What the Hell Is a Retreat, and Why Should You Care?
(And Why It’s Not Just a Fancy Vacation)
My site focuses on retreats, yet I haven’t taken the time to define what a retreat truly is. So, let’s address that, because we’re about to get real about what makes a retreat worth your time, money, and energy.
A Retreat Is More Than Just a Fancy Getaway
Strip away the Instagrammable scenery, the yoga mats, and the overpriced smoothies, and at its core, a retreat is a gathering with purpose. It’s an intentional escape—typically to a secluded or inspiring place—where people come together to focus on a specific goal, theme, or transformation. It’s not a vacation (though it can feel like one). It’s not a workshop (though you might learn something). And it sure as hell isn’t just a weekend away with friends (though some might blur those lines).
Retreats are designed to shift something inside you. You leave different than when you arrived—or at least, you should. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Who’s Running This Show?
Every retreat needs a leader. A guide. A poor soul responsible for making sure people actually get what they came for. That could be a coach, a facilitator, a business expert, a shaman in the jungle, or you—if you’re bold enough to lead one yourself.
The Flavors of Retreats (Pick Your Poison)
Not all retreats are built the same. Some are about getting shit done, others are about finding yourself, and some are just an excuse to disappear into the wilderness and cry under the stars. Whatever works.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of retreats you’ll see (or maybe lead):
🔹 Project Completion Retreats – You go in with something half-baked and leave with it done. Think business planning, book writing, marketing funnels—anything that requires focused, structured time.
🔹 Skill-Building Retreats – The goal here is to learn and master something. Maybe it’s a certification, a licensing course, or an immersive deep dive into a craft.
🔹 Wellness Retreats – This is what people picture when they hear ‘retreat’—somewhere beautiful, lots of yoga, green juice, meditation, and maybe a few tears. Could be physical, emotional, or spiritual wellness—or all three.
🔹 Spiritual Retreats – These go deep. Whether religious or not, they’re about connecting to something bigger than yourself. Expect meditation, prayer, energy work, or some existential revelations.
🔹 Professional Development Retreats – Corporate sends you off to “grow” and maybe grab some CE credits while you’re at it. Less soul-searching, more LinkedIn buzzwords.
🔹 Team-Building Retreats – Think trust falls, personality assessments, and group activities designed to make you tolerate your coworkers a little more.
🔹 Adventure Retreats – For those who prefer their personal growth with a side of adrenaline. Rock climbing, survival training, white-water rafting—this is where you find out if you actually like challenges or just the idea of them.
The Secret Sauce: What Happens AFTER the Retreat
If you’re thinking about leading a retreat, here’s the biggest mistake you can make: thinking it ends when people go home. Nope.
The best retreats don’t just wrap up with a ‘thanks for coming’ email. They feed into something bigger—a next-level program, a community, ongoing coaching, a business opportunity. This is your big backend (no, not that kind). If you do it right, the retreat is just the entry point, and the real transformation happens after.
Ready to Lead One Yourself?
If you’re a coach, speaker, expert, or just someone with a hell of a lot of knowledge to share, a retreat can be a powerful way to create impact and income. But it’s gotta be done right. If you want to figure out how to make it profitable (instead of a money-sucking nightmare), I’ve got you.
Check out my Business Breakthrough Program at superstarbusinessbreakthrough.com. Let’s make sure your retreat isn’t just a glorified group vacation—but an actual game-changer.