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Forbes
34 minutes ago
- Forbes
Casago Focused On Togethering And Localization Travel Trends
If you ask Steve Schwab, CEO of Casago, what makes a great short-term rental (STR) experience, he won't start with technology or price. He'll tell you it begins at the front door—literally. That's because Casago's vision for the future of vacation rentals hinges on something deeply analog in a digital age: local ownership, local stewardship, and human connection. A person rolls two suitcases with children seated on them as travelers pass through Miami ... More International Airport during Memorial Day weekend on May 24, 2025 in Miami, Florida. This Memorial Day, travel is expected to break records according to AAA, with an estimated 45.1 million travelers. About 3.6 million of those expected travelers will be flying to their destinations. (Photo by Giorgio VIera / AFP) (Photo by GIORGIO VIERA/AFP via Getty Images) And as the STR market evolves, Casago's franchise-first model may prove to be one of the most disruptive plays yet. Casago recently completed a merger that positions it among the largest full-service short-term rental operators in the U.S., with over $2 billion in annual reservation revenue. But Schwab is quick to clarify—it's not just about scale, it's about structure. 'We're taking what was a centralized consolidation model and decentralizing it,' Schwab told me. 'Each market becomes a Casago flag, owned and operated by a local franchisee who knows the community, the homes, and the guests.' Integration Into The Local Community Casago offers full-service property management with boots on the ground. Franchise owners don't just list properties; they maintain, clean, and manage them with hospitality-level precision. This model creates accountability and builds trust—two things that matter deeply to both guests and homeowners. According to data from AirDNA cited in Skift, STR supply growth has slowed to 5.2% in 2024—down from 7% in 2023 and 18% in 2022. Schwab isn't alarmed. In fact, he views it as a market maturing. 'Real estate prices are up, and the post-pandemic bump has normalized,' Schwab explained. 'But demand is stable. And in some segments, like large-group rentals, it's thriving.' Togethering In Group Travel Casago focuses heavily on nightly rentals, especially for families and groups seeking 'togethering'—a term Schwab uses to describe the intimate shared experiences that hotels often can't replicate. A recent Mintel study supports this shift: 40% of Gen Z and Millennial leisure travelers prefer STRs over hotels, citing better value, privacy, and the ability to cook, relax, and reconnect. This isn't just about saving money—it's about crafting moments. Despite a growing reliance on technology, Schwab believes the secret sauce of modern hospitality is making people feel seen and heard. 'Luxury today isn't marble bathrooms,' he said. 'It's a handwritten note that proves someone cared. It's a Mariachi band greeting you on your anniversary. It's human connection.' Casago uses AI to streamline back-end operations—like navigating varied cancellation policies or managing repetitive tasks—so staff can spend more time creating those personal moments. 'We're using AI to be more human, not less,' Schwab noted. Casago isn't interested in one-size-fits-all automation. 'Hospitality is local,' Schwab said. 'And the closer the decision-maker is to the front door, the better the outcomes for guests, homeowners, and communities.' That level of oversight matters. According to Skift, guest satisfaction scores are significantly higher for STRs than hotels, especially in larger properties where shared experiences matter. Schwab attributes that gap not just to amenities but to intent. 'You're not knocking on your grandparent's hotel door hoping they're in. You're sitting with them in a shared living room, making memories.' Schwab also stresses the importance of proper guest placement and thoughtful community alignment. 'There's a place for rowdy golfers and a place for families,' he said. 'It's our job to know the difference and place them accordingly.' Casago embraces regulation too—but only the fair kind. 'If we don't self-discipline as an industry, someone else will do it for us—and we may not like how that turns out,' Schwab warned. 'Fair regulation helps weed out the bad actors and makes room for the professionals.' As the industry tilts toward professionalization, Casago is carving a path that merges operational excellence with emotional intelligence. Its franchise model may be the key to unlocking hyper-local scale—a rare feat in hospitality. And in an era where 'local' is the new luxury, that might be the smartest move in travel today.
