Welcome back to our special two-part series recorded live at the VRMA Executive Summit in Miami Beach. This gathering brought together some of the sharpest minds and boldest voices in vacation rental management, and we made it our mission to capture real-time insights on what’s top of mind for the leaders shaping this space.

In Part 2, we continue our hot-take conversations with a new lineup of industry experts, diving into the themes of value-driven travel, AI-powered revenue strategy, and the increasing tension between quality and scale.

First up, you’ll hear from Peter Albert, CEO of Coastal Vacation Properties, who shares what it's been like rebuilding his business—and his entire community—post-hurricane in Fort Myers Beach. Peter opens up about the realities of traveler expectations today (spoiler: it’s all about price), and why vacation planners should be treated like VIPs before they even step through the door.

Next, we sit down with Richie Khandelwal, co-founder of PriceLabs, for a high-octane look into the future of dynamic pricing. Richie breaks down what AI means for rate strategy, guest personalization, and the precision of future search—and why your brand’s niche might be your most powerful weapon in an AI-first world.

Then we’re joined by Michelle Williams, General Manager at Atlantic Vacation Homes. Michelle challenges the “growth at all costs” mindset and makes a powerful case for quality over quantity. She also offers a long-view perspective on how guest expectations evolve—and why a well-made bed might matter more than that arcade machine.

Finally, Scott Leggat of Inhabit shares wisdom from decades in the field. We discuss guest loyalty, building a sense of local ownership, and why regulation—not competition—may be the industry’s biggest threat.

If you missed Part 1, go back and hear from Steve Trover (Better Talent), Jacob Mueller (Renjoy), and Michelle Marquis on everything from business travel to PMS data ownership and the future of standardization.

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.

1. What’s a contrarian belief you have about what today’s travelers actually want from a vacation rental?
2. What’s something happening in the industry that not enough people are talking about — but should be?
3. And finally, what’s one travel trend you’re bullish on, and one you’re a little bearish on?

James McBride is not just a hotelier — he's a visionary storyteller, a daring innovator, and a relentless champion of authentic luxury experiences. What started as his bold vision to redefine hospitality on a remote Indonesian island has become an award-winning global phenomenon, with Nihi Resorts capturing the imagination of travelers worldwide. As the co-founder of Nihi alongside legendary serial entrepreneur Chris Burch (co-founder of Tory Burch), James is at the heart of this extraordinary journey.

In this episode, we dive into:

• James’s fascinating journey from foundational roles at Ritz-Carlton and Rosewood Hotels to pioneering transformative luxury experiences at Nihi Resorts.

• The daring moment he famously published his personal phone number in major newspapers—and how authentic human connection remains central to his hospitality ethos.

• The incredible origin story behind Nihi Sumba, and how James transformed an untouched Indonesian island into one of the world's most celebrated travel destinations.

• Why authenticity and storytelling are indispensable for creating memorable guest experiences.

• Strategies for maintaining genuine human connections in luxury hospitality amid an increasingly digital world.

We also unpack James’s perspectives on:

• What independent hotels can learn about curating truly unique and impactful guest experiences.

• Why meaningful hospitality extends beyond aesthetics, amenities, and luxury trappings.

• How calculated risks and creativity can lead to global recognition and lasting success.

• The critical importance of sustainable, authentic luxury in today's evolving travel landscape.

This episode is for hoteliers crafting authentic luxury, bold brand builders pushing creative boundaries, and travelers seeking experiences that resonate deeply and endure long after their journey home. Connect with James on LinkedIn

Discover Nihi Sumba

Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.

Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at journey.com/alliance.