Afloat Management Inc.

 

Cape Carraholly Retreat is managed by Afloat Management Inc., a Vancouver based start-up specializing in unique and off-grid short term rentals.

 

The company emerged from a simple idea. When Covid-19 was announced as a global pandemic in 2020, Jean-Michel Turbide, co-founder of Afloat Management Inc., recognized individuals’ needs to retreat to spaces of relaxation and refuge. He therefore used his savings to purchase the beloved 40 ft. houseboat Odealiah and begin the revolutionary idea of creating floating Air BnBs in downtown Vancouver. In the months following, Jean Michel’s friends and family supported his journey by helping him renovate and transform Odeliah into “The Floating Love Nest (TFLN).” Since TFLN was anchored and accessible only with a small dingy shuttle boat, guests could escape into their own oasis on the waters of False Creek. During the unparalleled time in history, TFLN was a gift for guests to feel a sense of belonging to the city, but also disconnect; they were close to others, but at a safe and comfortable distance. A welcomed and well-needed combination. Guests’ appreciation of being “off-grid” while still surrounded by a stunning city skyline soon began to draw the attention from media sources. Soon enough, TFLN was featured in several prominent news platforms and blogs in Vancouver. During times of declining tourism as a result of Covid-19, TFLN had a 90 % occupancy rate as well as a consistent revenue growth of over $75, 000 in less than a year.

 

However, just as with any other business start-up, the vision for Afloat Management evolved. The opportunity for growth and expansion depended on the local landscape and culture and although Afloat incorporated several other mini-yachts and on-shore properties into the rental business throughout the year, the business also experienced theft and safety concerns. The team persevered through several hardships and mobilized their new knowledge and lessons learned to become even more resilient than ever. In October 2022, Jean-Michel made the difficult decision to relocate all boats and begin a new project. What began as a rental listing in a news article for a single cabin in “Karen’s Village” evolved into what is now known as Cape Carraholly Retreat. Together with the minds and expertise of a visionary, strategist, designer, and architect, the team’s dream of creating a secluded, nature-centric oasis quickly materialized into a flourishing business.