The Story of Starlight Retreat: A Winning Holiday Email Strategy

The first snow of the season blanketed the small town in a soft, glistening white. From the windows of the Starlight Retreat, guests could see the twinkling fairy lights wrapping the ancient oak trees that lined the property.

For years, this cozy yet luxurious hotel had been a hidden gem for travelers seeking to escape the chaos of the holidays. But this year, it had something special in store.

The hotel manager, Clara, stood in the grand lobby, inspecting the finishing touches. A giant Christmas tree, adorned with handcrafted ornaments, stood in the center, its star glowing warmly. Behind her, the fireplace crackled with a cheerful fire, the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked gingerbread wafting through the air.

Clara knew this year’s holiday campaign was different—and it all began with a story she crafted for her guests.

The Invitation

Weeks earlier, Clara had sent out an email that didn’t just promote a stay—it told a story. It began like this:

"Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in a place where time slows down and joy lingers a little longer. The Starlight Retreat isn’t just a hotel; it’s a memory waiting to happen. Picture yourself sipping cocoa by the fire, watching snowflakes dance outside, and indulging in a festive feast made with love. This holiday season, let us be your home away from home."

Attached to the email was a simple, enchanting offer: “3 Nights for the Price of 2 – Plus a Complimentary Holiday Dinner”.

The email also teased exclusive activities—cookie decorating for kids, wine-tasting nights for couples, and a magical carriage ride through the snowy town square.

The subject line? Subtly festive yet irresistible: “Your Christmas Story Begins Here.”

A Family’s Escape

Among the recipients was Emma, a single mom juggling work and parenting her two young children. For her, the holidays had always been about making everyone else happy—until this year. She’d been hesitant to splurge on a getaway, but the email painted a vision she couldn’t resist. It wasn’t just the promise of a holiday; it was the promise of peace.

Emma booked a family suite, lured by the idea of snow-filled adventures and cozy evenings by the fire. What she didn’t know was that this trip would become one of the most cherished memories for her little family.

The Experience

On Christmas Eve, Emma and her children arrived at the Starlight Retreat. From the moment they stepped into the lobby, they were greeted with warm smiles, hot chocolate, and a friendly golden retriever named Max, the hotel’s unofficial mascot.

The weekend was a whirlwind of joy. The kids giggled as they built snowmen and decorated cookies in the grand dining hall. Emma, meanwhile, stole a quiet moment in the spa, indulging in a peppermint-infused massage while soft carols played in the background.

On Christmas morning, they awoke to find stockings hung on their room’s fireplace—a surprise curated by Clara and her team. Emma’s youngest squealed with delight at the little gifts tucked inside: a hand-knit scarf and a wooden toy train.

The highlight of the day was the grand holiday dinner. Long communal tables were set with shimmering gold accents, and the smell of roasted turkey and spiced cider filled the air. Guests shared stories and laughter, united by the warmth of the season. Emma looked around, feeling something she hadn’t in years: a sense of belonging.

The Goodbye—and a Return Promise

As the weekend came to a close, Emma couldn’t stop smiling. “This wasn’t just a holiday,” she said to Clara as they checked out. “It was magic. We’ll be back next year.”

Clara smiled knowingly. The email campaign had done its job—not by selling a room, but by crafting an experience. Starlight Retreat wasn’t just another hotel; it was a place where memories were made and traditions were born.

Why It Worked

The Starlight Retreat’s email marketing campaign succeeded because it wasn’t about pushing a deal—it was about telling a story. It tapped into the emotions of holiday stress and turned it into a dream of connection and comfort. Every email—from the first teaser to the last-minute reminder—painted a vivid picture of the experience, making it impossible to resist.

For Emma and countless others, that one email wasn’t just a message in their inbox. It was the beginning of a tradition.

In 2024, the hospitality and travel industries are heavily relying on email marketing to keep customers engaged and boost loyalty. Email continues to be the preferred communication channel for 41% of travelers, according to Skift.

Discover which businesses benefit the most from email marketing and why 2025 is the year to harness its power to drive your business forward.