Is the focus intensive, immersion, or implementation?
How do you choose a retreat? Whenever I tell someone that I host retreats or that I help others host theirs, the response is the same: “I would love to go on a retreat!”
But what retreat experience do you have in mind? A common answer is to just ‘get away’. A retreat is an investment in time and money, so put a bit of thought into what you are looking for.
This is not to overwhelm you with more to think about; it’s to help you get the best fit for what you need.
This is the 1st in my Retreat Series:
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We will talk about :
Part 1: How to Choose the Right Retreat for You
Part 2. What’s the Best Time for a Retreat
Part 3. Virtual vs In-Person Retreats
Part 4. Are Conferences Retreats?
Let’s Talk About the Types of Retreats
Retreats have become the ultimate escape for those looking to recharge, reset, or realign their goals. Whether you’re a busy professional craving personal growth, a creative yearning for inspiration, or someone simply needing to break free from the daily grind, retreats should be a transformative experience.
Getting outside of your four walls and routine can help you tap into creative ideas you have not been able to articulate.
But here’s the catch: not all retreats are created equal.
The type of retreat you choose should align with your goals, learning style, and energy levels. Retreats generally fall into three categories: Intensive, Immersive, and Implementation. Each offers a unique approach to personal and professional development. Let’s dive into these formats so you can decide which one fits your vibe and objectives.
The Intensive Retreat: Deep Dives and Focused Learning
The Intensive Retreat is for those who want to learn something new, take a deep dive into a particular concept, or get a quick win to motivate and inspire them.
This retreat focuses on delivering in-depth teaching over a short period of time. It’s condensed, focused, and packed with actionable insights. There is little downtime, so be ready to absorb and engage from start to finish.
An example of this would be a virtual retreat, (we will talk about virtual vs. in-person retreats later in this series), or a Friday evening–> Saturday morning ‘mini’ in-person retreat on location.
It’s for ambitious go-getters who love structure and crave limited, actionable takeaways. Or someone who wants to learn a specific skill or make a major mind shift. It also works well for the woman who is looking for targeted key connections in her space.
The setup for this type of retreat is often a ticketed event in a workshop setting/ common gathering place with each attendee booking their own nearby accommodations.
Expect jam-packed sessions of workshops, lectures, and guided exercises. There is minimal downtime and a focus on depth over breadth.
Getting outside of your usual routine and finding an intensive retreat can break you out of a rut, and bring back the inspiration and energy that you feel you are missing.
The Immersive Retreat: A Balance Between Learning and Leisure
For those who value structured growth but also appreciate a little breathing room, an Immersive Retreat strikes a perfect balance. It combines focused teaching with opportunities to practice newly acquired skills and mindset shifts. Bonus? You’ll still get pockets of unscheduled time to explore, reflect, or simply relax.
This is the most common retreat experience. It fits well with learners and doers who like to have time to apply what they have learned.
Here’s a note~ maybe you don’t need to learn something new, you just need to be in an environment to get back to what you already know but have not made a priority.
You may want to learn some new skills, organizing strategies, or perspectives from others. Often, when you are in a community (and the format of this retreat allows for this), you can encourage others by sharing what has worked for you and it reminds you how far you have come.
There is a good mix of learning, socializing, and free time. Some may enjoy joining every group activity, others prefer scheduling a small group hike and meaningful conversations, and others will choose the freedom to take a nap or journal in a quiet space and have uninterrupted time alone.
This retreat offers the options you need to make it your own. It typically covers 3 days or more and includes accommodations and most meals.
The Implementation Retreat: Focus on Doing, Not Learning
If your priority is rolling up your sleeves and making progress on a specific project, an Implementation Retreat is the way to go. These retreats minimize formal teaching in favor of individual work time. Group sessions are brief and focus on inspiration, troubleshooting, or peer feedback, leaving the majority of the schedule for you to work on your chosen goal.
Here is the important part of this type of retreat! You may be excited to finally have uninterrupted time to develop that ‘Someday’ dream you have been putting off, but you may equally be craving deep rest to get back to a long-lost connection to the source of your calling. Both are 100% valid.
For example, in my Purposeful Getaway Retreat, we dedicate one of the 4 days to a day of silence. From the time you wake up until late afternoon, don’t talk to anyone (in person, or online). It is such an uncommon concept that many struggle with being quiet when so much noise is normal.
The objections come in the form of questions. “Seriously?” “Can I text, that’s not talking?” “Do you really expect ME to be able to do that?” Funny, past attendees say it’s their favorite day! (Even the previous doubters).
Retreats of this type are often ‘all-inclusive’, removing decision fatigue. They are the least structured and let you focus on what is important to you. One attendee may stay up all night chatting with their new best friend, while another is in bed as soon as it gets dark.
For the retreats that I host of this type, a top priority is giving each of my guests as much private space as possible. As you research retreats, you will see that the price can vary greatly. Be sure to ask what the room set-up is and exactly what is included. You may choose to share a room with 3 others if a lower price is your priority, or you may opt to pay more and have a private room.
Join the Waitlist for The Purposeful Getaway Retreat and get the 23-page e-Magazine with all of the details for FREE! Get early rates when the Retreat dates are announced.
How Do I Choose the Right Retreat?
Still unsure which format to choose? Here are some key questions to help you decide:
✅ 1. What’s Your Goal?
- If you want to gain a deep understanding of a specific subject, go for an Intensive Retreat.
- If you’re looking for a mix of learning and leisure, an Immersive Retreat is ideal.
- If your priority is making tangible progress on a project, or rejuvenating from overwhelm then an Implementation Retreat is the best fit.
✅ 2. How Do You Learn Best?
- If you absorb information quickly and thrive on structure, choose Intensive.
- If you like to digest and apply concepts at your own pace, go Immersive.
- If hands-on experience is your thing, or you need to regroup and refocus, Implementation will suit you best.
✅ 3. What’s Your Energy Level?
- If you’re energized by a packed schedule, opt for Intensive.
- If you need breaks to recharge, Immersive is a better option.
- If you’re focused on personal goals and value flexibility or need deep rest, Implementation is your sweet spot.
✅ 4. What’s Your Budget and Time Availability?
Intensive retreats are often shorter but high-impact, while Immersive and Implementation retreats may span longer periods to allow for flexibility and depth.
What type of retreat are you looking for?
Join us for the rest of the Retreat Series Here
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