If you’re building your retreat business, first-let me just say this: you’re doing something bold.

Creating a space for transformation, connection, and growth takes guts. But if you want it to be sustainable (not just soulful), you’ve got to run it like a business.

I’ve hosted over 100 retreats around the world-from yoga in Tulum to leadership weekends in Texas to creative masterminds in France-and I’ve seen it all. The wins, the flops, and the expensive “learning experiences.”

And the truth is: most new retreat leaders make the same avoidable mistakes.
So let’s talk about a few of them-openly-so you can skip the struggle and go straight to success.

Mistake #1: Underestimating Costs

This one stings the most.

Too many new retreat leaders forget to factor in the true cost of running a retreat– beyond lodging, meals, transportation, insurance, staff, supplies, and taxes. They focus on what basic costs and completely miss the behind-the-scenes expenses.

How to avoid it:
Price your retreat backward.
Start with what you want to profit, then add in every single expense (even the “small” stuff like snacks, tips, Canva software and printing). Build a 20–30% cushion for surprise costs. Because trust me-they’ll come.  Also look up my friend Erin B. Haag who is the queen of pricing retreats. 

Mistake #2: Not Testing Demand

Just because you love your retreat idea doesn’t mean the market is ready for it.

I once chatted with a new host who spent thousands booking a venue before even confirming if people wanted what she was offering. Spoiler alert: they didn’t-at least not yet/how it was packaged.

How to avoid it:
Before you book a space or build a website, validate your idea.

• Run a short survey to your list or social followers.
• Host a mini-workshop or pop-up experience to gauge interest (or several).  You can also offer to work on other hosts retreats and teach your workshop.
• Ask, “What kind of retreat would feel like a dream to you?”

Testing saves you from launching to crickets.

Mistake #3: Weak or Missing Contracts

If it’s not in writing-it doesn’t exist.

I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard of hosts losing deposits, being double-booked, or getting hit with surprise fees because there was no solid contract in place. Verbal agreements don’t protect you when things go sideways.

How to avoid it:
Always have clear, signed contracts-for venues, vendors, and participants.
Include payment terms, cancellation policies, and what happens in the event of force majeure (hello, pandemic lessons).
And if you don’t know where to start, get templates written for retreat businesses-don’t wing it with a random download.

Mistake #4: Skimping on Marketing

The “if you build it, they will come” approach doesn’t work here.
A retreat is an emotional and financial investment-people don’t just stumble into one.

How to avoid it:
Start marketing early.
You should be promoting at least six months out, with a clear strategy that includes:

• Email campaigns and nurture sequences
• Social proof and testimonials
• Collaborations or referral programs
• Videos and behind-the-scenes stories

And please-stop being afraid to sell your retreat.
You’re not being “salesy.” You’re offering transformation.

Mistake #5: Weak Follow-Up After the Retreat

You just poured your heart into creating a magical experience, and then what? Crickets.
No follow-up. No upsell. No continuation.

That’s how you lose repeat guests-the easiest revenue you’ll ever make.

How to avoid it:
Have a post-retreat plan before your retreat even begins.
Send personal thank-you notes, collect feedback, share professional photos, and offer alumni-only opportunities (like early access or discounts).
Your community is your gold-treat them like it.

Final Thought

Running a retreat business is one of the most rewarding things you can do-but it’s also one of the most complex.

It’s part logistics, part leadership, part heart.

If you want to avoid the guesswork, get yourself in a room with people who’ve been there.

At the Retreat Industry Forum in Colorado this May, we’ll be diving deep into these exact systems-how to price right, protect yourself legally, market effectively, and scale your retreat business with ease.

Because when you stop learning the hard way, you start leading the smart way.

Take a listen to how and why we created the Retreat Industry Forum and join us in 2026 and join us at: https://luxuryinbusinessretreats.mykajabi.com/retreat-industry-forum