7 Things No One Tells You About Running a Retreat (That You Really Need to Know)
Running a retreat looks dreamy on Instagram, sunset yoga, matching robes, group dinners, beautiful villas…
But behind every “effortless” retreat is a host quietly juggling logistics, safety, emotions, planning, energy management and about 27 things that never make it to the grid.
After facilitating 20+ retreats, I’ve seen the magic, the messy moments, and the behind-the-scenes realities most people don’t talk about.
If you're planning to run your first retreat or elevating your next one: here are the honest truths you need to know to create a smooth, safe, unforgettable experience for your guests.
1. You can't just book a cute Airbnb and call it a retreat
Yes, the vibe of the venue matters, a lot. But it’s only a small piece of what actually makes a retreat transformational.
A successful retreat includes:
A clear purpose
A grounded schedule
A well-thought-out guest journey
Safety planning
A pretty space sets the tone… but it’s not the whole experience.
2. A jam-packed schedule doesn’t equal “more value”
One of the biggest mistakes first-time facilitators make is overfilling the itinerary.
Your guests need:
Breathing room
Integration time
Social time
Time to just be
Space is not “empty time” it’s where the transformation actually lands & connections are made.
3. Not everything has to be deep and emotional
You’re creating a holistic experience, not a three-day therapy intensive. Injecting fun keeps the energy flowing and helps guests bond.
Think:
Dancing
Crafting
Beach days
SUP boarding
Dinner out together
Retreats should feel nourishing and playful.
4. Be prepared for things to go wrong.
Not just group dynamics. Not just minor inconveniences. Sometimes genuinely stressful things can happen.
You should always know:
Where the nearest hospital is
The emergency number for the country you’re in
Basic safety procedures
Your role and responsibilities as the facilitator
This isn’t fear-mongering, it’s what makes you responsible.
5. Do NOT do it alone. Get onsite support
But not just anyone. You need someone who:
Shares your vision
Can hold space for both you and your guests
Stays calm in stressful situations
Understands boundaries and logistics
Your support person can make or break the experience, and your sanity.
6. Give yourself time, space and boundaries
Travelling with guests sounds cute… but in reality, you start holding space before you even arrive.
Make sure you:
Travel separately (where possible)
Have your own private room
Create downtime for yourself
Protect your energy
Being “on” 24/7 is not sustainable, for you or your retreat.
7. If you’re running a retreat just for money… don’t
Retreats are powerful, life-changing, and deeply fulfilling but they’re also emotionally and energetically demanding.
You need:
A genuine passion for what you’re creating
A clear vision for the guest experience
The ability to hold space in person (which is VERY different to Zoom)
A desire to facilitate transformation, not just chase profit
People feel when something is misaligned.
Want personalised retreat guidance?
Book a 60-Minute Soundboarding Call (£199)
If you want expert eyes on your retreat before you dive in, my 60-minute Soundboarding Call is for you.
Perfect for:
First-time facilitators
Coaches running their first in-person experience
Retreat hosts who want to elevate, refine or sanity-check their ideas
Anyone feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or aware they don’t know what they don’t know
During your session, we can cover:
Itinerary planning
Pricing + profit margins
Venue considerations
Flow, energy management, and structure
Anything else you’re spiralling about
You’ll walk away with clarity, grounded direction, practical steps, and the confidence that what you're planning is safe, intentional, and genuinely transformational.
