COVID-19 spurs uptick in home stay travel options: Austin Adventures and Lodges at Eagles Nest partner to meet demand
The onset of COVID-19 may have led to travel restrictions across the globe, but that’s not stopping travel enthusiasts. In fact, they’re just changing the way they travel.“As we work through the ‘new normal’ for adventure travel, we are seeing more requests for away-from-the-crowds accommodations and itineraries,” said Dan Austin, founder and CEO of Austin Adventures.
Austin Adventures reports a 30 percent increase of overall business related to inquiries for exclusive, private travel. As a result, they’ve partnered with the Lodges at Eagles Nest, an executive mountain community in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Together, they’ve launched Eagles Nest “Home Stays”, a first-class base camp that includes guided group tours and outdoor recreational programming.
“From executive retreats to family gatherings, our partnership with Austin Adventures will provide clients the privacy they’re seeking in this changing travel environment,” said Will Adkins, Eagles Nest principal developer and CEO at Waterfront Group.
Perched at 5,000 feet with 360-degree views, the Eagles Nest community is five miles from Banner Elk, in the heart of the adventure capital of North Carolina. Activities within the secluded community include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, disc golf, a ropes course, ATV and motorcycle trails, private fishing, a wine and cigar bar, and more. Off-site, travelers can ski at Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain resorts, raft Tennessee’s famous Watuga River, or explore nearby Banner Elk.
Guests interested in booking a stay at the Lodges at Eagles Nest through Austin Adventures have a variety of options, ranging from renting an executive mountain retreat with no additional services to experiencing a customized, all-inclusive stay with activity and service add-ons.
“We can get you a full-time adventure guide, a personal chef, a private driver, you name it,” Austin said. “We’ll even make arrangements for you to arrive in your private jet, if you want.”
Austin Adventures has added the Lodges at Eagles Nest to the Austin Collection, its selection of high-end accommodations hand-picked for recommendation by Dan and Carol Austin. In addition, Austin Adventures is exploring other similar home stay partnerships throughout the U.S.