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Silverado Resort: The Gold Standard In Napa, CA
Maintaining its classical beauty, upgraded to modern hospitality standards, Silverado is more appealing than ever. NAPA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 17: Danny Willett of England plays a shot on the sixth hole during the ... More third round of the Fortinet Championship at Silverado Resort and Spa North course on September 17, 2022 in Napa, California. (Photo by) Over the past few decades, I've had glorious occasion to stay and play--golf, of course--at Silverado Resort in Napa, California, located in the heart of wine country for the last fifty years and still going strong. PGA golf great--and former resort co-owner-- Johnny Miller grew up in a house by the eleventh hole and helped update the golf courses from the original Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designs. Peregrine Hospitality acquired Silverado in 2022 from KSL and is in the midst of a $14 million restoration of the venerable property, intent on 'strengthening its legacy and expanding its appeal to new and present generations of guests.' Not that it needed major surgery, mind you! Much of the charm of Silverado Resort has always depended on its unvarnished rustic setting amid the 1200 acres of rolling hills and towering oaks that give the golf courses their traditional parkland character. The accommodations could have formerly been described as shabby chic or Spartan, but Peregrine is intent on changing that impression--upgrading the aesthetic appeal and functionality of its 345 guest rooms. Co-owners of the spacious full-service condos--kitchens and living area included--have collaborated with the new owners to donate the old accoutrements to Habitat for Humanity to make way for the new look. Good karma that… Newly upgraded guest room The elegant old bones of the property are due to the efforts of one John Franklin Miller--no relation to the golfer--a lawyer and former general in the Union Army who bought the all-wilderness acreage back in 1869. The Mansion that serves as centerpiece of the resort was Miller's stately home until his death in 1886, and the indoor/outdoor "Mansion Terrace" looks onto the 18th hole of the South Course, serving drinks and comestibles to guests whose timely arrival at sunset is wholly strategic. The shadowy views of 300 species of trees tinted with an orange-red sky is worth the price of admission alone. Commemorative plaque at Silverado Golf Course. The above-pictured plaque memorializes some of the many golf greats who have competed at Silverado over the years. Currently, the resort hosts the annual Procore Championship, the first tournament of the FedExCup Fall season, which has been held here since 2014. Compliments are to be given to the management gurus at Troon Golf for their superb maintenance of the golf operations at Silverado--its lush rye-bluegrass blend makes for cushiony fairway shots and the bentgrass/Poana greens are always true-rolling and consistent. The North Course plays longer at 7,166 yards and is guarded by strategically placed water features and copious bunkers, while the shorter South layout has narrower fairways and demands a well-fitting thinking cap. Kicking it old-school at the Silverado Spa. The already resplendent spa has also gotten a facelift--its 16,000-square-foot premises are across Atlas Peak Road and feature an expanded fitness center replete with the latest gleaming gadgetry as well as spacious studios for group classes. New flooring and furniture give the place a bright and cheery atmosphere and the updated Boost Cafe joins the resort's other excellent food and beverage offerings. Also recipient of a luxury upgrade is The Grove, which when soon completed will offer an elegant, ind0or-outdoor event space that can host up to 1000 guests. Let the wedding bells ring! Truth be told, the former f&b offerings at Silverado were in sore need of a makeover and executive chef Patrick Prager is to be commended for his farm-to-table ethos and imaginative offerings at The Grill, the resort's headquarters for three daily meals. The fried chicken sando with fresno chilies and apple slaw is a stone cold winner, hands down. And the wine list is Napa Valley-serious, with vintners like Duckhorn and Alpha Omega gracing a long list of distinguished varietals. P.S., don't forget to visit Forno Pizza at The Market, which makes a great Neapolitan, thin-crust pie and is not to be missed. Exec chef Patrick Prager, inked-up and ruling his garden roost at Silverado Resort. Of course, no respectable account of Silverado's palate-pleasing edibles would be complete without props given to the legendary Burgerdog, available on the South Course at the 10th hole or the 6th hole of the North. Custom-grilled per order, the sandwich is essentially a horizontal hamburger, served on a hot dog-shaped bun replete with onions, dill pickles and sweet relish, a divine concoction which originated at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. Johnny Miller was a huge fan and made sure that 'Burger Bill' Parrish's original recipe became a staple of on-course offerings at Silverado. Whether hungry or not, golfers are obliged to try one on for size and will never regret the choice. Now play away! The one and only BurgerDog, the pride of Silverado.
