Hey hey, future retreat leader! Shannon Jamail here—and I’m about to spill some tea on how you can host a profitable retreat… even if you’ve never done it before, don’t have a massive audience, or feel like you’re just winging it right now.

Because here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:
Hosting profitable retreats isn’t about being Insta-famous, having the fanciest yoga gear, or renting a castle in France (though, yes please).

It’s about strategy, intention, and treating your retreat like a business—not a hobby.

So whether this is your first time hosting or your tenth, let’s break down how to actually create a retreat that transforms lives and makes you money.

Know Your Numbers (And Don’t Be Scared of Them)

Before you dream up that magical agenda or choose your retreat location, you have to know your numbers.

Ask yourself:

• What’s your profit goal?
• What’s your minimum number of attendees to break even?
• How much will each meal, bed, workshop, and team member cost?

Pro tip: Use a retreat profit calculator or spreadsheet (I give one to my members!) to break this down and avoid surprises. Don’t price based on “what feels good”—price based on facts.

Choose the Right Niche + Transformation

Profitable retreats are focused retreats. Period.

If your copy says “This is for everyone!” you’re already setting yourself up for crickets… You need to get crystal clear on:

• WHO you serve
• WHAT they struggle with
• HOW your retreat solves that

You’re not selling a yoga weekend. You’re selling a transformation: a new way of being, seeing, or showing up in the world.

Build a Pre-Launch Strategy (Don’t Skip This)

Before you ever open the cart or post your first “Spots are open!” story, you need to warm up your audience.

Here’s how:

• Tease the idea and ask for feedback
• Start a waitlist and gauge interest
• Build FOMO (fear of missing out) with behind-the-scenes prep
• Create a VIP early-access list

This builds buzz, validates your idea, and gives you a built-in list of hot leads once you launch.

Marketing Gets You Seen—Sales Gets You Paid

Here’s where a lot of retreat leaders get stuck.

👉 Marketing is what gets people to raise their hand (emails, reels, landing pages, stories, Pinterest pins, etc).
👉 Sales is YOU actually reaching out, answering questions, following up, and closing the deal.

Don’t just post and pray. Get in those DMs, reply to comments, follow up with people who clicked your links. Profit comes from connection.

Offer Payment Plans + Bonuses (Not Discounts)

Discounts can devalue your retreat and train your audience to wait for a sale.

Instead:

• Offer extended payment plans to make it accessible
• Add bonuses like 1:1 sessions, welcome boxes, or early arrival perks
• Stack the value so your pricing feels aligned with the transformation

People invest when they understand what they’re getting—and why it’s worth it.

Don’t Go It Alone

Look—I’ve hosted over 100 retreats and I STILL rely on mentors, tools, and team members to make it all happen. You do not have to do this by yourself.

If you want to save time, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure your retreat is both transformational AND profitable, get help. That’s why I created the Retreat Leader Membership—so you have a support system and strategy on tap 24/7.

Final Thoughts

Hosting profitable retreats isn’t reserved for the “experts” or people with big followings. It’s for the heart-led leader who’s willing to do the work, lead with intention, and treat their retreat like the real business it is.

So whether you’re just getting started or are ready to finally make your next retreat worth your time, energy, and brilliance—know this:

You can do this.
And I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Cheers to your first (or next) profitable retreat!

Love,
Shannon 💛