You’ve got the why.
You’ve figured out the who.
And last week, we got real about designing the perfect vibe and flow for your retreat.
These are the first 3 of the 10 essential decisions in the Free How To Plan Your Profitable Retreat Workbook
Now, it’s time to find the place where it all comes to life!
But before you go falling in love with the first dreamy Airbnb that fits your Pinterest board (we’ve all been there ), let’s talk strategy.
Because the right venue isn’t just pretty—it’s aligned with your goals, your guest experience, and yes (!), your bottom line.
The #1 Rule of Venue Hunting: It’s Not Just About Aesthetics
Sure, the wraparound porch and mountain views are nice—but if the space can’t support your retreat structure or guest vibe, it’s a hard no.
Your venue must match these four elements:
- Your Why – Does the space support your transformation?
- Your People – Is it accessible, comfortable, and appropriate for your audience?
- Your Vibe – Rustic cabin? Luxe villa? Modern boutique hotel?
- Your Flow – Does the layout support the way you want the retreat to feel?
Form follows function—but with bonus points for dreamy lighting and cozy nooks.
Retreat Venue Options (Pros + Cons)
Here are 5 popular venue types, with some considerations for each of them-
1. Private Home Rental (such as VRBO or Airbnb)
✅ Cozy, intimate, & full kitchen
❌ May need your own event insurance, not have the right bed/ bedroom set up, or enough bathrooms
Tip: Always ask the host about events and group policies. Some don’t allow larger groups or commercial use.
2. Retreat Center
✅ Built for group experiences—often includes meals, meeting spaces, and lodging
❌ Can be more expensive or less customizable, may have multiple groups there
Tip: Great for wellness, spiritual, or corporate team-building retreats
3. Hotel or Boutique Inn
✅ Lots of amenities, housekeeping, often centrally located
❌ Guests may feel less “immersed” in the retreat bubble
Tip: Ask about group rates, early check-in, and dedicated meeting space
4. Venue + Separate Lodging
✅ Gives guests flexibility (and can reduce your costs)
❌ Adds logistics (transportation, lack of cohesion, flow)
Tip: Use this setup when guests are flying in and want hotel points or room variety
5. Cabin Clusters or Neighborhood Rentals
✅ Combines privacy with community space
❌ Needs more coordination between properties
Tip: Great for retreats that may need more/ less space at the last minute, or breakout sessions—ideal for medium to larger groups
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Here’s your MINI checklist to keep in your back pocket during venue research:
- ✔️ What is the max guest capacity (sleeping + meeting), and does that support my vision?
- ✔️ Are events allowed? Any noise or parking restrictions?
- ✔️ What’s the check-in and checkout window?
- ✔️ Is there a kitchen, fridge space, or catering option?
- ✔️ Are there separate spaces for sessions vs. sleeping?
- ✔️ Any hidden fees (cleaning, deposits, service charges)?
- ✔️ What’s nearby? (Restaurants, airport, coffee shops)
- ✔️ Is there wi-fi (if you want it)?
- ✔️ Will we have exclusive use of the property?
📌 This is likely your highest event expense and requires attention to the details. If this feels overwhelming, let’s talk about it and I’ll give you some tips!
Venue Vibes: Real Life Example
(Note: the featured image on this Blog Post is a rental that I have used in Prescott, Arizona, for my signature 4-day business retreat) The Purposeful Getaway
Shout out to Nexaero Vacation Rentals
Let’s say your retreat transformation is: (for Entreprenistas or Women Founders…)
“I came feeling stuck and uninspired, and left feeling creatively recharged and bold.”
A sleek urban hotel with coworking vibes might be perfect.
But if the vibe is: (For overworked moms, out-of-the-office executives, next chapter searchers…)
“I came feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, and left rested, clear, and spiritually refreshed…”
…then an Airbnb in the woods with a hot tub and limited cell service is exactly the vibe you are looking for.
Thinking about adding in-person events (workshops, retreats, conferences) to your revenue stream?
Get the ✓ How to Plan Your Profitable Retreat Guide → The 10 Essential Decisions Workbook. A simple, fillable guide to help you design your dream retreat without the overwhelm, second-guessing, or costly mistakes.
Want Help Choosing the Right Space?
Venue selection can make or break your retreat. That’s why I walk through this step-by-step in my live workshop. This is only ONE of the sessions in…
RETREAT LAB LIVE
In this session, I’ll show you:
- How to evaluate and compare venues like a pro
- The best way to plan your layout for comfort and connection
- How to negotiate like a boss (yes, you can ask for early check-in and bulk discounts!)
- Bonus: My real-world list of go-to venue questions
Spots are limited—sign up here before doors close! SAVE MY SEAT
Next Up on the Blog:
Budget Like a Boss
NEXT TIME, we’re talking money. We’ll walk through how to price your retreat for profit (without guilt), what to include, and how to stay aligned with your transformation goals.
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