Hi there, fellow dreamers and retreat leaders! I’m Shannon Jamail, owner of Retreat Ranch and someone who has been hosting retreats for over 12 years. Let me tell you, taking your retreat idea from vision to reality is an incredibly rewarding journey—but it’s also one that requires careful planning, heart, and a solid strategy. If you’re ready to turn your dream into a thriving reality, you’re in the right place. Let’s learn how planning for your first retreat can be a breeze!

This guide will give you an overview of the process to get started. And if you’re ready to dive deeper, I’ve got online courses that’ll walk you through each step in even more detail. Let’s make that retreat dream come true, shall we?

When Planning Your First Retreat – Start with Your Why

Before you start thinking about venues or guest speakers, you need to dig deep into your purpose. Why do you want to host a retreat? What transformation do you want to offer your attendees?

Maybe you want to help people reconnect with themselves through mindfulness and nature. Or maybe your passion lies in providing tools for stress relief or empowering women in leadership. Whatever your “why” is, get crystal clear on it because it will guide every decision you make, from marketing to activities.

Know Your Ideal Guest

Not every retreat is for everyone, and that’s a good thing! One of the biggest mistakes I see new retreat leaders make when planning a first retreat is trying to appeal to “everyone.” Spoiler alert: If you’re marketing to everyone, you’re actually marketing to no one.

Take time to define your ideal guest. Are they busy moms craving a break? Entrepreneurs looking to reset? Spiritual seekers on a quest for clarity? Once you know who they are, you can design a retreat that speaks directly to their needs and desires.

Our online courses include in-depth exercises to help you define your target audience and craft your retreat offer around them.

Choose the Perfect Location

Your retreat location sets the tone for the entire experience. Whether it’s a beachfront villa, a mountain lodge, or a cozy ranch (come visit us at Retreat Ranch!), make sure it aligns with the transformation you’re offering.

Pro tip: Choose a location you’ve visited or are at least familiar with. This helps avoid unexpected surprises and ensures you can confidently market the experience.

Craft an Irresistible Offer

Here’s the key: Your retreat isn’t just about the “things” (3 nights in a beachfront room, yoga, meditation, etc.). It’s about what those things will DO for your guests. What transformation will they walk away with?

When crafting your offer, focus on the benefits. Instead of “daily yoga sessions,” say, “Reconnect with your body and melt away stress through daily yoga designed for all levels.” Instead of “3 healthy meals a day,” say, “Nourish your body with chef-prepared meals that support your wellness journey.” You get the idea. The other key here is to speak the language OF your ideal guest.

Plan the Details

Once you’ve nailed your vision, guest profile, and offer, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty.

• Budgeting: Start by identifying your profit goals. Then outline all costs, including venue, food, transportation, activities, and marketing.
• Activities and Schedule: Balance structured activities with downtime for reflection and relaxation.
• Team and Support: Decide if you’ll need a co-host, speakers, or extra hands to help during the retreat.

Did we mention that all of these things, including budgeting tools, are in our online course?

Market with Purpose

Now comes the fun (and crucial) part—filling your retreat! Consistent, targeted marketing is key to reaching your ideal attendees.

• Use social media to build buzz with beautiful visuals and testimonials.
• Create a lead magnet, like a free checklist or guide, to build your email list.
• Content marketing, content marketing, content marketing.
• Share personal stories and behind-the-scenes content to connect emotionally with your audience.

Marketing doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you have a plan. That’s where our online courses come in—we’ll teach you how to craft a marketing strategy that works.

Execution and Flexibility

Retreat day is here! While planning is essential, flexibility is your best friend. Things might not always go as planned, and that’s okay. Focus on creating an environment where your guests feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Pro tip: Start with a powerful opening ceremony to set the tone and end with a closing ceremony that leaves your guests feeling empowered and inspired.

Reflect and Grow

After the retreat, take time to reflect. What went well? What could be improved? Gather feedback from your guests—it’s invaluable for your growth as a retreat leader.

Ready to Dive Deeper?

This guide is just the beginning. If you’re ready to go from dreamer to confident retreat leaders, my online courses are here to support you. From crafting your offer to nailing your marketing, we’ll walk you through every step so you can create a sold-out, transformational retreat.

Let’s turn your vision into reality, together. 

Here’s to your success and the incredible retreats you’re about to create! 

PS- go check out our IN PERSON Retreat Leader Mastermind in Austin!