How To Run Profitable Retreats

Leni Cavazos
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

How To Run Profitable Retreats is a heart-centered podcast hosted by Leni Cavazos, designed to empower you to create retreats that are not only profitable but deeply meaningful. In each episode, Leni shares insights and strategies to help you craft retreat experiences that are transformational for your clients and rewarding for yourself. With a focus on authenticity, community, and intention, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to create impactful retreats that leave a lasting impact. Each episode features interviews with successful retreat leaders, as well as solo episodes.

  1. 18h ago

    Stress Less, Earn More: The Value of a Retreat Planner with Marta Pizzarani

    What does it really take to host a seamless, profitable international retreat? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I sit down with Marta Pizzirani, founder of Grapefruit Luxury Retreats, to discuss why having a local retreat planner can save you time, reduce stress, and elevate your guests' experience—especially when hosting retreats abroad. Drawing from her experience planning luxury retreats across Italy, Marta shares the behind-the-scenes realities that most retreat leaders never consider until something goes wrong. From avoiding tourist traps and language barriers to finding trusted local vendors and choosing the right season and location, this conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone dreaming of hosting an international retreat. Together, we also discuss why your role as a retreat leader should be focused on creating transformation—not managing logistics—and how delegating the planning allows you to deliver a higher-quality experience while protecting your own energy. In this episode, we cover: ▫️ Why hiring a local retreat planner can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress ▫️ The hidden risks of planning an international retreat on your own ▫️ How local knowledge creates more authentic guest experiences ▫️ Why language and cultural differences matter more than you think ▫️ How to choose the right destination, season, and timing for your retreat ▫️ The difference between running a retreat and producing one If you've ever considered hosting a retreat in another country—or you're ready to stop doing everything yourself—this episode will help you understand the value of having the right local partner by your side. 💭 Connect with Marta Pizzirani Website: http://www.grapefruitluxuryretreats.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grapefruitretreats/ 🪽 Enjoyed this episode? Please share it with another retreat leader, subscribe to How to Run Profitable Retreats, and leave a rating or review. Your support helps us reach more retreat hosts who are building profitable, transformational retreat businesses.     Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/call  Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Masterclass → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    Stress Less, Earn More: The Value of a Retreat Planner with Marta Pizzarani

  2. Jul 23

    Retreats Are Like Plane Rides: Design Your Transformational Journey

    What if the secret to creating a truly transformational retreat has nothing to do with your itinerary—and everything to do with how people feel from beginning to end? In this episode, Leni Cavazos shares one of her favorite ways to design unforgettable retreat experiences: thinking like a pilot instead of a scheduler. Using the journey of a plane ride as a powerful analogy, you'll discover why your guests don't remember every workshop, meal, or activity—they remember the moments that mattered most. You'll learn how to intentionally guide your guests from the moment they book, through anticipation, arrival, connection, breakthrough, integration, and finally back into their everyday lives with a transformation that lasts.   🎧 In this episode, you'll discover: ▪️ Why your guests remember the peak and the ending more than anything else. ▪️ How to reduce pre-retreat anxiety before your guests even arrive. ▪️ How to create emotional "mini peaks" that build trust and connection. ▪️ Why your biggest transformational moment should happen around 60–70% into the retreat. ▪️ The importance of integration—and why skipping it can undo the transformation.   Whether you're planning your very first retreat or you've hosted dozens already, this episode will completely change the way you think about retreat design. 🪽 Stop creating schedules. Start designing transformational journeys.   ❕ If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another retreat leader and leave a rating or review—it helps more people discover the show.   ⬛️ Join the Sold Out & Profitable Masterclass: https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge     Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/call  Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Masterclass → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    Retreats Are Like Plane Rides: Design Your Transformational Journey

  3. Jul 16

    The Legal Mistakes That Could Cost Your Retreat Business with Cory Sterling

    Legal isn't the most exciting part of running a retreat, but it can be one of the most important. In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I sit down with Cory Sterling, founder of Conscious Counsel, to talk about the legal foundations every retreat leader needs to have in place before welcoming participants. Whether you're planning your very first retreat or you've been hosting for years, this conversation will help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your business, and create a better experience for everyone involved. Together we discuss: The three legal documents every retreat leader should have before selling a retreat Why generic templates and AI-generated agreements can leave your business exposed The importance of activity-specific liability waivers The legal clauses that can protect you when unexpected events force changes or cancellations How the right legal agreements give you more confidence, control, and peace of mind Running profitable retreats isn't only about filling the room. It's about building a business that is sustainable, protected, and prepared for the unexpected. If you host retreats or are planning your first one, this episode is full of practical insights that can save you time, money, and stress. Connect with Cory: https://www.consciouscounsel.ca/home If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another retreat leader, leave a rating, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats. 🎧🤍     Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/call  Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Masterclass → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    The Legal Mistakes That Could Cost Your Retreat Business with Cory Sterling

