HOW TO FIND YOUR PERFECT RETREAT LOCATION IN JUST 5 EASY STEPS..
How to find your perfect retreat location in just 5 easy steps…
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to pick your ideal retreat location, then you’re reading the right article. That’s because you’re about to discover my easy five-step method for finding your ideal location.
And the good news is that this method works even if you have no experience planning a successful and profitable retreat.
Read on…
Step 1: Decide on the purpose/theme of your retreat.
Many people who are new to planning a retreat don’t even realize that they need to do this step before they can pick they dream location. And that’s why a lot of people who try to have a sold out and profitable retreat end up failing – they’re simply missing this crucial step.
So, the first thing you need to do is to figure out what you want to accomplish on your retreat and what do you want to teach. What do you want your retreat tribe to take away from this trip? What is your purpose?
You’ll find that this part of the process goes much more smoothly if you apply these tips and tricks:
- Who is your retreat client, your bullseye client. Not just niche. Think niching your niche. What do they want to learn from you.
- Decide on what you want to teach. Don’t take you entire program and teach it all. Focus on one specific piece of your program that you bullseye client is traveling to know
- Keep in mind how you can extend the learning journey after the retreat. What post retreat programs can you offer as a follow up?
Once are crystal clear on the theme and purpose of the retreat, then you can move
on to the next step…
Step 2: Think about how to market the retreat
The next thing you need to do is to think about how you are going to market and sell the retreat.
When I first started planning retreats, I made the mistake looking at my personal bucket list destinations some of which were hard to sell. And now that I’ve helped others do it, I see a lot of people have a tendency to make the same mistakes. So let me share with you the top 3 things to keep in mind:
- How popular is that retreat destination? Choosing an already popular retreat destination will help you market and fill your retreat much quicker. People are already sold on the destination. You do not have to do that extra work.
- How easy or difficult is your dream retreat destination to get to? Will your participants think it is worth a long trip, and many changes of flight? How much will it cost to get to the destination?
- Covid… These times are uncertain but t doesn’t have to shatter your retreat plans. Strategically choose destinations with stable entry protocols or destinations that do not have any entry restrictions.
Step 3: Where do you REALLY want to go to?
At this step you’re likely to notice that you are getting excited and a picture is shaping in your head. This retreat is meant to benefit you as well. It is to motivate and inspire you. This project is meant to make you happy and excited. So, what you need to do is write a top 5 list of places you would love to go to. Places that make you giddy with excitement. Places that make you want to pack your suitcase right now!
Step 4: Timing and seasonality
By now we thought about your retreat goers and how the retreat location works best for them. We also did some soul-searching on what you would really want to do. Let’s look at timing and make sure that your schedule works with your destination. Some destinations are not as enjoyable certain times of the year or maybe even a recipe for failure. Here are some questions to ask yourself.
- Weather: Hurricane or raining season? Extreme heat? Potentially snow storms?
- School Holidays: Do your participants have kids and can’t get away during school breaks? Do you want to travel during peak travel periods such a school breaks
- National Holidays: Are peak travel times and will increase your cost.
Step 5: In destination experience
At this step you are getting into a bit more detail about the experience you are looking for. Are you looking to experience a 5 star resort or a remote mountain lodge? Can you envision buying out a small boutique hotel for just your retreat? Or maybe a fully staffed villa on the beach? This step will help pinning down your absolute ideal retreat location. Some destination offer more accommodations of your choice than others. If you need inspiration or ideal let us know and we will send you out Top 4 Retreat Locations in the USA or 5 Favorite Retreat Resorts.
And there you have it – a simple 5 -step method for finding your perfect retreat location. Now that you know where to go there’s just one thing left for you to do; take action.
So get to it, and soon you too will in paradise hosting your very own retreat.
xoxoxo
Julia
