If you’ve ever thought about leaving your phone behind and escaping to a remote cabin in the woods, you’re not alone. For Jon Staff, this urge wasn’t just a fleeting idea—it was the foundation for a $41M hospitality brand called Getaway. What began as a humble experiment with a single Airstream trailer is now a nationwide network of over 1,000 tech-free cabins, offering city-dwellers a respite from their screen-saturated lives.
Let’s explore how Jon Staff identified a growing pain point—digital burnout—and transformed it into what Getaway is today, a wildly successful business redefining hospitality.
Identifying Opportunity in a Hyper-Connected World
Jon Staff recognized something many people inherently feel but don’t always articulate—our always-on culture is draining. Before founding Getaway, Staff experienced severe burnout from his tech-heavy work as a Harvard Business School graduate and a tech-company employee. Like many professionals, his career revolved around emails, meetings, and the relentless pinging of notifications that left him disengaged and exhausted.
But Staff realized his personal battle wasn’t unique. Our collective yearning to “unplug” isn’t merely a luxury; it’s becoming an urgent necessity. According to a Deloitte study, Americans check their phones an average of 96 times per day, double the rate five years ago.
Staff set out to create something that offered genuine relief from this constant connectivity—a no-frills escape. This idea soon became Getaway, a concept that encourages people to disconnect and savor life’s simple pleasures in the quiet of nature.
From an Airstream to 1,000+ Cabins
The Starting Point
Staff’s first experiment with “unplugged” hospitality came via an Airstream trailer outfitted for off-grid living, which he tested in his spare time. The concept was simple yet powerful: remove the barriers that prevent people from taking breaks by providing ready-to-go accommodations just a short drive from major cities. The trailer proved popular, validating the idea that people were ready to pay for experiences that actively restricted technology use.
The Expansion That Followed
By 2015, Getaway had launched its first outpost of tiny cabins in upstate New York. These modest accommodations—often just 150-200 square feet each—were deliberately designed to encourage true disconnection. The cabins lack Wi-Fi and prioritize natural materials, comfy beds, and expansive windows with forest views.
Staff leaned into proximity for growth. Realizing the value of convenience, Getaway positions its locations strategically, within a 2-hour drive of some of the nation’s busiest cities. This formula allowed Getaway to attract an urban demographic looking for low-effort escapes.
Fast-forward to 2023, and Getaway now boasts 50+ outposts across the United States with over 1,000 operating cabins. This seismic growth was fueled by a simple, relatable call to action—take a break.
The Data Proves It Works
The numbers tell a compelling story of Getaway’s impact and success:
- Year-on-year growth has remained steady, with monthly bookings regularly exceeding 70% occupancy.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, Getaway saw its bookings soar as city dwellers sought safe, self-contained retreats. According to Getaway, bookings in 2021 grew by 150% compared to 2019.
- Their return visitor rates remain remarkably high, with many customers booking multiple trips every year.
Breaking Down the Getaway Formula
Understanding the “Tech-Free” Edge
Many wonder who owns the getaway house, the company that’s pioneered one of the most ingenious hospitality strategies: its emphasis on digital detoxing. Where many hospitality brands emphasize Wi-Fi speeds or tech amenities, Getaway leans in the opposite direction, framing its escape as a place to reconnect with yourself, loved ones, and nature.
The lack of distractions—no screens, no notifications—lets visitors take a mental timeout and revisit hobbies like reading, hiking, or simply staring up at the stars.
Proximity as a Differentiator
Rather than isolating outposts in far-off destinations requiring complex travel arrangements, Getaway chooses locations close to urban centers like Los Angeles, Atlanta, Boston, and Seattle. This accessibility makes it easier for customers to “get away” without the added burden of long flights or drives.
Simplicity Meets Comfort
Every Getaway cabin features the basics done exceptionally well:
- A cozy bed fitted with luxe linens.
- A small but functional kitchen stocked with essentials.
- Plush outdoor seating around a private fire pit.
- Unique, handpicked design details ensuring each space feels thoughtful and serene.
Paired with full privacy—no shared walls or excessive on-site facilities—it offers guests the perfect balance between solitude and comfort.
Scaling Despite Challenges
Pandemic-Driven Growth
Ironically, the global shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic turned Getaway into an even more desirable brand. With vacations abroad out of the picture, people began seeking local experiences. Getaway’s isolated, self-contained cabins proved to be exactly what nervous travelers needed. Occupancy increased dramatically, and the pandemic seemed only to reinforce the importance of Getaway’s mission to unplug and recharge.
Tackling Overcrowding in Nature
One unexpected issue that arose during expansion was the risk of overtourism and lingering environmental impact. Staff and the team implemented eco-friendly cabin practices and traffic management systems to ensure the local areas surrounding each outpost weren’t overwhelmed by visitors.
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Getaway’s Success
Jon Staff’s runaway success teaches a number of key lessons for entrepreneurs looking to create meaningful businesses:
- Solve Real Problems
Getaway’s success is rooted in addressing a genuine need—helping people escape digital burnout in a convenient, accessible way. Great businesses solve problems, and Getaway is a blueprint of how to transform a frustration into an opportunity.
- Simplicity Scales
By focusing on ease and simplicity, Staff eliminated the barriers to taking a break. The uncomplicated design, limited tech features, and suburban access make Getaway appealing for even the busiest city dwellers.
- Play to Consumer Behavior Trends
Staff capitalized on major cultural pain points—tech fatigue, the rise of mindfulness, and the growing desire for wellness—and turned them into Getaway’s core value propositions.
Take Your Next Break — The Getaway Effect
Jon Staff’s Getaway isn’t just about tiny cabins—it’s about reclaiming balance in a non-stop modern world. Whether you’re an urban professional needing restorative quiet or a family looking for a low-stress outing, Getaway has proven there’s a significant appetite for no-fuss, tech-free escapes.
If Staff’s story has inspired you, start thinking about ways to take meaningful breaks from technology—or perhaps even start your own business that aligns with a growing cultural need.
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