The Power of Sensory Design: Five Moves Luxury Villas Use to Win Bookings
Use sight, scent, sound, touch, and taste to create villas guests remember—and pay more to enjoy.
What guests really pay for
Your guests book the photo, but they return for the feeling. When you align all five senses and your property stops competing on price and starts leading on value.
The five sensory levers (with do-now actions)
Sight: Use biophilic design by adding plants to your interiors. Choose color palettes that get enhanced natural light. We’ve said it before and we will keep on saying it—stay away from “safe” and “bleh” beige. It can be dingy, dull, and shows dirt very easily.
Implement at least one statement art piece per guest zone—these include your living room, dining room, and bedrooms.
Hide visual clutter like cords and cables. Nobody wants to see what I call a snake nest in their guest suite. (They can also be an unnecessary danger.)
Scent: Light, natural signature scents from your location.
In the country, use citrus or rosemary. Seaside? Try sea lavender which grows in the sea sides naturally in Greece. In the mountains? Use cedar and pine. Get discreet diffusers; never overpower.
Sound: Add rugs and curtains to soften echo; preload morning, day, evening playlists; place speakers strategically, install surround sound, get portable bluetooth or WiFi speakers.
Touch: Upgrade bed layers and towels; add tactile throws; make sure to change out the bedspreads for the season—light pique “waffle” blankets in spring and summer, heavier duvet inserts for the winter.
Taste: Add a welcome ritual—estate extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), local wine, known coffee brands. Taste is often the closing note guests post about.
Why it works
Stronger photos → more clicks
Better stays → more 5-star reviews
Memory cues → repeat bookings + pricing power
Starter checklist (save this)
Pick 3 colors • Add one diffuser per social space • One statement work of art per zone • One rug per seating area • One tactile throw per bed/sofa
So, how do I know this all works? I’ve implemented this formula into over 20 short term rentals that now have waiting lists for high season because their staff kept implementing Sensory Design.
Want to level up your holiday villa, guest suites, or short term rental apartment? Read my FREE Guide to Sensory Design.
Ready to take action and want my help transforming, renovating, or getting a ready-from-day-one turnkey property?
Request a meeting with me directly for a design audit and we can identify opportunities for you and your investment property.