Let’s talk about a hard truth that might sting a little—but it’s coming from love, I promise. The biggest block in your retreat business isn’t the economy, it’s YOU.

I hear it all the time from retreat leaders:

•  “People just aren’t spending right now.”
• “The economy is making it hard to sell.”
•  “Maybe if I lower my prices, more people will sign up.”

And I get it—when you’re trying to fill a retreat and it’s not happening as quickly as you’d like, the easiest thing to blame is external circumstances. But let me tell you something: it’s not about the economy, and it’s definitely not about your price.

People Will Pay for What They Value

I want you to think about this for a second: Some people will happily drop $500 on a new handbag, $5,000 on a weekend getaway, or $15,000 on a luxury retreat—without blinking. And at the same time, there are people who will think $500 is WAY too much for a retreat that could completely transform their life.

The difference? Perceived value.

It’s not that your retreat is “too expensive.” It’s that the right people don’t yet see the value in what you’re offering.

And that, my friend, is something you CAN control.

Stop Apologizing for Your Prices

If you don’t fully believe in the value of your retreat, neither will your audience. If you hesitate when stating your price, your potential guests will hesitate too.

I see retreat leaders making this mistake all the time:

• Underpricing their retreat because they assume “people can’t afford it.”
• Offering too many discounts and promotions, which devalues the experience.
• Feeling guilty about charging what their time, expertise, and effort is actually worth.

Here’s the deal: You are not just selling accommodations, yoga sessions, and meals. You are selling transformation.You are creating an experience that could change someone’s life. That has VALUE.

What to Do Instead

So, what can you do if you’re stuck in this mindset? Here’s where you start:

• Own Your Worth:

You are not just an event planner—you are a leader, a guide, and a creator of life-changing experiences. Stop shrinking yourself. Stand in your power and own the value of what you’re offering.

• Sell the Transformation, Not the Features:

People don’t book retreats because of the things included (beautiful venue, organic meals, yoga, workshops). They book because of how they want to feel—more peaceful, more confident, more connected. Focus on that.

Instead of:
“Join us for 3 nights at a beachfront villa with yoga and meditation.”

Try:
“Step away from the stress of daily life and immerse yourself in a space designed to recharge your soul, reconnect with yourself, and gain clarity on what truly matters.”

See the difference?

• Market to the Right Audience:

Not everyone is your ideal client. And that’s okay! If you’re trying to market to everyone, you’ll end up attracting no one. Get clear on who your dream retreat guest is and speak directly to them.

Ask yourself:

• What are they struggling with?
• What are they searching for?
• How does your retreat solve that problem?

Your marketing should make them feel like you are speaking directly to their soul.

• Stop Blaming the Economy:

I’ve run retreats through economic downturns, recessions, and all kinds of unpredictable seasons. And guess what? People still booked. Because when people truly want something, they will find a way to afford it.

Your job is not to price your retreat for people who are looking for the cheapest option. Your job is to clearly communicate why your retreat is a must-have investment in their well-being.

• Show Up with Confidence:

Confidence is contagious. If you show up boldly, unapologetically, and with belief in what you’re offering, your audience will believe in it too.

Next time you talk about your retreat, say the price with zero hesitation. Instead of thinking, “I hope they can afford it,” shift your mindset to, “This retreat is an incredible investment, and I know the right people will see that.”

Final Thoughts: You Are Not the Discount Rack

If you take one thing away from this, let it be this: The success of your retreat isn’t about the economy or your price—it’s about your belief in what you’re offering and your ability to communicate that to the right people.

So stop playing small. Stop apologizing for your prices. Stop blaming external factors. And start standing confidently in the value of what you bring to the table.

Because when you believe in the worth of your retreat, so will your guests.

Now go out there and sell that transformation! Need help? Consider our Retreat Leader Membership programs.