Meet the Author
Suzy Turnbull – Author of 5-Star Hosting Made Simple
Before becoming a host in 2016, my professional background was firmly rooted in marketing and advertising. I hold a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing and I’m a Level 1 AI Marketer, specializing in the practical, strategic use of generative AI tools to help small business owners work smarter.
My Story
Hello, I’m Suzy Turnbull, a former 5-star short-term rental host, marketing strategist and author of 5-Star Hosting Made Simple.
Before I ever became a host, life took me on a journey that taught me a great deal about people, places, and what truly makes a place feel like home.
I’m British by birth, and more than 30 years ago, I left England to follow my husband’s international career. We’ve lived in four countries, on three continents and back in Europe, we now call Portugal home. Along the way, we raised two children while I built and ran my own businesses.
Living and working across cultures taught me adaptability, communication, and cultural awareness. Most importantly, it gave me a deep appreciation for what makes a place feel like a home away from home: comfort, clarity, trust, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Those experiences became the foundation of my approach to short-term rental hosting—and ultimately, the inspiration behind this book.
Where our Hosting Journey Began
Becoming a 5-star Host
More than a decade after purchasing our weekend home in Buenaventura, a golf and beach resort on Panama’s Pacific Coast, we made the decision to step into short-term rental hosting.
With years of international travel behind us, and a clear understanding of what makes a stay truly memorable, my husband and I focused on creating a home that felt comfortable, thoughtful, and genuinely welcoming, rather than simply “well equipped.”
After the pandemic, we shifted from a part-time side earner to a full-time hosting business. We elevated our offering, expanded our amenities, and created an atmosphere of heartfelt hospitality that kept guests returning again and again. And we named and branded our property “Villa Ibis”.
Within a very short time, we earned both Airbnb Superhost and Vrbo Premier Host status. Also on Airbnb, our property was in the top 1% of properties in Buenaventura.
In our final year— 82% of all bookings came direct, supported by glowing 5-star Google reviews.
What I learned through that experience is that success in short-term rentals is built on genuine hospitality: creating a beautiful space, paying attention to the details, and delivering a memorable stay.
Check out a small selection of the lovely reviews we received (below).
What our Guests said about Villa Ibis
Nothing validates a hosting philosophy more than the words of the guests themselves.
Here are a few excerpts from verified guest reviews at our former short-term rental home, Villa Ibis, in Panama.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Suzy and Laurence are hosts as I´ve never met before. They dedicate special attention to every detail in their property and make sure their guests understand how to properly have the greatest time possible. The house is beautiful and flawless. They even left a red wine bottle and ammenities for us to enjoy. 5 stars and a big thank you for them.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Suzy was far and above the best host I have ever dealt with. From thoughtful recommendations to personally calling us to suggest an alternative route due to unexpected traffic—this level of care is rare. The home was even better than advertised, and the welcome package was such a lovely touch. AMAZING.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“From the moment we arrived, we felt right at home. The house is beautifully designed, spacious, and extremely comfortable—perfect for families. Communication was flawless, with what I can only describe as British precision. Bottom line: we loved it and can’t wait to return.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was one of the best vacation home experiences we’ve had anywhere in the US or Europe. What stood out most was the communication and local knowledge Suzy and Laurence shared—from trusted drivers to local tips that genuinely saved our trip. This wasn’t just a place to stay; it was an experience.”
Why I wrote 5-Star Hosting Made Simple
Over the years, I came to realize that great hosting isn’t accidental. Some skills can be learned, others come more naturally, but the most successful hosts share a common foundation.
They understand people. They pay attention to detail. They communicate clearly, think strategically, and care deeply about the guest experience.
I wrote 5-Star Hosting Made Simple to help independent hosts develop those skills with clarity and confidence.
And its the book I wished I’d had when I started in the business.
Events
January 25th, 2026
Official Book Launch
Book Release
Buy 5-Star Hosting Made Simple on your favourite platform.
Available in E-Book or Paperback.
Want to get Chapter 1 now and be the first to know when the book is available? Join the list.
April 22nd 2026
Old Bilingsgate, London, England
@ 6:30pm
Book Signing
Short Stay Summit, 2026.
Conference ice-breaker event.
