Why I Started Organizing Retreats
I didn’t plan to be a retreat leader. At first, I was just a yoga teacher trying to find balance between passion and survival. One day, after class, a student asked me,
“Why don’t you take us somewhere peaceful and just teach there?”
I laughed. But something about that idea stuck with me. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So I started small. The first retreat was just 8 women and a tiny guesthouse in Austria.
And then? It worked.
Now I’ve done it more than 60 times.
The Places That Changed Me
Every place I’ve led a retreat has a story. These aren’t just pretty tourist spots. Each one shifted something in me.
| Country | What Makes It Special for Retreats |
|---|---|
| Bali | Warm people, jungle energy, healing traditions |
| Ibiza | Sunsets, silence, and soul-searching |
| Greece | Salt air, simplicity, deep calm by the sea |
| Turkey | Rich culture, hospitality, unexpected depth |
| Andalusia | Earthy stillness, olive trees, grounding energy |
| Austria | Home. Safe. Honest. Feels like roots. |
I don’t just pick locations based on Instagram views. I visit first, feel the place, and ask:
“Would I want to do inner work here?”
If the answer is yes, it goes on the list.
What Actually Happens at a Yoga Retreat
People think we just stretch and eat fruit bowls all day. Here’s what actually happens.
- Morning yoga with intention (not just moves, but purpose)
- Simple meals shared without rush or phones
- Guided meditations that sometimes end in tears (the good kind)
- Time to nap, write, walk, or just stare at the sky
- Honest group talks where real healing happens
- Connection—not just with others, but with yourself
One woman once said, “I met myself again after 10 years.”
That’s the goal.
What People Think I Do vs. What I Really Do
| People Think I… | What I Actually Do |
|---|---|
| Travel for free | Pay deposits, taxes, and fees upfront myself |
| Teach yoga on a beach | Manage food allergies, airport pickups, rain plans |
| Relax all day | Plan, teach, listen, support, adapt |
| Take pictures | Clean mats, mediate group dynamics, book buses |
Yes, it’s beautiful. But it’s also work.
Challenges I Face as a Yoga Retreat Leader
Let’s be real. Some days are hard. Like when:
- A flight is canceled and half the group is stuck at a layover.
- A student has a breakdown and needs more support than I can give alone.
- The weather ruins our full-moon beach session.
- A venue messes up the vegan menu for someone with allergies.
And sometimes, I just get tired. Not physically—emotionally.
Because this work asks for your whole heart.
The Real Magic
Here’s what makes me keep going:
The women who come to the retreats.
They show up carrying stress, sadness, burnout, grief, shame, or just exhaustion.
And then, by the end of the week, I see it:
- Softer eyes
- Smiles that start in the heart
- Shoulders no longer clenched
- Laughter that shakes the whole room
No amount of planning compares to that shift.
Why Community Matters
Something happens when women sit in a circle.
- They start to speak from their gut.
- They stop trying to be impressive.
- They cry without shame.
- They support without judgment.
This isn’t something you can fake.
It grows naturally when the space is safe.
And I believe that’s what most women are missing: a soft place to land.
Things You Learn When You Host Over 60 Retreats
After 60+ retreats, here’s what I’ve learned:
- The best yoga pose is a full-body laugh.
- Silence during dinner can be healing.
- Some guests just need to sleep—and that’s okay.
- Overplanning kills the vibe. Let moments breathe.
- You can’t lead well if your own cup is empty.
How I Plan a Retreat (From Start to Finish)
Planning a retreat is like building a house. Here’s how I do it:
- Scout Location
Visit, feel the vibe, meet the hosts, check every detail. - Pick Dates That Feel Right
Avoid high tourist season. Respect local holidays. - Design the Schedule
Gentle flow. Space for stillness. Don’t overschedule. - Promote Authentically
I never use pressure tactics. I just tell the truth. - Prep and Pack
Think of everything: candles, journals, spare mats, herbal teas. - Hold the Space
Show up fully. Stay grounded. Be present.
What Makes Each Retreat Unique
Even if the format is the same, no two retreats feel alike.
Why?
- The group energy is always different.
- The personal stories, the life stages, the questions they bring.
- The weather, the meals, the morning talks.
It’s like a recipe: even with the same ingredients, it never tastes the same.
The Most Emotional Moments I’ve Witnessed
Some moments stay with me forever:
- A woman releasing grief she’s carried for 20 years.
- A mother dancing barefoot for the first time in decades.
- A cancer survivor leading a gratitude circle.
- Two strangers holding hands while journaling.
None of this was planned. It just happened.
That’s the beauty of real healing—it shows up when it’s ready.
How I Take Care of Myself
When you hold space for others, you must care for yourself too.
Here’s what I do:
- I take a full day off after each retreat—no calls, no emails.
- I work with a mentor and therapist for my own support.
- I don’t pretend to have it all figured out.
- I give myself permission to rest, mess up, and grow.
Because a burned-out leader can’t hold light for others.
What I Tell First-Time Retreat Guests
If it’s your first retreat, I say:
- You don’t need to be flexible.
- You don’t need to be “spiritual.”
- You just need to be open.
Come as you are. That’s enough.
Stories From Real Women
Let me share a few quick stories (names changed for privacy):
- Maria came after a breakup. She left with a group of new friends and a plan to change cities.
- Amira had never traveled alone. She now runs her own women’s circle in her town.
- Sofia cried every morning for the first 3 days. By day 5, she was leading a dance session.
This work isn’t about me. It’s about what happens when women feel safe enough to just be.
Looking Ahead
So what’s next?
More retreats. More laughter. More connection.
Maybe you’ll join the next one. Maybe you’ll come later.
But if this touched something in you, I hope you know this:
There’s a space waiting for you—quiet, kind, and ready.
