While we’ll be returning to our Building It series shortly, where we explore how founders in the hotel, motel and STR space build their brands from scratch, we’re kicking off with something truly special.
 

I had the chance to sit down with Alexandra and Tom Ormerod, the founders of Luxico, Australia’s leading luxury villa rental brand. They’ve just launched their very own reality TV series, Billion Dollar Playground, and we’ve got the exclusive interview on what it took to make it happen.

This series was so so fun to watch. Premiering on BINGE and airing on Foxtel’s LifeStyle and Arena, it’s now reaching global audiences via BBC Three, BBC iPlayer, and networks in Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. It’s one of the first times we’ve seen a local accommodation brand go truly global, not just in operations but on screens around the world.
 

In this episode, we go into the real story behind the glitz. What’s it like to run a luxury short-term rental brand while filming a high-stakes TV show? How do you balance service, staff, guests, and camera crews all at once? And what does it really mean for your business when the whole world is watching?

🎧 What you’ll learn from this episode:

💡 How Luxico scaled into Australia’s leading luxury villa platform

🎥 What goes into launching a reality TV series about your business

👥 How public exposure affects staff, leadership, and culture

🧳 Designing layered guest experiences for high-value travellers

✨ What it means to take an Aussie accommodation brand global

Alexandra Ormerod is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Powerhouse Platform Technologies, the parent company behind Luxico. With a background in strategic marketing, Alexandra built Luxico into Australia’s premier luxury villa platform, combining high-end homes with concierge-level service. She is also the driving force behind Billion Dollar Playground, using media to elevate the brand and show what top-tier hospitality looks like.

Tom Ormerod brings 25 years of experience across real estate and hospitality. From major developments to launching Luxico alongside Alexandra, Tom has been instrumental in scaling operations and forming strategic partnerships. He now leads the rollout of Staylonger, a new platform offering mid-term rental opportunities designed for 30+ night stays.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone building a premium brand or dreaming of bigger things for their business. You’ll learn what it takes to blend content and commerce, luxury and logistics, and how to ride the wave when the spotlight hits.

There’s something especially exciting about seeing an Australian business shine on the world stage. Luxico’s journey shows that bold thinking, creative marketing, and solid foundations can take your brand much further than you imagined.

If you’re looking for inspiration, fresh thinking, or just a great conversation, this one’s worth every minute.

📽 Watch the episodes on YouTube here

🎙 Or tune in on Spotify & Apple Podcasts here