Why Coaches Should Start Hosting In-Person Retreats—Even if They’ve Never Done One Before

If you're a coach, consultant, or wellness leader, you’ve probably had the thought: “I should host a retreat someday.”

And then maybe you shut it down just as fast.

Because…
→ You’re not sure where to host it.
→ You don’t know if you could fill it.
→ It seems complicated.
→ You’re not even sure you’re “ready.”

Let’s debunk all of that—because hosting an in-person retreat could be the highest-impact thing you do this year.

Here’s why in-person coaching retreats are a game changer:

1. Your clients are craving deeper transformation

No matter how good your Zoom game is, there are limits to what can happen on a screen. The biggest breakthroughs often come when clients are immersed, present, and physically removed from their day-to-day lives.

In-person coaching retreats create a container where your people can:
✓ Fully disconnect from distraction
✓ Drop into their body and intuition
✓ Connect with you—and each other—in unforgettable ways

That transformation? It leads to deeper loyalty, more referrals, and easier sales of your higher-ticket offers.

2. Your business gets easier to grow when you have a signature experience

When you build a signature retreat that you run once or twice a year, you create something scalable that sets you apart in your market. Instead of trying to stand out with a sea of content, your clients start talking about you. And not just for your frameworks—but for the way your retreat made them feel.

It’s also one of the easiest ways to grow your email list and upsell into longer-term coaching packages.

3. You don’t need a huge list or a fancy venue to start

The truth is, small retreats work beautifully—especially for your first one.
At Idyllwild Woods, for example, you can host a retreat with as few as four guests, surrounded by nature, off-grid quiet, and creature comforts that make it feel magical.

All the logistics (tents, beds, water, meeting space, and even catering support) are taken care of. So you can focus on what you’re best at: holding space and leading transformation.

4. Retreats let you market differently—and more powerfully

When you have a retreat to promote, you instantly have a reason to share:

• Behind-the-scenes planning

• Real client stories and photos

• Your big “why” for doing the work

• Countdown urgency and bonus offers

People love to follow a coach who’s doing cool things in the real world. It builds authority and approachability at the same time.

5. It might feel stretchy—but that’s the point

Hosting your first in-person retreat will stretch you. It will ask you to trust yourself.
And that stretch is part of what builds your own confidence and credibility as a leader.

You’ll walk away not just with a profitable experience—but with new content, new referrals, and a whole new level of self-trust.

Ready to dip your toes in?

If you're curious about hosting a nature-based, off-grid (but oh-so-comfortable) retreat this summer, we’ve made it easy.

📆 You pick the dates.
🏕️ We provide the space and the setup.
💛 You bring your people and lead.

Click here to see what hosting at Idyllwild Woods could look like.