About 10 years ago, I found myself in what I would call a tropical paradise. It was quite by accident, but it was no coincidence. I fell in love with the beauty, the simplicity and the connection to nature. It is on the southern Pacific coast of Oaxaca, very remote, wildly beautiful, mostly untouched and safe. It is here that I host my Spiritual Adventures for Women.
This is my dream location for a retreat destination, but it also has some practical solutions to offer. Let me share my point of view with you.
First, it is a place that holds passion for me. I am able to be 100 percent authentic when I describe the experience of being in this area because I know exactly what to expect. The take-away for my retreat guests is being off the grid and out of this world in a tropical paradise, and still have the luxury feeling of 5 star. Because I know the area so well, I can choose the best venue for the curriculum being taught. For example, if there is a movement component, there needs to be a group space with a lovely floor. If it is an intuitive art therapy program, then adequate table space and sink area for washing up is key.
Secondly, I have developed relationships here. This makes it very easy to reserve and plan for my groups, even when I don’t really know how many attendees I will have. The pressure of advance marketing is made much easier by having pictures, videos and first hand testimonials from retreat attendees who have experienced the exact space I am promoting. The success of past retreats and the word of mouth from your attendees add value to your future business in the area. Many vendors will offer you specials and extra perks as a thank you for your repeat business. It is truly win-win.
Thirdly, the area perfectly suits my curriculum. I host heart centered facilitators and teach my own curriculum in my retreats. Energy Medicine and Intuitive healing arts work beautifully with the view and breezes of the Pacific Ocean, healthy food and exercise. I would love to visit many places and it might be tempting to think of combining this desire with a destination retreat. But, for me, this is not a reality. I want to “go where I know” when it is for my business.
If you want to add healing transformational destination retreats to your spiritual business I recommend that you look for the place that brings you the feeling coming home. Spend some time looking for and speaking with vendors that you resonate with and want to see you succeed. Make sure the space perfectly accommodates your curriculum. You will see the benefits of this approach almost immediately.
~ Teresa
