Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Makeup and hair by Bria Fowler of Elle Louise, LLC
After discovering Ocean Springs in 2006, Roxy Condrey was smitten.
So charmed were she and her husband, Ted, by the town’s natural beauty, artistic culture and sense of community that they left Florida to establish their business and family in South Mississippi. Condrey was a real estate professional on the Emerald Coast, and in their new home, the couple stepped into the hospitality business by opening a bed and breakfast: The Inn at Ocean Springs.
“We quickly recognized a unique opportunity and growing need for boutique lodging in Ocean Springs and began developing additional hotels to enhance the visitor experience, all while continuing to grow and evolve our real estate firm,” she says.
Today, Condrey owns Rain Residential and Rain Travel Collection — two ventures founded on her fondness for thoughtful spaces, history and community. Rain Travel Collection now encompasses six properties in Ocean Springs — each with a distinct vibe and personality.
“I love uncovering what makes a property truly unique and bringing that story to life,” Condrey says. “Discovering the character of a space and thinking through how it can be experienced in a meaningful way is exciting for me.”
MORE THAN A SIDE PROJECT — A PASSION
One milestone moment for Condrey was showing her mom and stepdad a charming old building on Washington Avenue, which she and her husband were considering for their real estate office.
“They pointed out that it had once been a bed and breakfast,” Condrey recalls. “That moment sparked something; we started dreaming about how the space could serve a dual purpose (by) allowing our real estate clients to truly experience Ocean Springs the way we had — staying downtown, walking to the beach and seeing the magic of this coastal town.”
That idea led the couple to establish The Inn at Ocean Springs — their first foray into hospitality.
“The Inn took off with visitors and locals alike, and it became clear that this was more than a side project; it was a passion,” Condrey says. “We discovered how much we loved creating memorable spaces where people could experience the heart of Ocean Springs.”
INTENTIONAL, THOUGHTFUL SPACES
According to Condrey, those who stay at Rain Travel Collection properties appreciate intentional, thoughtfully designed spaces. While connected, each location is one of a kind. For instance, Hotel Beatnik features four modern, floating cabins, while the recently revamped Gulf Hills Hotel and Resort lets visitors follow in the footsteps of legends like Elvis Presley.
Each property has its own story and charm, which Condrey feels honored to help cultivate and preserve. And with Ocean Springs getting even more attention and accolades, including making Southern Living’s list of best beach towns, demand for her services is poised to grow.
“From the initial concept to the details in each room, every element of our hotels is curated to create a memorable experience,” she says. “What started as a regional draw has now expanded to a global audience; we host visitors from all over the world who are seeking immersive, meaningful stays that reflect the heart of Ocean Springs.”
MAKING A MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTION
Whether she’s helping someone buy a home or welcoming them to one of Rain Travel Collection’s hotels, Condrey brings a creative eye and a love for problem-solving. The Tallulah, La., native honed her talents at Louisiana State University, where she earned a degree in marketing and psychology.
“My ability to envision the potential in a space and guide it to reality is something I take great pride in,” Condrey says.
This spring, she’s excited to be in a season where two projects — one new and one historic — are progressing simultaneously. First, there’s The Ocean Springs Collective, a mixed-use space on Porter Avenue that includes the Rain Residential and Rain Travel Collection office, a bookstore, a James Beard-nominated chef’s restaurant, a market, outdoor spaces, a garden and more, which is set to be completed in mid-2025.
“It’s truly a celebration of everything we love about this town — creativity, walkability, community and connection,” she says. “We’re building something that feels like a gathering place, where locals and visitors alike can experience the best of Ocean Springs in one dynamic destination.”
Meanwhile, Condrey also is invested in reviving the Gulf Hills Hotel & Resort — a Coast landmark that is undergoing a renaissance.
“We are underway with reimaging the hotel, bringing it back to its full potential while preserving its rich legacy, and a big part of that vision includes activating the beautiful waterfront — bringing energy, activity and life back to that side of the property,” Condrey says. “Our goal has been to create a space where people can gather, celebrate and make new memories, all while honoring what Gulf Hills has meant to so many for nearly a century.”
Above all, her biggest aim is to play a role in Ocean Springs’ continued growth and revitalization. From restoring iconic hotspots to creating spaces that support local business and tourism, she adds, “our intention has always been to make a meaningful contribution.”
“Our goals have never been short-term; we’ve always approached our work with a long-term mindset, focused on being part of the thoughtful, sustainable growth of the Coast,” Condrey says. “It’s an honor to invest in a place we care so deeply about and to be part of a community that values history, creativity and connection.”
SHAPING THE FUTURE, HONORING THE PAST
Condrey’s affection for the Coast runs deep given the many opportunities it has afforded her and her family — like sailing during the summers and being active outdoors year-round. She loves that her kids, Ruby and Gentry, can ride their bikes to visit friends, head to the beach after school or simply explore the town.
“Staycations here are a dream — you get beaches, culture, amazing food and boutique experiences without having to leave town,” she says. “Our properties are designed to immerse guests in the best of what the Coast has to offer. My advice? Slow down and savor it all.”
The best part of the job for Condrey is seeing the joy her work brings to her clients and community. With every hotel stay and each new project, Condrey is contributing to Ocean Springs’ future while honoring its past.
“This work allows me to be both creative and intentional — whether it’s designing new spaces, restoring old ones or marketing a home in a way that tells its unique story,” she says. “It’s such a dynamic and fulfilling career, and I feel incredibly lucky to do something that brings together so many of the things I love.”