New Slow and Sustainable Accommodation Directory
Announcement posted by Life Unhurried Pty Ltd 27 Aug 2020
Slow travel platform, Life Unhurried, has launched their carefully curated accommodation directory, SLOW STAYS. Designed as the official edit of the world’s best slow and sustainable accommodation, the Australian directory is the first step in a world-wide roll out.
“We know that now more than ever, Australians are looking for unique places to stay in their own backyard but they want to ensure they’re treading lightly on the planet at the same time,” says co-founder, travel journalist Celeste Mitchell.
“Planning a holiday can become a time-sucking vortex with the amount of accommodation options now available online. Major booking sites might be convenient but what we’ve found is travellers really want a trusted, curated collection of truly special places over an endless sea of choices.”
Showcasing a collection of unique accommodation from across the country, each property listed has been run through the ‘Slow Stays Scale’ to ensure it offers not only a stylish, desirable spot to sleep but serious substance. Properties need to satisfy a combination of criteria, ranging from being in a regional or rural location, supporting local producers and makers, and being owner operated, through to harnessing solar, utilising rainwater, and using eco-friendly cleaning products, among others.
Importantly, Slow Stays is not a booking site – the directory promotes guests booking directly to put more money in the pockets of small business owners.
All accommodation providers featured have been offered free listings for the first six months to help reignite the travel industry after visitor numbers to Australia plummeted 99.7% (April 2020)* and border closures and lockdowns stymied domestic travel. Once the formula has been proven, an affordable membership will be offered to operators by invitation only.
After travelling and producing the first two Slow Stays video series (or watch on YouTube here) on Life Unhurried, the team spent the past six months researching and building the directory, with the launched buoyed by the immediate need for platforms that champion Australian travel experiences during the current Covid-19 landscape.
ABOUT SLOW STAYS
Slow Stays by Life Unhurried is the official edit of the world’s best slow and sustainable accommodation. The directory launches with a tight edit of Australian listings – properties from the coastline of Byron Bay to the vineyard-flanked farmlands of Denmark, WA.
Think of it as your Little Black Book; filled with the most unique and desirable stays, all vetted by editors, not algorithms. Rather than wasting hours of your life scrolling through Airbnb, Booking.com and Google search listings, Slow Stays is your go-to directory to find that off-the-grid shack, luxurious glamping spot, beautifully renovated farm stay, or architecturally-designed cabin of your dreams.
Visit lifeunhurried.com/slow-stays-directory
ABOUT LIFE UNHURRIED
Life Unhurried launched in late 2018 as a space to feature unique Slow Stays and inspiring conversations with those living a life unhurried. The platform shines the spotlight on people and experiences that align with the core values of being present, slowing down, treading lightly and living an authentic life.
Behind it are three friends bound by a passion for slow and sustainable travel and living – travel journalist and editor, Celeste Mitchell; travel videographer and photographer, Krista Eppelstun; and graphic and web designer, Katie Gannon.
Celeste Mitchell has worked as an editor, journalist and columnist for 18 years, most recently as a travel writer for some of Australia’s most widely-read titles, including ESCAPE (News Corp), Australian and International Traveller, Jetstar magazine, Virgin Australia, QANTAS, Vacations & Travel, get lost and more. She also has a background in tourism PR and marketing, having worked with Tourism and Events Queensland for close to a decade, both as an in-house publicist and contracted writer and editor.
> Read more about her here.
Krista Eppelstun is an in-demand travel photographer and videographer, usually on the road creating content for the likes of Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Outback Queensland Tourism, Brisbane Airport and more. She has long been a leader in the online space, launching and running Australia’s first online bodyboard store, one of the first womens’ e-commerce stores and online magazine, MyLookbook.
> Read more about her here.
Katie Gannon has a strong background in sustainability having created and run her own successful indie fashion label, Mother Maria, before transitioning to graphic and web design, putting her stamp on work for clients such as City of Sydney (Sustainable Destinations Partnership, Cityswitch Green Office Program and more) and Tourism and Events Queensland.
> Read more about her here.
PHOTOS AND VIDEO
Media assets available for download here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cywjajrzk8ry44n/AAAfxYofWREvJHlDb4L8-tgUa?dl=0
CONTACT
Website:
Visit Life Unhurried at lifeunhurried.com to sign up for the newsletter and discover your next perfect Slow Stay.
Social Media:
Podcast:
Subscribe to the Life Unhurried podcast on Apple podcasts.
For interview requests and further information, co-founder Celeste Mitchell can be contacted at celeste@lifeunhurried.com or on 0415 626 444.
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*Source: Tourism Australia International Market Performance Statistics