Condé Nast Traveler
2 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
Timeless Cuyana Bags Our Editors Take Everywhere
Every seasoned traveler knows the importance of a well-made, hard-working handbag that can carry your essentials through bustling city streets, crowded airports, storied museum halls, and beyond with ease. But it can be difficult to find a travel bag that does it all; some force you to sacrifice style for durability, while others are made with materials that only last a season. Few brands deliver all of this and more quite like Cuyana. If you're new here, Cuyana is a leather goods brand focused on creating long-lasting, timeless pieces with high-quality materials—hence its 'fewer, better' motto. The brand is known for its thoughtfully designed leather bags that are as gorgeous as they are practical. It's easy to see why several of our editors trust the brand to carry our favorite things each day. From the best-selling Easy tote that holds a day's worth of must-haves to the ultra-chic Celestia bag that elevates every outfit, Cuyana is your one-stop shop for the bags you're taking with you everywhere you go. They're built to last a lifetime—and we just keep coming back to them, day after day, trip after trip. Below, we rounded up our editors' favorite bags to travel with from Cuyana. You'll find roomy totes, classic shoulder bags, and smart inserts that routinely earn a spot in our carry-ons or get put to use as our personal item, no matter where we're headed. The Classic Easy tote My love affair with Cuyana began a few years ago when I got my hands on the popular Classic Easy tote. It quickly became my go-to tote bag for running errands, souvenir shopping, and day trips. Like most tote bags, it doesn't have a whole lot of structure or pockets inside, but it sure fits a ton (a 16-inch laptop, a book, a water bottle, makeup bag, and wallet). For a spacious bag, the Easy tote is incredibly lightweight. My favorite thing about it is that it can lie completely flat in my carry-on, making it a nice 'just in case' throw in. Where Cuyana really stands out is its material: For a bag I've brought with me on countless trips over the last few years, it still looks brand new. We can thank its buttery-soft, Italian leather for that. It's built to withstand some wear and tear and only gets better with age. It features two different handle lengths on the top, but I prefer the longer ones for day-to-day use. It's offered in a Tall and Small version, too, and is even available with a zipper for added security. I think of this as an always reliable tote that I keep reaching for, whether I'm headed to a business meeting or shopping in the city. The Celestia shoulder bag My newest find from Cuyana is the Celestia shoulder bag. I'm not kidding when I say I gasped when I first saw it. It's the perfect shoulder bag—pretty, classic, spacious, and just the right mix of structured and slouchy. I was looking for a nice black leather bag to carry for dinner dates and special occasions. And while it comes in handy on nearly every fancy night out, I'm also able to use it for more casual settings, like city dates with friends and Sunday brunches. It's not too big that I can't take it out for a date night and it's not too small that it only holds my phone—it's just right. I'm able to fit my wallet, lipstick, sunglasses, keys, and a few other small essentials without it looking bulky. Not to mention, it's stunning and incredibly chic—something Meredith Blake would absolutely be carrying. Chevron Chevron Cuyana Celestia shoulder bag $398 Cuyana The System tote This one's for our commuters. Travel bookings editor Jamie Spain has been carrying the 13-inch System Tote to the office every day for the last year. Its structured, sturdy silhouette and sleek design caught her eye. 'The System tote is definitely more upscale than my average canvas tote, seamlessly befitting happy hours, work, and exciting new restaurant openings,' says Spain. 'I love the signature Italian leather exterior and interior, which is understated, tasteful, and compliments any outfit I threw on.' It's spacious enough for a laptop, book, portable charger, cosmetic pouch, and a few other small necessities. Aside from lugging it to and from the office each day, Spain also uses the tote as a personal item on the plane and even brought it with her on a road trip to Acadia National Park. 'The built-in interior pocket is perfect for storing essentials you need to reach easily, like your passport, earbuds, or some petty cash, and since the bag can be snapped closed, you don't have to worry about anything flying out (but if you'd like something a little more secure, there's a zippered version of the tote available as well),' says Spain. The System inserts Another thing our editors love about Cuyana is its thoughtful inserts that are purposefully designed to help organize your bag. Spain recommends these inserts to anyone using the System tote. 'The System laptop sleeve keeps my computer safe and secure, while the System pouch keeps all the bits and bobs (a wallet, coins, jewelry, makeup, etc.) from rolling around and getting lost at the bottom of the bag,' says Spain. 'Both snapped directly into the bag's shell so they wouldn't move around and were available in the same colors as the bag.' Speaking of colors, we appreciate Cuyana's range of timeless colorways, from classic black and dark chestnut to dark olive, stone, and caramel—all of which add a subtle yet sophisticated look to your outfit. The Paloma tote Another one of our editor's favorite tote bags from Cuyana is the Paloma. Associate commerce director Madison Flager has been using it as her work bag for the past few months. 'It's got so many great qualities going for it: The aesthetic is gorgeous—I love the unique pentagonal shape, and the fact that it has both top handles and long shoulder straps,' says Flager. 'It's well-designed inside, too—the exterior zipper pocket is perfect for keeping things like cash and my work ID handy, and the interior slip pockets are the right size for small items like hand sanitizer and lotion.' Flager also appreciates the snap-close key leash, so she doesn't have to dig around for her keys when she gets home from work or a trip. Her only con: 'There's no top zipper or snap closure, but there are leather straps you can tie to secure everything inside a bit more, which is ideal if you're using it as a personal item on a flight.' The dark chestnut color matches everything and hasn't shown any wear yet.
