Wellness Retreats: Planning, Pricing, and Profitable Execution

By Nicole, Founder of Mystic Ryst

Wellness retreats are one of the most profitable and impactful offerings in the spiritual business world. A well-planned retreat can generate $10,000 to $100,000+ in revenue in just a few days, while creating deep transformation for participants and establishing you as an authority in your field. Retreats allow you to serve clients at a deeper level than any single session can, create unforgettable experiences, and build a community of devoted followers.

But retreats are also complex to plan and execute. You're coordinating venues, meals, activities, marketing, logistics, and the energetic container for transformation—all while managing risk and ensuring profitability. Many spiritual entrepreneurs dream of hosting retreats but don't know where to start, or they plan their first retreat and lose money because they didn't understand the business model.

This comprehensive guide takes you from retreat concept to profitable execution, covering everything you need to know to plan, price, market, and deliver transformational wellness retreats that serve your participants and your bottom line.

Let's explore how to create retreats that change lives and build your business.

Understanding the Retreat Business Model

Why Retreats Are Profitable

High-ticket offering:

• Charge $1,000-$10,000+ per person
• 10-20 participants = $10,000-$200,000 revenue
• Concentrated income in a short time

Deep transformation:

• Immersive experience creates lasting change
• Participants become raving fans
• Leads to ongoing clients and referrals

Authority building:

• Positions you as an expert
• Creates content and testimonials
• Opens doors to speaking, partnerships, media

Leverage:

• Serve many people at once
• More efficient than 1:1 work
• Can repeat the same retreat multiple times

Types of Wellness Retreats

By focus:

• Yoga retreats: Daily yoga, meditation, wellness
• Spiritual retreats: Meditation, ceremony, inner work
• Healing retreats: Energy work, therapy, transformation
• Creative retreats: Writing, art, expression
• Business retreats: Strategy, planning, mastermind
• Adventure retreats: Hiking, surfing, + wellness
• Detox/cleanse retreats: Fasting, cleansing, renewal

By length:

• Weekend (2-3 days): Easiest to fill, lower price point
• Long weekend (4-5 days): Sweet spot for transformation
• Week (7 days): Deep work, higher price, harder to fill
• Extended (10-14 days): Rare, very high-end

By location:

• Local/regional: Easier logistics, lower cost
• Domestic destination: More appealing, moderate cost
• International: Exotic, high-end, complex logistics

Planning Your Retreat

Step 1: Define Your Retreat Concept

Core questions:

1. Who is this for? (Your ideal participant)
2. What transformation will they experience? (The promise)
3. What's the theme/focus? (Yoga, healing, business, etc.)
4. What makes it unique? (Your special sauce)
5. Where will it be? (Location matters)
6. When and how long? (Timing and duration)

Example concept:

• Who: Women entrepreneurs feeling burned out
• Transformation: Reconnect to purpose, restore energy, clarify vision
• Theme: "Reclaim Your Fire" - business + spirituality retreat
• Unique: Combines business strategy with energy healing and ceremony
• Where: Sedona, Arizona (vortex energy)
• When: 4 days in spring

Step 2: Choose Your Venue

Venue options:

1. Retreat centers:

• Purpose-built for retreats
• Include meals, lodging, meeting spaces
• Handle logistics
• Cost: $100-$300+ per person per night

Pros: Easy, all-inclusive, professional
Cons: Less control, can be expensive

2. Vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO):

• Rent a large house or villa
• More intimate and flexible
• Cost: Varies widely

Pros: Control, can be cheaper, unique spaces
Cons: You handle everything, may need to hire chef

3. Hotels/resorts:

• Book a block of rooms + meeting space
• Professional amenities
• Cost: Varies

Pros: Reliable, professional
Cons: Less intimate, can be corporate feeling

4. Glamping/eco-lodges:

• Unique, nature-based
• Appeals to adventure seekers

What to look for in a venue:

• Capacity for your group size
• Meeting/practice space (yoga studio, ceremony space)
• Comfortable accommodations
• Meal options (included or nearby)
• Beautiful, inspiring setting
• Accessibility (how hard to get there?)
• Amenities (pool, spa, hiking, etc.)
• Cost fits your budget

