Starting your very own yoga retreat business is a life changing decision, as it sure was for me. You get to combine your obsession for yoga with the success of your small business adventure. Sounds amazing, right?
There are so many benefits to having your own yoga retreat business, from helping more people develop a deep practice to finally generating an income doing something you’re passionate about.
While the journey of starting a yoga retreat business is a thrilling and rewarding experience, it isn’t for the faint of heart. Unlike teaching classes at an established organization, opening a yoga retreat center requires a level of dedication and commitment to be successful. But, you don’t have to go into this process blind! I am here to help!
If you’re new here, my name is Kayla Nielsen. I personally host my own yoga retreats and have built a business around helping other yogis build their own yoga businesses, including hosting retreats. So you can be sure that the advice here is tried and tested. I’ve been through it to say the least!
So with that, below is a step-by-step guide that will provide you with the necessary tools and insights to help you navigate the process and make your dreams of owning a successful yoga retreat business a reality.
How To Start A Yoga Retreat Business
Starting a business requires a significant investment of time and energy. If you already have a packed schedule with little time for self-care, it may be worth reconsidering the timing or scale of your vision. Additionally, turning your passion for yoga into a business will change your relationship with it. Are you ready to commit to it through thick and thin? Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Develop a professional business plan.
The first, most important step that will serve as a roadmap for your business is developing a plan.Outline your goals and strategies, target audience, budget, marketing plan, and more. Then, craft a business mission statement with a unique selling proposition.
A crucial part of this step is detailing what exactly is going to set your yoga retreat business above your competition. Is it your serene location? The exceptional hospitality you offer? Will you offer retreats and packages that aren’t available at any other retreat? Tell me all about it in the comments below!
Step 2: Identify your target audience.
Who are your ideal clients? Are they beginners looking for an introduction to yoga classes, experienced practitioners seeking a deeper practice, or somewhere in between? Consider factors such as age, income, and interests to create a customer profile that will help you better understand and cater to your target audience’s needs (and their budget!!!). This will shape every other part of your planning.
Ask yourself:
Are you more comfortable teaching classes that are: groups, private, corporate, solo travelers?
Will you offer 3-day, week-long, multi-week retreats?
What specific yoga styles do you favor (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Hatha, etc.)?
Will you have a wellness focus (detox, rejuvenation, transformation)?
Step 3: Find a location and prepare the space.
Keep in mind that your retreat center is more than just a physical space. It’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, healing, and connection. So, do you picture yourself practicing in a secluded oasis nestled in the woods, a hacienda surrounded by desert views or a villa overlooking the ocean? To give you some examples, my upcoming experiences are located on the calming sandy beaches of Nicaragua and the most serene mountainous Sacred Valley of Peru, but you can honestly find locations all over the world.
Creating a warm and welcoming environment is key to ensuring that Yogis feel right at home and pampered.
A few things to consider when completing this step:
Permits, zoning and ADA compliance. As the business owner, you don’t want any surprises that could derail your business plans.
Amenities like high-quality yoga mats, organic coffee and tea, fluffy towels, etc. The little details will make a big impact on your guests’ experience and word-of-mouth marketing.
Transportation is commonly overlooked when finding the perfect tranquil setting. So, how will guests get to your retreat? Provide options and tips to make the journey memorable. You want them talking about the experience for years to come!
Your space is a reflection of the experience you want to provide as a business owner, so take your time exploring options. When the perfect hideaway emerges, you’ll know it! Once you find a location that sparks inspiration and fits your budget, you have officially taken your first steps towards success.
I’ll personally recommend Still Salty Escape in Nicaragua for your next yoga retreat. It’s the perfect space for a retreat and we also offer services to help ensure your retreat is a total success!
Step 4: Set your rates and policies.
When setting up rates and policies for your yoga retreat business, there are several factors to consider to ensure that your business is profitable while providing a high-quality experience for your clients. Start with determining your expenses such as accommodation, food, transportation, instructor fees, etc.
Provide yourself with a realistic idea of how many people you’re comfortable teaching per class. This will help you design a pricing structure when setting up rates. You can present a flat rate, charge per day, or packages that include multiple days or specific activities.
When your business offers group discounts, early bird specials, loyalty programs, and payment plans it will have your guests inclined to say, “Count me in!” instead of “Maybe next time.”
Get creative and think about what would motivate you as a guest to commit to your retreat.
As the yoga teacher and owner, you’ll also want to consider your liability and ensure proper insurance is in place. Policies should enhance the experience, not restrict it. They help you with running retreats smoothly and making guests happy. Strike a balance that works for the vibe you want to provide.
Step 5: Build your team.
Collaborate with other wellness professionals, such as nutritionists, massage therapists, and meditation experts, to offer a more comprehensive retreat experience. These are the people who keep everything running smoothly and share your values, so it’s essential to choose individuals you can trust. It will help to differentiate your retreats from the competition and attract a wider range of clients. Plus, these collaborations can lead to valuable referrals and partnerships.
Make sure anyone involved is properly trained, supports your vision, and can commit to the schedule.
Step 6: Market your retreat and build a community.
If you want your business to thrive, it’s essential to have a solid marketing strategy in place. Leverage social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, to showcase your retreat offerings and connect with potential clients. Post engaging content, such as behind-the-scenes looks at your retreats, yoga tutorials, and inspirational quotes, to build a strong following and generate interest in your business.
You don’t have to be a social media influencer to succeed, but you do need to attract potential customers and promote your business effectively. Engaging with your online community builds trust and a strong business. To create a successful marketing and sales plan, you’ll need to come up with innovative marketing ideas, effective sales strategies, and a clear timeline for rollout.
Building your local community in person is a major pillar to starting your yoga retreat business!
Step 7: Start planning and running retreats.
Once the business plan is in place, the location is secured, the types of retreats are defined, the team is assembled, and the marketing strategy is developed, it is time to start planning and running retreats!
At the end of the day, people will come to you because of the memorable retreats and transformational practices you facilitate. Honor your teachings, continue evolving your skills, and always aim to give guests the experience you would want and expect. If you’re interested in furthering your yoga education, check out my yoga teacher training courses HERE.
You are totally capable of starting a yoga retreat business!
I hope this article motivates, inspires, and of course gives you the confidence to start your own yoga retreat business. You can do this, and there is a ton of support and information out there to help you along the way.
Running a retreat is really about attracting and properly serving students on the path of yoga. While starting a business presents challenges, staying true to your mission and maintaining high quality practices, spaces, and services will lead to a successful and impactful yoga retreat center. Keep an open heart, ask questions when you need to and don’t forget to practice self-care along the way!
xx,
K