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What I Learned Hosting My First Yoga Retreat: A Guide for Yoga Teachers Ready to Take the Leap
- Jordan Norman
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
After teaching at many yoga retreats over the years, I knew I loved being in the retreat space. There’s something uniquely powerful about stepping away from routine with a group of people all looking to reconnect, reset, and breathe more deeply. But this year, I finally crossed a threshold: I hosted my own yoga retreat for the very first time. From managing logistics to holding space, the experience taught me more than I ever imagined, and I want to share what I learned in case you’re a yoga teacher dreaming of doing the same.
Hosting and teaching are two different roles, and wearing both hats requires a shift in mindset. While teaching at a retreat allows you to focus solely on your students and the practice, hosting means you’re involved in every layer, from contracts and accommodations to meal planning and prop logistics. Here's what stood out the most from my first time stepping into that leadership role.
1. Airbnb vs Resort: What I Learned
When you're planning your first retreat, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between hosting at an Airbnb or a resort. Both options have their pros and cons, and your choice will largely depend on your budget, style, and comfort level with logistics.
With Airbnbs, you absolutely must check in with the host before booking to confirm they allow events or group gatherings. Not all do, and some may require additional permissions or insurance. Always message them first and be clear about your intentions. Airbnbs usually don’t come with yoga props, so you’ll need to either bring your own or ask attendees to bring theirs. You’ll also need to source your own chef, massage therapists, and any additional support staff. In my case, that meant coordinating multiple moving parts, from grocery deliveries to scheduling bodywork sessions. The upside? Many Airbnbs offer flexible cancellation policies, so if you don’t meet your minimum guest count and need to cancel, you may not lose your deposit.
Resorts, on the other hand, are often all-inclusive and come with built-in support. Many have on-site chefs, cleaning staff, and spa services. Some even provide yoga props and studio space. When I was planning a retreat in Costa Rica last June (and stay tuned for another Costa Rica retreat coming soon), I explored several resort options. The average cost I found was around $75 per person per day for food and accommodations, assuming a group of 10 to 25 guests. That can add up quickly, and most resorts require a non-refundable deposit upfront, something to seriously consider if your audience isn’t confirmed yet.
In short, Airbnbs offer flexibility and more control, but also more responsibility. Resorts offer ease and built-in support, but less wiggle room with your finances and often tighter contracts. Neither is better than the other, it’s just a matter of what works for your vision and bandwidth.
2. Don’t Do It Alone: Hire Another Yoga Teacher
One of the best decisions I made was bringing on another yoga teacher to help lead the retreat. I cannot stress enough how valuable this was. Teaching every class, managing every guest question, and running logistics would have been overwhelming on my own.
I intentionally hired someone who is self-motivated, collaborative, and confident in their teaching. I gave her full creative freedom to bring her voice and wisdom into the space, and it made the experience better for everyone, myself included. It allowed me to rest when needed, and it gave guests a richer variety of teaching styles and experiences.
If you’re planning your first retreat, I highly recommend bringing on a co-teacher or at least a guest facilitator. Make sure it’s someone you trust and whose teaching complements yours.
3. Don’t Forget Insurance
Yes, it’s the unsexy part of planning a retreat, but it matters. Make sure you have the right kind of event insurance, especially if you're hosting at an Airbnb or other private property. Some hosts may require you to carry liability insurance. Others may ask for proof that your retreat is covered in case of injury or damage. Do your homework here, it’s worth the peace of mind.
4. Plan for Altitude (If Hosting in Colorado or Similar Locations)
I hosted my first retreat in Divide, Colorado, and while the mountain backdrop was breathtaking, so was the actual altitude. Several guests experienced mild altitude sickness, especially those flying in from lower elevations. I prepared ahead by offering altitude kits including mini oxygen kits, electrolytes, tylenol and water. It helped, but I now know to emphasize altitude preparation in my pre-retreat materials. If you're planning something similar, definitely take this into account.
5. Use Facebook Groups to Find Guests
To my surprise, five of my retreat attendees found me through Facebook groups focused on yoga, wellness travel, or women’s retreats. These groups are a goldmine, not just for finding participants, but for building community and trust. When posting in these groups, be genuine, transparent, and clear about what your retreat offers. Share who the retreat is for, what kind of transformation they can expect, and what the vibe will be like. It’s not about selling but more so about inviting the right people in.
Final Thoughts
Hosting this retreat was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my teaching career. There’s something deeply special about creating a safe, intentional space where people can unwind, reflect, and reconnect. It’s also a lot of work. The energy output is real, and it’s easy to underestimate how much goes into holding space not just during class, but all day long. I’ve learned to schedule time off afterward to rest and integrate, and I highly suggest you do the same.
If you’re a yoga teacher thinking about hosting your first retreat, know that it’s absolutely worth it! Give yourself the time, resources, and support you need to make it sustainable. You'll learn as you go. You’ll make mistakes. But you’ll also grow as a teacher and a leader in ways you can’t inside the studio.
If you're a yoga teacher or wellness practitioner dreaming of hosting your own retreat but unsure where to start, I’m offering limited mentorship spots to help you learn the ropes. Through my experience teaching at retreats, hosting my own, and building a wellness business from the ground up, I can help guide you through the process, from pricing and planning to filling spots with ease.
If you're serious about learning how to host transformational, profitable retreats, send an email to jordan@ivywildwellness.com with the subject line: Sell Out My First Retreat and a few sentences about why you want to host retreats. This is a low-cost opportunity with only a few mentee spots available.
If you're feeling called to experience the magic of a retreat yourself, I’d love to invite you to my upcoming Women’s Mindfulness & Yoga Weekend Retreat, November 7–9. It’s a space for rest, reflection, and reconnection, designed for women who are ready to slow down and breathe deeply.
There are only a few spots left, so if this speaks to you, now’s the time to reserve your place. I can’t wait to welcome you.
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