Let’s be real—choosing the right retreat venue can feel overwhelming as heck. There are SO many options out there, and the pressure to find the perfect location is real. I’ve been in this space for over a decade, and I can tell you firsthand: your venue can make or break the experience.

It’s not just about how beautiful a place looks on Instagram (though, let’s be honest, aesthetics do matter). Your venue sets the tone, energy, and overall flow of your retreat. It needs to align with your vision, support your activities, and create a seamless experience for your guests.

So, before you fall in love with a location just because it has a cute hammock and fairy lights, let’s talk about what REALLY matters when choosing the right retreat venue.

Know Your Non-Negotiables First

Before you start venue shopping, get crystal clear on what your retreat needs. Ask yourself:

• How many people am I hosting? (Will the venue comfortably fit your group?)
• What’s the vibe? (Luxury? Rustic? Nature immersion? City convenience?)
• What kind of activities am I offering? (Do you need a yoga deck, hiking trails, a workshop space?)
• Do I need catering or will we provide our own meals?
• Do I want a full-service retreat center or a DIY Airbnb-style setup?

Once you know these answers, you’ll narrow down your options fast and avoid falling for a venue that looks good but doesn’t actually work for your retreat.

Location, Location, Location

Where your retreat is held matters—a lot.

• Is it easily accessible for your audience? (Especially if your guests are flying in.)
• Will it require long drives, off-road vehicles, or a boat ride to get there? (This can be a fun adventure or a deal-breaker.)
• Does the climate align with your activities? (No one wants to be doing outdoor yoga in 110-degree heat unless it’s intentional.)

Pro Tip: If you’re running a local retreat, choose a venue within a 1-3 hour drive of your target audience. If it’s a destination retreat, make sure there are flights available that don’t require 3 layovers and a prayer.

Accommodations & Comfort Level

Let’s talk about where your guests will be sleeping because this can make or break the experience.

• Do you want shared rooms or private spaces?
• Are there good-quality beds, linens, and bathrooms? (No one wants to “rough it” unless that’s the retreat theme.)
• Are there enough bathrooms and showers? (Trust me, long wait times for the bathroom are NOT the kind of bonding experience you want.)
• Does the venue have heating/AC, hot water, and Wi-Fi (if needed)?

People will remember how they felt at your retreat. If they’re uncomfortable the entire time, they won’t be raving about their experience, no matter how great your workshops were.

The Right Amenities & Spaces

Think about where you’ll be holding your retreat sessions and activities. Some must-have spaces include:

• A workshop space – Indoors or outdoors, you need a comfortable, quiet place for group sessions.
• A movement/yoga space – If your retreat involves yoga, meditation, or breathwork, is there a dedicated space?
• Communal spaces – A retreat isn’t just about workshops—guests need places to connect, unwind, and just be.
• Outdoor areas – Nature is healing! Are there hiking trails, gardens, a beach, or open spaces for relaxation?

Pro Tip: Ask about noise levels—especially if you’re renting a retreat center near a busy area. A loud wedding next door can kill the vibe of your peaceful meditation session.

Food & Dining Experience

Food is a HUGE part of the retreat experience, and it can go really right or really wrong.

Some venues provide catering, while others require you to bring in your own chef or cook for your group. Here’s what to consider:

• Does the venue offer on-site catering? If so, do they accommodate dietary needs?
• Is there a full kitchen available? If not, can you bring in an outside caterer?
• What’s the dining setup? Will meals be a shared communal experience or more casual?

Healthy, nourishing meals can enhance the retreat experience—so don’t overlook this part!

Budget & Profitability

Okay, let’s talk money. While you want an amazing venue, you also need to make sure the numbers make sense.

+ Does the venue price fit within your retreat budget?
+  What’s included in the cost? (Accommodations, meals, cleaning fees, extra amenities?)
+  What’s the payment structure? (Deposit upfront? Payment plan? Refund policy?)
+  Will you be able to price your retreat in a way that’s profitable?

Your venue is often the biggest expense, so it needs to align with your pricing strategy. A dreamy luxury resort sounds great—until you realize you’d have to charge $100K per person just to break even.

The Energy & Feel of the Place

This might sound a little woo, but trust me—the energy of a place matters. You can find a venue that checks all the boxes, but if it doesn’t feel right, it won’t work.  One thing we are told, over and over again, is that our retreat center Retreat Ranch feels magical.  And that means something. 

If possible, visit the venue before booking. Walk the space, sit in the rooms, feel the energy. Can you picture your retreat here? Does it inspire you? Does it align with your retreat’s intention?

If visiting isn’t possible, get on a video call with the venue owner or manager, ask for a virtual tour, and trust your gut.

Final Thoughts: The Right Venue = A Smoother, More Successful Retreat

Choosing the right venue isn’t just about logistics—it’s about creating an experience where your guests feel safe, comfortable, and open to transformation.

When you find a venue that aligns with your retreat vision, everything flows easier. The energy is right, the logistics are smooth, and you can focus on leading instead of scrambling to fix issues.

So, take your time. Do your research. And remember—your perfect retreat space is out there waiting for you.