When I welcomed my very first guest to Xoop Homes, I didn’t realize I was beginning a journey that would touch so many lives including my own. I remember that first guest. She was a single woman and her two children. I was so amazed that a total stranger trusted me to host them. What was even more amazing was that I was trusting a total stranger in the space that I had put so much love and care into. Questions swirled in my mind that first night. Questions like What if they trashed the place? What if they are bad players? What if we didn’t hit it off?
It is now almost one year since I started hosting simply opening my space and my heart. What started as a simple idea has grown into something truly meaningful. I would not turn back. I love it!
The Heart Behind Xoop Homes
Xoop Homes was never meant to be “just another place to stay.”I always knew that.
As someone from Antigua, hospitality comes naturally to me. I grew up understanding the importance of making people feel comfortable, welcomed, and cared for. I saw my family hosting strangers when I was a child. Whether it was for a night or a simple glass of water. That was hosting . Xoop Homes was created with that same spirit to be a place where guests feel at home, whether they are on vacation, attending a family reunion, or traveling for work.
From the very beginning, my goal was simple. I wanted to meet each guest where they are and give them exactly what they needed.
What Hosting Has Taught Me
Every Stay Has a Story
At Xoop Homes, every booking represents a story. Some guests come to celebrate birthdays, others for rest and relaxation, and some during important life moments. I’ve learned to listen, to care, and to make each stay personal.
It’s the Little Touches That Matter
What truly sets Xoop Homes apart are the thoughtful details like a small birthday mug to an unexpecting guest. That was a hit! This guest was celebrating a birthday and I thought of a cute golden mug to commemorate her milestone. Another guest had a toddler and I knew she could not have travelled with beach toys so I got him some beach toys. I knew he appreciated it since he did not leave it back in the cottage. Sometimes an extra bag of ice or an ice bucket goes a long way. We even got beach chairs for one guest. These are not extras but they are expressions of care.
Guests may forget what you say, but they never forget how you make them feel. My husband always says that.
Communication Builds Trust
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of clear, kind, and consistent communication. From the first inquiry to check out, staying connected helps guests feel supported and at ease. Some messages we do not take for granted like how to find us and your door code BEFORE you arrive are little messages which make a difference.
Flexibility Makes the Difference
Not everything goes according to plan and that’s okay. Hosting has taught me how to adapt, respond quickly, and always put the guest experience first. We had one guest who had to take his family off the cruise ship since one of them got sick. He needed just a place to place his luggage while they got themselves sorted with the doctors. I had to rush to the cottage to settle them in and that made me so happy when they left with a pleasant experience of Antigua despite the emergency.
Hosting is Service
For me, Xoop Homes is more than a business it is a journey of care. It reflects my values, my faith, and my desire to serve others with kindness and excellence. I often remind myself that for some guests, XOOP Homes is their home away from home. They are in a strange place outside of their comfort zone so I try to make this as comfortable as possible.
The Joy of Hosting
One of the greatest blessings of Xoop Homes has been the people.
I’ve met incredible guests from all walks of life families, couples, professionals, and travelers. So many stories so far which warms the heart. One guests left his clothes for me to donate. This was just in time for a weekend clothes donation at my church. I sent him pictures of the clothes I donated and he promised to send more clothes as his contribution. Many arrive as guests and leave as extended family. Hearing their stories, celebrating their milestones, and knowing I’ve helped create special memories is what makes this journey so rewarding.
What I Would Never Change
If I could go back to the very beginning, there is one thing I would never change is the heart behind Xoop Homes. I would still go above and beyond. I would still pay attention to the smallest details. I would still treat every guest as someone truly special. I would still be Arlene 😊
You see, at Xoop Homes, it’s not just about providing a stay it’s about creating an experience filled with warmth, care, and intention.
Looking Ahead
As Xoop Homes continues to grow, I am excited for what lies ahead like new guests, new stories, and new opportunities to serve. One thing that will always remain the same is that at Xoop Homes, you are never just a booking, you are always a valued guest since you are family! Thanks so much for reading. To see more of my journey please visit my blog at https://xooponline.com/xoop-blog2/
Thanks for sharing. I will be booking for next March for my dad’s 90th birthday celebration.