Episode 36: For the Love of Hospitality
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore what Valentine's Day really means in hospitality and why operators may want to move beyond the old predictable formulas.
With February now positioned as a full “month of romance”, they unpack how hotels and restaurants can stand out in an increasingly crowded calendar by focusing on experience-led, connection-driven programming rather than generic offers. From rethinking in-room amenities and questioning the real value of the classic bottle of champagne, to the rise of low and no-alcohol preferences, provenance-led British sparkling wine, and more considered welcome moments, this episode looks at romance through a practical and commercial lens.
This is an episode about moving beyond the set menu and the single date, and instead designing hospitality experiences that feel personal and genuinely human.
Connect with Us:
Email: podcast@gohalo.co.uk
Website: www.gohalo.co.uk
Instagram: @haloitsmichael and @haloitsashleigh
LinkedIn: Halo Business Consulting
Book your ticket to NoVacancy London 2026
https://www.terrapinn.com/novacancyldn/gohalo-reg
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode.
We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs to join us on future episodes, so please DM us via socials or email podcast@gohalo.co.uk if you are interested.
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In this episode of The Halo Effect, Ashleigh and Michael Donald explore what Valentine's Day really means in hospitality and why operators may want to move beyond the old predictable formulas. With February now positioned as a full “month of romance”, they unpack how hotels and restaurants can stand out in an increasingly crowded calendar by focusing on experience-led, connection-driven programming rather than generic offers. From rethinking in-room amenities and questioning the real value of the classic bottle of champagne, to the rise of low and no-alcohol preferences, provenance-led British sparkling wine, and more considered welcome moments, this episode looks at romance through a practical and commercial lens. This is an episode about moving beyond the set menu and the single date, and instead designing hospitality experiences that feel personal and genuinely human. Connect with Us: Email: podcast@gohalo.co.uk Website: www.gohalo.co.uk Instagram: @haloitsmichael and @haloitsashleigh LinkedIn: Halo Business Consulting Book your ticket to NoVacancy London 2026 https://www.terrapinn.com/novacancyldn/gohalo-reg Don’t forget to like, subscribe, or follow “The Halo Effect: Hospitality Stories with Ashleigh and Michael Donald” on your preferred podcast platform. Please get in touch if you would like to see us discuss a particular subject on a future episode. We would love to invite fellow hospitality professionals and entrepreneurs to join us on future episodes, so please DM us via socials or email podcast@gohalo.co.uk if you are interested.