How to choose a retreat venue for 2021/2022

Do you need help and advice when choosing a venue for hire? Venue Retreat is here to guide you with some tips on how to decide which retreat space to choose. If you are looking for a private villa with all of the facilities for your wellness retreat that offers a safe space and incredible service adhering to all COVID health protocols, check out our key points and get in touch with our team.

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Running any type of retreat whether it is in the wellness industry or a guitar retreat, corporate retreat or any type of group event it can be dauting, stressful and sometimes draining when faced with the task and responsibilities of making it successful for your clients and guests.

Looking for a venue can is a massive responsibility and even when you go back to the same venue year after year there will always be new challenges and logistical problems that need to be solved.

So what help can we give to retreat programs and leaders when deciding which retreat venue to choose.

Here at Venue Retreat we will try to break down the key factors you need to look into before booking your venue for hire.

Location, location, location!

Regardless of how amazing the venue is for your retreat, if the location is not situated close the beach for a surfing retreat or on flat terrain for hiking it is obviously going to disrupt the experience for the clients. As simple as this sounds many retreat leaders make this mistake by not researching enough in the local area with regards to distance, transportation and activities.

Are you looking for a quite secluded venue for hire? If so then you need a private venue that is isolated and away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Nothing worse than going to a silent retreat and finding out there is a hotel resort nearby or railroad next to the property.

Beach or mountains, vibrant city life or nature and peace? Write down notes on what you need the location to offer and what would be a definitive no.

One final note on this, make sure you ask questions with the venue owner to figure out the logistics and surrounding area.

Private Space?

Will you have private and exclusive use of the venue?

Some retreat spaces have more than one retreat at a time or other guests staying. When choosing your retreat space ask these questions before booking. Will you have exclusive access for your dates or will community areas be shared? Sometimes people just assume it will be all theirs, but it is not always the case.

Facilities

Bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, pools, yoga rooms, outdoor dining areas, meeting spaces. Depending on your type of retreat write a list of what your venue space should have to make the retreat go smoothly. There is nothing worse than having your retreat go fantastically well apart from complaints about lack of room and cramped yoga areas.

If possible visit the retreat venue before hand and envision your groups movements within the activities of the program.

Service & Food!

A big one is the food and service while staying at any venue or hotel. People will always remember the service and how they were treated. Food is the same way, we all remember good food even when it is local and less extravagant. As long as the food is good and the service is helpful and pleasant your guests will be more than happy.

Manage Expectations

However, one problem is the expectation of service and what each venue classifies as tailor made stays or services offered. You should clearly communicate what will be expected when hosting a retreat with your chosen venue, so there will be no problems as all expectations will be understood.

Never over sell the service or venue as this can create unrealistic expectations from your clients, it is always better for guests to be pleasantly surprised by the quality and service rather than wondering where the 5 star Michelin chef is.

COVID - Retreats in a new time

Of course with this global pandemic it has changed every dynamic of our lives and retreats and venues have had to adapt to this new normal. Ask the venue what their COVID protocol is and how they make it a safe environment for guests. Every country will have different rules and regulation for this, so do your research for finding venues that adhere to the health and safety guidelines put in place.

The feel

Sometimes you just know this place is for you, and ideal for your clients. This is an amazing feeling and you should let it fill you with joy and excitement when deciding to book the venue. As long as it hits all of your needs and you have had concise clean dialogue with the owners you will be all set to start marketing and promoting your next retreat for 2021 and 2022.

Interested in finding the best retreat venue for you? Look at our venues or contact our team to help you for FREE.