Meet Stephanie Medalen, the heart behind Gemstone Getaways — a tropical escape in Sarasota, Florida, designed to help families create lasting memories. A brand-new host with a big vision, Stephanie turned her passion for hospitality, sunshine, and family into a space where guests feel truly at home. Inspired by her late mother’s love for the beach and gemstones, she’s on a mission to provide getaways that shine as brightly as the memories made in them.
From vibrant, underwater-themed kids’ rooms to cozy, multigenerational hangout spaces, Stephanie’s attention to detail is all about creating joy. Her background may not be in hospitality, but her natural knack for hosting and thoughtfulness in every design choice proves she was made for this. With her first five-star review already under her belt, Stephanie is just getting started — and her dream of expanding into new markets is only growing.
We caught up with Stephanie to hear more about her hosting journey, the story behind Gemstone Getaways, and her plans for the future.
Q: How long have you been a short-term rental host?
A: My husband and I just bought our first property in September 2024. We are brand-new hosts!
Q: What inspired you to get into hosting?
A: I’ve always loved being a hostess and helping people. Pairing that with my love of travel, hosting just felt like what I was meant to do. I want to help others create lasting memories by giving them a space that feels welcoming, luxurious, and a little bit spoiled. My mother, a gemologist who loved the beach, inspired this business, so I named it Gemstone Getaways in her honor. Every stay is a tribute to her spirit and our shared love for all things Florida.
Q: What markets are you in currently?
A: Sarasota, Florida
Q: What markets are you interested in expanding into?
A: I’d love to expand into the Smoky Mountains someday!
Q: How many properties are in your portfolio?
A: Just one for now – see it here.
Q: Do you self-manage the property, or do you have a co-host?
A: I self-manage.
Q: What tools or systems are most important for managing your day-to-day hosting business?
A: Hostfully PMS is my go-to. It helps me integrate everything into one place and stay connected with guests at all times.
Q: What are your biggest challenges as an STR owner?
A: Distance! I’d love to be more hands-on, but I’ve built an amazing local team that makes it possible.
Q: What are you doing to differentiate your property in the market?
A: We’ve created a vacation home with a tropical, multi-generational vibe. Our kids' bunk room is painted floor-to-ceiling like an underwater cove with sea turtles and dolphins. We also have a saltwater pool, yard games, a fire pit, and a game room with ping pong, foosball, and an arcade machine!
Q: What’s your favorite thing about being an STR host?
A: Hearing that guests left happy and full of memories. That’s what it’s all about for me.
Q: What’s one thing you’d shout from the rooftops to new STR hosts?
A: Automate!
Q: Are there specific items in your property that guests always notice?A: Yes! Our Article couches, leather recliners, pool floats, and the lanai daybed. Guests also love Public Goods and Quince.
Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands and why?
A: Article, Public Goods, and Quince—great quality, beautiful design, and guest favorites.
Q: How has Minoan helped you with your short-term rental?
A: We ordered everything through Minoan the day after closing. Two hurricanes hit shortly after, and our rep was incredible – helping us manage deliveries and delays with so much care.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Minoan?
A: The ease of shopping, customer support, and reliability.
Q: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when starting out?
A: How important it is to build your local team early on!
Q: What’s your most rewarding experience as a host so far?
A: My first 5-star review. It meant everything.