Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the retreat space feels NOISY right now. Whether you’re brand new to leading retreats or a seasoned pro, you’ve probably felt the pressure of a crowded market.  Compared to a decade ago, it seems like EVERYONE is hosting a retreat these days.

I hear it all the time from retreat leaders:

• “There are too many retreats out there—how will mine stand out?”
• “The market is too saturated.”
• “It was easier back when fewer people were doing this.”

And I get it. A decade ago, the retreat industry looked very different. There weren’t as many people leading retreats, marketing was simpler, and it felt easier to carve out your space. But here’s what I need you to know…

More Retreats = PROOF That Retreats Work

A crowded market doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be here. It means people WANT what you offer. It’s proof of concept. If no one else was running retreats, that would be a red flag. It would mean no one is booking them!

Think about yoga studios, coffee shops, and coaching businesses—there are tons of them, yet new ones pop up every day and still thrive. Why? Because there’s demand. People want transformation, connection, and experiences.

The same is true for retreats. More people hosting retreats means more people WANT to attend retreats. The retreat industry is booming because it works.

Standing Out in a Crowded Space

Now, I’m not saying it’s as easy as throwing up a website and hoping for the best. With more retreats in the crowded market, you have to be intentional. But that’s a GOOD thing. It pushes you to be clear on who you serve, why your retreat is different, and how you show up.

Here’s how you can stand out instead of stressing out:

1. Own Your Unique Perspective

Nobody has lived your experiences, walked your path, or can lead a retreat the way YOU do. Your personal story, teaching style, and energy are what make your retreat special.

Instead of worrying about how many retreats exist, ask yourself:

• What do I bring to the table that no one else does?
• What transformation do I offer that is unique to me?
• What’s my magic sauce? (Hint: It’s YOU.)

Example: Two retreat leaders might both offer yoga retreats, but one focuses on emotional healing while the other is all about adventure and empowerment. The right people will resonate with YOUR specific vibe.

2. Stop Trying to Market to Everyone

The more specific you are, the easier it is to attract your dream guests. If your marketing is vague—“A wellness retreat for everyone!”—you’ll struggle. Instead, niche down.

Instead of: “A women’s retreat to help you relax.”
Try: “A burnout recovery retreat for high-achieving women who need deep restoration.”

See the difference? The second one speaks directly to a specific person who will feel SEEN and say, “That’s for me!”

3. Consistency Beats Perfection

I see so many retreat leaders overthinking their marketing. They stress about the perfect Instagram post, website copy, or email… and end up posting NOTHING. Meanwhile, the retreat leader who just keeps showing up—messy, real, and consistent—is the one filling retreats.

• Done is better than perfect.
• Keep sharing your message.
• Stay in front of your audience.

If you keep showing up, people will notice. If you disappear, they’ll forget about you.

4. Focus on Building a Community, Not Just Selling a Retreat

The most successful retreat leaders aren’t just selling retreats—they’re creating movements, communities, and deep connections with their audience.

How?

• Engage with your audience on social media—respond to comments, ask questions, share behind-the-scenes.
• Send regular emails that serve, not just sell. Share insights, stories, and value.
• Create a space (Facebook group, podcast, IG Lives, etc.) where people can connect with you beyond just retreat announcements.

When people feel connected to you, they want to retreat with you.

The Truth: There’s Always Room for the Right People

A crowded market doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. It means the demand is real. It means people are looking for exactly what you have to offer. And trust me—there’s always room for the right people.

So, instead of worrying about the noise, focus on this:

• Get clear on who you serve.
• Show up consistently and share your message.
• Build relationships with your audience.
• Believe that YOUR retreat deserves a spot in this booming industry.

Because it does. And so do you.