of Melbourne’s most iconic laneways.

Located just moments from cafés, galleries, and the city’s creative pulse, Degraves Street Apartment is a thoughtful example of how boutique hospitality can exist within a dense urban environment without losing warmth, comfort, or personality. Will shares how Mel Boutique Property approaches hosting differently, focusing on guest experience, consistency, and the details that turn a central-city stay into something memorable.

Ray, Silvia, and Will explore what it takes to run a high-performing inner-city apartment — from managing noise expectations and body corporate realities to designing spaces that photograph beautifully but still function for real guests. They discuss the balance between style and durability, why clear communication matters even more in CBD listings, and how Melbourne’s short-stay market has evolved post-pandemic.

The conversation also touches on distribution strategy, guest screening, and why boutique operators often outperform larger portfolios by staying close to the guest journey. If you’re hosting (or considering hosting) an apartment in a busy urban area, this episode offers practical insights and grounded lessons from someone doing it day in, day out.

In this episode, Will shares:

• What makes Degraves Street a unique (and challenging) location to host
• Designing city apartments that balance aesthetics with durability
• Setting expectations around noise, access, and urban living
• Why professional photography needs to reflect reality, not fantasy
• Managing guest experience in high-density buildings
• How Melbourne’s short-stay demand has shifted over the past few years
• The importance of systems, consistency, and clear communication
• When self-managing makes sense — and when it doesn’t
• Why smaller, well-run portfolios can outperform scale
  

Where to stay:

• Degraves Street Apartment — Melbourne CBD ⁠https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1425769022784223775⁠
• South Yarra Property ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/I2cCaaW5⁠
• North Melbourne Property ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/l/KGfcunu3⁠
• Silvia’s Property ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠

Connect:

Instagram: ⁠@degravesstreetapartment⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]

This week on Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with filmmaker and disability advocate Sarah Barton, the host behind two thoughtful and beautifully considered short-term rentals in Melbourne and Wye River.

Sarah has worked for decades at the intersection of film and disability rights. Long before becoming a parent to a daughter with a disability, she was already creating documentaries about access, inclusion, and the lived experiences of disabled Australians. That commitment to representation now extends into the way she designs her guest spaces — from step-free entryways to subtle accessibility features that look and feel like part of the architecture, not clinical add-ons.

Ray, Silvia, and Sarah explore the realities of hosting two very different homes: an inner-city garden flat just steps from Chapel Street, and a peaceful coastal retreat surrounded by forest along the Great Ocean Road. Their conversation covers everything from linen management systems to the mental load of running multiple bed configurations, from dealing with tank water and septic systems to ensuring guests understand safety risks like bushfire season.

They also unpack the nuance of accessibility, why “wheelchair friendly” cannot mean the same thing for every guest, and how honest communication helps set expectations long before check-in.

If you’re a host, a creative, or someone balancing meaningful personal work with the practical challenges of property management, this episode offers grounded insights, real stories, and plenty of relatable moments.

• Combining filmmaking with disability advocacy
• How her daughter’s disability deepened her understanding of inclusive design
• Creating a step-free, wheelchair-friendly coastal home without compromising aesthetics
• Why accessibility is not universal — different guests need different things
• Managing multiple linen sets, bed sizes, stains, storage, and timing
• Why she no longer accepts single-night Saturday bookings off Chapel Street
• How pricing has softened and shifted as local travel patterns change
• What hosting on tank water and septic systems requires from guests
• The importance of a reliable regional support team
• Why honest photos set better expectations than over-styled listings
• How she learned not to take mess or minor damage personally
• Moving off booking.com after a difficult experience
• Why responsiveness and clarity build trust with guests

OffChapel Retreat — Melbourne (Windsor)
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/52710362?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

Wye Beach Retreat / Wye Forest Retreat — Wye River
https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/961291955783555513?viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76

Website: https://custombnb.com.au/

Instagram: @custombnb

Superhosts Down Under – Episode with Meredith Cowley (Custom BNB Hosting)

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia sit down with Meredith Cowley, founder of Custom BNB Hosting, to explore what it really takes to build and run a short-term rental management business across Australia’s east coast.

Meredith shares her journey from frontline child protection social work to becoming a property investor and host. A stage-four breast cancer diagnosis pushed her to re-evaluate what she wanted from life, ultimately creating the space to build a business aligned with her values and lifestyle. Today, she manages a portfolio of around 35 properties across Melbourne, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay.

