Behind the Stay

A woman with long brown hair, wearing black sunglasses and a black jacket, stands on a boat or dock near a body of water with a mountain in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.

Tess Rousselle

Founder & Curator

I’ve always been drawn to places that feel considered, where design, atmosphere, and experience come together effortlessly in a way that stays with you.

I love to travel, but more than that, I love to arrive. To settle into a place, notice the details, and experience it as it’s meant to be felt. Whether it’s the architecture, the food, or the rhythm of a destination, I believe the most meaningful travel happens when you’re fully immersed in your surroundings.

I’ve always had an eye for detail, and I’m especially drawn to the small, thoughtful touches that make a stay feel personal. Whether it’s a local welcome cocktail, a special note or detail at turndown, or the subtle ways a hotel anticipates your preferences, those moments are what evolve into memories of your experience.

The Stay grew from that perspective, a way to thoughtfully curate properties that align with how you want your travel to feel. From suggesting and booking the right hotel to ensuring every detail reflects the essence of your trip, I focus on creating experiences where the stay is just as meaningful as the destination.