Step 3: Design Your Schedule

Sample 4-day retreat schedule:

Day 1 (Arrival):

• 4:00 PM - Check-in, settle in
• 6:00 PM - Welcome circle and intention setting
• 7:00 PM - Dinner
• 8:30 PM - Evening meditation or free time

Day 2 (Deep dive):

• 7:00 AM - Morning meditation
• 8:00 AM - Breakfast
• 9:30 AM - Workshop session 1
• 12:00 PM - Lunch
• 1:00 PM - Free time / optional activities
• 4:00 PM - Workshop session 2
• 6:00 PM - Dinner
• 8:00 PM - Evening ceremony or sharing circle

Day 3 (Integration):

• Similar structure to Day 2
• Include excursion or adventure activity

Day 4 (Completion):

• 7:00 AM - Morning practice
• 8:00 AM - Breakfast
• 9:30 AM - Final workshop/integration
• 11:30 AM - Closing circle
• 12:30 PM - Lunch and departures

Design principles:

• Balance: Structure + free time
• Rhythm: Active + restful
• Variety: Different modalities and activities
• Space: Don't overschedule—transformation happens in the gaps
• Meals: Nourishing, communal, part of the experience

Step 4: Calculate Costs and Pricing

Cost categories:

1. Venue costs:

• Accommodation: $X per person per night × nights × participants
• Meeting space rental (if separate)
• Deposit (usually 50%)

2. Food costs:

• Meals: $30-$100 per person per day
• Snacks and beverages
• Special dietary needs

3. Facilitator costs:

• Your time (pay yourself!)
• Co-facilitators or guest teachers
• Support staff (chef, assistant, etc.)

4. Marketing costs:

• Website/landing page
• Ads (Facebook, Instagram)
• Email marketing
• Design (graphics, photos)

5. Materials and supplies:

• Workbooks or journals
• Yoga mats, props
• Ceremony supplies
• Welcome gifts

6. Miscellaneous:

• Insurance
• Payment processing fees (3%)
• Contingency (10% of total)

Example cost calculation (10 participants, 4 days):

• Venue: $200/person/night × 3 nights × 10 = $6,000
• Food: $50/person/day × 4 days × 10 = $2,000
• Your fee: $3,000
• Co-facilitator: $1,500
• Marketing: $500
• Materials: $300
• Misc: $700
• Total costs: $14,000

Pricing formula:

• Total costs: $14,000
• Desired profit: $6,000 (30-50% margin)
• Total revenue needed: $20,000
• ÷ 10 participants = $2,000 per person

Pricing strategies:

• Early bird: $1,800 (first 5 spots)
• Regular: $2,000
• Last minute: $2,200 (if spots remain)
• Payment plans: 3-6 monthly payments
• Scholarships: 1-2 discounted spots for those in need

Marketing Your Retreat

Timeline: 6-12 Months Out

6-12 months before:

• Announce the retreat (save the date)
• Create landing page
• Open early bird registration
• Email your list
• Post on social media

3-6 months before:

• Regular email campaigns
• Social media content (photos of venue, testimonials, etc.)
• Run ads if needed
• Partner promotions
• Early bird deadline creates urgency

1-3 months before:

• Final push
• Share participant excitement
• Last chance messaging
• Fill remaining spots

Marketing Channels

1. Email list (most important):

• Your existing audience
• Highest conversion rate
• Multiple touchpoints

2. Social media:

• Instagram: Beautiful photos, stories, reels
• Facebook: Events, groups, ads
• Share the venue, the experience, the transformation

3. Partnerships:

• Collaborate with complementary businesses
• Affiliate commissions for referrals
• Cross-promote

4. Past participants:

• Alumni are your best marketers
• Offer referral bonuses
• Create alumni community

5. Paid ads:

• Facebook/Instagram ads to targeted audience
• Retargeting website visitors
• Budget: $500-$2,000

Sales Page Essentials

Your retreat landing page must include:

