With six guests checking into an Airbnb somewhere in the world every second, the online booking platform converting spare rooms or privately-owned properties into the world’s largest hotelier is increasingly popular in The Bahamas. If you are one of those transforming your home, villa, condo or that rarely used guest room or wing into a revenue generator, here are a few tips to help you make the short-term rental you own or manage one that visitors come back to time and time again.

First, the basics. Guests who are coming to The Bahamas for vacation want to experience that island feel. That means coastal vibes, light, bright, colours that remind you of the sea in the living space but cool white linens in the bedroom.

– Start by clearing out and decluttering anything that is personal. Only leave essentials and a few carefully chosen décor pieces. Less is more and makes the space feel more open, comfortable and larger. In a home or even a spare room, guests love the same anonymity they expect in a hotel room. They do not want to feel they are invading someone else’s space.

– Bring in a bit of what makes The Bahamas paradise with shells, but remember, never take a shell with a living species inside, only those that you find on the beach.

– Refresh the paint on your walls and baseboards to give it the space that new sparkle.

– Contrast coastal vibes of bright whites, blues, neutrals and natural fibres, cane, rattan and light woods with pops of colour — turquoise or navy blue throw pillows and throw blankets. Store extra blankets and towels in straw baskets. They are functional and attractive, adding a sense of luxury, again differentiating it from the less island-y hotel room experience.

– In the bedroom, select white sheets that are comfy, non-iron, easy to clean, bleachable. Invest in good linens to provide a superb luxurious hotel feel.

– Stage the space, including bathrooms, with cuttings from your yard or even around the island with clippings of bougainvillea or palm leaves

– Leave little gifts like local candles, soaps or sponges. Doing so makes guests feel special and welcome. Leaving a bottle of fine wine they can enjoy while on vacation in a straw bag they can take home to remind them of their days on the beach is guaranteed to please – and something that sets your place apart.

– Add to that goodie bag a sightseeing guide, with a map or list of local eateries, favourite places you want to make sure they visit and make sure all the instructions – wifi, TV channels, important numbers — are in plain view.

– If space provides, create an eye-catching entryway with a catch-all for keys and a space to take off and store shoes with benches and console tables. Your entryway should be a wow point and guests need a place to drop those sandy sandals and damp towels until they move them later. A console with a nice piece of artwork and a rug will make the space inviting from the moment they walk in.

– We can’t say this enough, stage décor in threes with tall, medium and short items.

– When purchasing new pieces, keep functionality in mind by choosing solid pieces rather than glass dining or coffee tables as they are easier to keep clean and are more accident resistant.

The more luxurious your space looks and feels, the more money you can make, the better your reviews so don’t be afraid to spend money to make money.