Meet the bright young stars of travel
Whether it's the result of technology, the credit crunch, eco-worries or simply our constant thirst for something new, the way we travel is changing, and these are the trailblazers helping to make it happen
Whether it's the result of technology, the credit crunch, eco-worries or simply our constant thirst for something new, the way we travel is changing, and these are the trailblazers helping to make it happen
Founders: Yurtel
age: 29 and 34
Taking the mud and the misery out of festival-going
The original idea behind Yurtel was a mobile spa business; Dawe and Knights were both massage therapists who decided to create a spa they would take to festivals. "We wanted to offer massages and treatments but weren't sure what kind of structure to use. We decided on a yurt and in 2007, we took just one yurt around the country, offering treatments," says Dawes.
While at the festivals, they realised that although there were companies offering "comfortable accommodation", a gap in the market remained.
"There was nothing particularly luxurious, and we felt yurts could offer that, so we went back to the guy in Devon where we had bought our first one and ordered 12 more. We then set up a mobile hotel: each yurt has a kingsized bed and fresh flowers, and we still offer the spa treatments. At some festivals we offer a B&B service - fresh croissants and coffee."
Yurtel's clients tend to be older people who might not go to festivals if it meant toughing it out under canvas, and they intend to up the luxury factor.
"We're looking to add five more yurts and also a shower and toilet trailer." But Dawe admits that their long-term goal is a touch more glamorous: "Our ultimate dream is a health retreat somewhere overseas. We're heading to Goa next month to look at possible locations."
• Top tip: "As the recession bites, holidaying in the UK will become more popular. With stress levels increasing, people will be looking to nurture their mind, body and soul at affordable destinations within the UK."