The conversation dives deep into co-hosting, leasing (arbitrage), guest expectations, owner psychology, and the reality of operating a 24/7 hospitality business. Meredith also explains how Custom BNB Hosting uses multiple platforms and local hosting professionals to deliver a consistent guest experience and strong returns for owners.

In this episode, we speak with Lorna Hay, a Western Australia–based superhost, business owner, and operator of multiple successful Airbnb properties across Perth, Darwin, and the Kimberley. Lorna shares how her hosting journey began when her son moved to boarding school and how it grew into a thriving, lifestyle-driven business supported by her trade services company.

Alongside Ray and Silvia, Lorna discusses remote hosting, managing cleaners, family-friendly stays, preparing homes for extreme climates, and how her background in plumbing and trades gives her a unique advantage in short-term rental management.

• Silvia’s experience with poor hosting practices in Italy and why first impressions matter
• Lorna’s transition from family needs to building a short-term rental portfolio
• How she manages Airbnb properties remotely from a remote region of Australia
• The importance of strong cleaner and co-host relationships
• Managing humidity, mold, and tropical climate challenges in Darwin
• How Airbnb provides creative fulfillment beyond traditional business
• How her plumbing business, IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services, supports her hosting
• Advice for hosts wanting to operate in the Northern Territory

• Darwin Property: airbnb.com.au/h/careycove
• IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services: www.ibacplumbingandtradeservices.com.au
• Travel Blog & Booking Info: www.deadsettravel.com.au
• Instagram: @deadsettravel

• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

Hosted by Ray Yee and Silvia, Superhosts Down Under features real stories and practical insights from Australia’s top short-term rental operators. Each episode shares lessons, experiences, and strategies to help hosts deliver exceptional stays and build successful hosting businesses.

In this episode, we speak with Lorna Hay, a Western Australia–based superhost, business owner, and operator of multiple successful Airbnb properties across Perth, Darwin, and the Kimberley. Lorna shares how her hosting journey began when her son moved to boarding school and how it grew into a thriving, lifestyle-driven business supported by her trade services company.

Alongside Ray and Silvia, Lorna discusses remote hosting, managing cleaners, family-friendly stays, preparing homes for extreme climates, and how her background in plumbing and trades gives her a unique advantage in short-term rental management.

• Silvia’s experience with poor hosting practices in Italy and why first impressions matter
• Lorna’s transition from family needs to building a short-term rental portfolio
• How she manages Airbnb properties remotely from a remote region of Australia
• The importance of strong cleaner and co-host relationships
• Managing humidity, mold, and tropical climate challenges in Darwin
• How Airbnb provides creative fulfillment beyond traditional business
• How her plumbing business, IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services, supports her hosting
• Advice for hosts wanting to operate in the Northern Territory

• Darwin Property: airbnb.com.au/h/careycove
• IBAC Plumbing & Trade Services: www.ibacplumbingandtradeservices.com.au
• Travel Blog & Booking Info: www.deadsettravel.com.au
• Instagram: @deadsettravel

• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link

Hosted by Ray Yee and Silvia, Superhosts Down Under features real stories and practical insights from Australia’s top short-term rental operators. Each episode shares lessons, experiences, and strategies to help hosts deliver exceptional stays and build successful hosting businesses.

Episode Description

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, Ray and Silvia chat with Esther, founder of Nelly Woods Collective Stays, about her journey from corporate tech to hosting three design-led “slow stays” across Australia — including Into the Woods and Nelly in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and her newest retreat Tiers Rest in Tasmania.

The conversation opens with a lively discussion on the dangers of leaving keys in letterboxes, after Silvia shares a costly cautionary tale that every host should hear. From there, Esther walks through how she built a thriving boutique brand grounded in sustainability, calm design, and genuine connection — all while scaling interstate.

Key Takeaways

• Why security and convenience can co-exist when done right
• The pros and cons of lockboxes, smart locks, and in-person check-ins
• How to build a brand that feels human and intentional
• The role of design storytelling and photography in earning press coverage
• How Esther moved from Airbnb to direct bookings and now gets 40%+ of stays through her website
• The “slow stay” philosophy and how authenticity shapes every detail — from scent and sound to handwritten notes
• Tips for hosts who want to get featured in magazines and build trust off-platform

Whether you’re managing your first property or growing a boutique collection, this episode is packed with insight on creating beautiful, intentional spaces that guests remember.

Links

• Nelly Woods Collective Stays: https://www.nellywoodscollectivestays.com
• Instagram: @nelly_woods_collective_stays
• Follow us: @superhosts_down_under
• Ray’s South Yarra Property: Airbnb link
• Silvia’s Property: Airbnb link
• North Melbourne Property: Airbnb link