1. Compelling headline: The transformation promise
2. Beautiful photos: Venue, activities, past retreats
3. Who it's for: Ideal participant description
4. What's included: Accommodation, meals, activities, materials
5. Schedule: Overview of the experience
6. About you: Why you're qualified to lead this
7. Testimonials: From past retreats or clients
8. Pricing and dates: Clear and prominent
9. FAQ: Answer common questions
10. Registration button: Multiple times on the page

Logistics and Execution

Pre-Retreat Preparation

2-4 weeks before:

• Send welcome packet (what to bring, schedule, travel info)
• Collect dietary restrictions and special needs
• Finalize meal planning with venue/chef
• Confirm all bookings and payments
• Create participant workbooks or materials
• Plan ceremonies or special activities

1 week before:

• Final email with all details
• Create WhatsApp or Facebook group for participants
• Pack your materials
• Confirm final headcount with venue
• Prepare yourself energetically

During the Retreat

Your roles:

• Facilitator: Lead sessions and hold space
• Container holder: Maintain energetic safety
• Logistics manager: Ensure everything runs smoothly
• Nurturer: Care for participants' needs

Best practices:

• Start and end on time
• Hold the schedule but be flexible
• Check in with participants individually
• Create community and connection
• Document (photos, videos) with permission
• Handle issues calmly and professionally
• Take care of yourself (you can't pour from empty cup)

Common challenges:

• Difficult participant: Set boundaries, private conversation if needed
• Emotional releases: Hold space, have support resources
• Logistics issues: Stay calm, solve problems, don't let it derail the retreat
• Weather/unexpected: Have backup plans

Post-Retreat Follow-Up

Immediately after:

• Thank you email
• Share photos (private gallery)
• Request testimonials and reviews
• Send integration resources

1-2 weeks after:

• Integration call or email check-in
• Offer next steps (courses, coaching, next retreat)
• Create alumni community

Ongoing:

• Stay connected with alumni
• Invite to future retreats (alumni discount)
• Feature their transformations (with permission)

Scaling Your Retreat Business

From One Retreat to Multiple

Year 1: 1-2 retreats, learn and refine

Year 2: 3-4 retreats, establish systems

Year 3+: 4-6+ retreats, hire support, scale

Scaling strategies:

1. Repeat the same retreat: Same location, same format, multiple times per year
2. Different locations: Same retreat concept, different venues
3. Different themes: Multiple retreat offerings
4. Hire co-facilitators: You can't be everywhere
5. License your retreat: Train others to lead your retreat model

Revenue Potential

Conservative scenario:

• 2 retreats/year
• 10 participants each at $2,000
• Revenue: $40,000
• Profit (30%): $12,000

Moderate scenario:

• 4 retreats/year
• 12 participants each at $2,500
• Revenue: $120,000
• Profit (35%): $42,000

Ambitious scenario:

• 6 retreats/year
• 15 participants each at $3,500
• Revenue: $315,000
• Profit (40%): $126,000

Legal and Risk Management

Protect Yourself

Contracts and waivers:

• Participant agreement (terms and conditions)
• Liability waiver (injuries, accidents)
• Cancellation and refund policy
• Photo/video release

Insurance:

• General liability insurance
• Professional liability insurance
• Event insurance for each retreat

Cancellation policy:

• Deposits non-refundable (or partial refund)
• Full payment due 30-60 days before
• No refunds within 30 days (or offer credit)
• You reserve right to cancel (full refund if you cancel)

The Promise of Retreat Leadership

When you master retreat creation:

• You generate significant income in concentrated time
• You create deep, lasting transformation for participants
• You build authority and community
• You experience the joy of holding sacred space
• You create unforgettable experiences
• You build a scalable, high-impact business model

The Invitation

Retreats are where magic happens. When you remove people from their daily lives and immerse them in transformation, healing, and community, profound shifts occur. And when you create these experiences skillfully, you build a thriving business while changing lives.

Start with one retreat. Plan it well. Price it profitably. Market it authentically. Execute it beautifully. Then do it again, and again, refining and scaling.

The world needs more transformational retreats. Will you create them?

Have you hosted or attended a wellness retreat? What's your biggest question about retreat planning? I'd love to hear your experience.