The first time I ever planned a retreat, I was so excited to pick the location and accommodations.
I would spend hours and days looking for venues in Costa Rica and weighing my options carefully.
I chose a venue with luxury tree houses nestled in the jungle of the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica), and it had all the elements I was looking for. I was beyond excited I had found this place.
It turned out to be an awesome venue with two rivers running through the property and just a 20-minute walk downriver to the ocean.
A lot has changed in the retreat industry since that time, over a decade.
Retreats are no longer just an occasional thing your yoga studio or meditation teacher offers once a year. There are retreats hosted on every imaginable wellness and business topic every single month all over the world.
Of course, the pandemic, unfortunately, put a pause on travel for a while, but retreats are back, and the industry is growing rapidly again.
With retreats and wellness travel booming, something else that has changed a lot today is the number of retreat venues and Airbnb options we have available as retreat hosts.
The sky is truly the limit when it comes to deciding on your location.
Although choosing a venue and location is such a fun highlight of planning a retreat, to answer the question: "Is location everything when planning a retreat?"
No, it is not the most important aspect of your retreat.
Your Retreat Theme is the central aspect of your retreat. It determines the outcomes and results you are promising your attendees and what sets you apart from other retreats.
Your Retreat Theme is the content.
Your venue and location are the containers.
Hundreds or thousands of retreats could be hosted in the exact location or venue you are considering. Just think of how many retreats are hosted in Costa Rica each year!! How about Italy, Mexico, or Bali?!
So what sets your retreat apart is not the location or the venue but what you have to offer your potential clients.
That said, it is essential to take the step of deciding on your venue and location seriously because your venue is crucial in providing an exceptional experience for your guests.
Here are some venue and location options you can take into consideration when choosing where you will host your next retreat. There are, of course, many other aspects beyond these to take into account, but this is a good place to start.
Mountain Retreats Venues
If you're looking for a peaceful retreat venue with breathtaking views, a mountain getaway might be just what you need. Mountain retreat venues offer seclusion, fresh air, and stunning scenery to help you disconnect from the outside world… and technology!
Many mountain retreat venues offer outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, skiing, and snowboarding, which is ideal for more active and outdoorsy retreat clients.
Beachfront Retreat Venues
A beachfront retreat might be a perfect choice if you want to offer your clients a more relaxing atmosphere to unwind and soak in the sun.
You can add countless activities to your retreat, from swimming, snorkeling, and yoga on the sand, to evening bonfires and surfing. Many beachfront venues also offer spa treatments, making them an excellent option to combine play, relaxation, and self-care.
Luxury Retreats Venues
If you're looking for a retreat that combines relaxation with luxury, then a luxury retreat center is the perfect option. These retreat venues offer the ultimate pampering experience, where you can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments. You can also enjoy gourmet dining options, heated pools, large rooms, and a plethora of amenities on-site.
Luxury retreat venues are perfect if your retreat is a blend of relaxation and indulgence, and that will help your clients escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while getting in some lux R&R and pampering.
Glamping Retreats
If you want a retreat venue that combines nature and luxury, then a glamping retreat might be the perfect option. There are so many fun glamping options available, from domes in the beautiful Mexican wine country of Valle de Guadalupe, to cool tents outside of Yosemite (I stayed in one not long ago!).
Glamping retreat venues offer a unique experience where you can enjoy nature while still having access to some high-end amenities. There are tents, yurts, domes, or treehouses, and you have various activities like hiking, kayaking, and stargazing.
Glamping retreats are perfect if your retreat is all about reconnecting with nature. Who doesn't need that?!
Eco-Friendly Retreats
An eco-friendly retreat venue is an excellent option for you and your group if you want to prioritize sustainability and minimize the impact on the environment. Some of these venues grow their own food, so you can do activities like foraging, cooking, and farm-to-table dining and learn about sustainable living practices.
Eco-friendly retreats are perfect if you want to combine your retreat experience with a commitment to preserving nature and eating organic food.
One last thing I want to add is the importance of due diligence when researching your venues.
You have to ask the right questions and ensure the venue can accommodate all the elements of your retreat, from adjusting the menu for people with different dietary needs to having enough space to sleep all your attendees comfortably. Here are some other questions you might want to ask:
Is there a yoga/wellness space, a specific yoga studio, or an area that can be used for yoga/movement/classes?
Does the price include tax and service charges?
Is there a minimum number of guests needed to book?
Does the price change based on the size of the group?
Are the retreat leader's accommodations and meals comped?
Are the meal times flexible?
Can they provide photos of the location, including the lodging, yoga space, food, outside areas, and more?
If you want more help choosing your venue, grab my free guide inside my Free Retreat Resource Vault.
