Partnerships in the retreat business can be magic… or a total disaster.

I’ve had both.

Some of my best retreats were built alongside incredible collaborators- friends who brought new energy, skills, and audiences that expanded the impact beyond what I could do alone. And I’ve also had partnerships that ended with stress, resentment, and a silent promise to never do that again.

So if you’re wondering whether to partner up for your next retreat, here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It can be the best move for your retreat business- or the fastest way to burn a friendship to the ground. The key is in how you do it.

Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Get Clear on Why You Want a Partner

Don’t partner just because you’re nervous to do it alone or think it’ll be easier.
That usually leads to confusion, mixed goals, and messy execution.

The right partner brings something specific to the table:

• A complementary skill set (e.g., you’re great at logistics, they’re a marketing pro).
• A shared audience that expands your reach.
• A depth of expertise that enhances the retreat’s value.

If your “why” is just, “I don’t want to do it all myself,” pause and re-evaluate. You may need support, not a partner.

Step 2: Choose Alignment Over Friendship

Just because you adore someone doesn’t mean you should build a business with them.

You need alignment on values, work ethic, communication style, and vision.
If you’re a detail-oriented planner and they’re a go-with-the-flow creative, that might sound balanced- but it can also be chaos.

Ask upfront:

• How do you handle conflict?
• What does success look like for you?
• How do you make decisions under pressure?

You want to know those answers before you’re deciding who’s paying for the extra shuttle at midnight.

Step 3: Put Everything in Writing

This is the part most people skip – and it’s the reason partnerships fall apart.

Even if it’s your best friend or sister, you need clear written agreements about:

• Finances (who pays what, who earns what)
• Responsibilities (who handles marketing, logistics, communication, etc.)
• Decision-making (what requires mutual approval)
• Cancellation or backup plans
• Ownership of content, email lists, and future opportunities

A good contract doesn’t kill trust- it protects it.

Step 4: Communicate Constantly

Assume nothing.

Weekly check-ins, shared project trackers, and transparency about finances are non-negotiable. Most partnership problems don’t come from bad intentions – they come from miscommunication and assumptions.

Keep it simple: talk often, be honest, and address tension early.

Step 5: Know When to Go Solo

Here’s the thing: not every retreat needs a partner.

Sometimes, collaboration makes sense for a big launch or a new audience. Other times, your brand and message are better served solo. You can always hire help – photographers, facilitators, guest experts – without co-hosting.

The beauty of the retreat business is flexibility. Build your support system however it fits your vision best.

Final Thought

Working with a partner in your retreat business can double your power – or double your problems.

If you pick the right person, define roles clearly, and protect both your relationship and your retreat with solid agreements, partnership can be a total game-changer.

And if you’re unsure, get in the room with others who’ve done it successfully. At the Retreat Industry Forum in Colorado this May, we’ll be breaking down real-life collaboration models – how to partner profitably, ethically, and sustainably in this industry.

Join us at the forum and learn from leaders who’ve built thriving retreat businesses that last.

https://luxuryinbusinessretreats.mykajabi.com/retreat-industry-forum

Because when it comes to retreat partnerships, clarity isn’t optional – it’s everything.

---

Check out this podcast episode that explores more about partnerships in the retreat space from The Retreat Leaders Podcast.