  4. Jul 9

    The Layers of a Retreat with Liesel Albrecht

    What makes a retreat truly transformational? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I sit down with Liesel Albrecht, founder of The Retreat Specialist and creator of the Nine-Layered Retreat Design Framework. With more than 34 years of experience leading retreats, Liesel shares what it takes to create meaningful experiences while building a retreat business that is both impactful and sustainable. We discuss why so many retreat leaders struggle to treat their retreats like a real business, the importance of designing with intention, and how your own story and expertise become the foundation for unforgettable retreats. In this episode, you'll learn: ▪️ Why retreats should be built like a business, not just an event ▪️ The key elements of transformational retreat design ▪️ How to create a retreat business that supports your lifestyle ▪️ Why community is essential to filling your retreats ▪️ An introduction to Liesel's Nine-Layered Retreat Design Framework Connect with today's guest: 🖤 The Retreat Specialist https://theretreatspecialists.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with another retreat leader who is ready to build a more profitable retreat business. 🎧🖤     Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/call  Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Masterclass → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    The Layers of a Retreat with Liesel Albrecht

  5. Jul 2

    How Structure Makes Retreats Profitable with Brent McCann

    What happens when men are finally given a space where they don't have to perform, fix everything, or carry the weight of the world on their shoulders? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I sit down with Brent McCann, founder of True North Men's Retreats, to explore why men's retreats are growing so quickly and the incredible transformations that happen when men feel safe enough to slow down, connect, and be heard. We also discuss how retreats help participants shift their identity, move from constant survival mode into clarity, strengthen their relationships, and build meaningful connections with other men who understand what they're going through. If you've ever wondered what makes a men's retreat successful, or you're considering creating retreats for men yourself, this conversation offers valuable insights into designing experiences that truly change lives. In this episode, we discuss: ▪️ Why more men are seeking retreats than ever before ▪️ The transformation that happens when men feel seen, heard, and understood ▪️ Why brotherhood and community are essential for long-term transformation ▪️ The power of preparing attendees before the retreat begins ▪️ Lessons from building a profitable retreat business through experimentation and continuous improvement Whether you're a retreat leader looking to better serve male audiences or someone curious about the growing impact of men's retreats, this episode will leave you with a new perspective on what's possible when people are given the right environment to grow. Connect with Brent McCann Website: https://truenorthmensretreat.com/ Instagram: @realbrentmccann 🎧 Subscribe to How to Run Profitable Retreats for weekly conversations on retreat strategy, pricing, marketing, operations, and building a retreat business that transforms lives while generating sustainable profit.     Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/call  Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Masterclass → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    How Structure Makes Retreats Profitable with Brent McCann

  6. Jun 25

    Launch Your First Retreat (Without Losing Money or Your Mind)

    What if the biggest mistake new retreat leaders make has nothing to do with the venue, marketing, or even filling the room? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I'm sharing the five foundations every first-time retreat host needs to build a retreat business that is both transformational and profitable. Too many incredible coaches, healers, and facilitators create beautiful experiences that change lives... only to discover they barely made any money. The problem isn't passion. It's building a retreat without building the business behind it. In this episode, you'll discover: How to position your retreat so it becomes a "must attend" experience instead of a "maybe someday" A simple pricing formula that helps you stop guessing and start building real profit How to sell your retreat without feeling pushy, awkward, or salesy The four business foundations that matter far more than having the perfect venue If you've been thinking, "It's my turn to host my own retreat," this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to build one that supports both your clients and your business. 💭 FREE LIVE MASTERCLASS Ready to launch your first sold-out retreat? Join my free live masterclass where I'll walk you through the exact framework for creating, pricing, and selling your first profitable retreat. Save your seat here: https://theretreatplanner.com/launch-retreat-masterclass-page  🎧 Thanks for listening to How to Run Profitable Retreats. I'll see you in the next episode.   Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/call  Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Masterclass → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    Launch Your First Retreat (Without Losing Money or Your Mind)

  7. Jun 4

    Authorship in the Age of AI: How to Write a Book That Positions You as the Authority in 2026. with Tina Kapp-Kailea

    What does it really take to write a book that positions you as the authority, not just another story on a shelf? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, Leni Cavazos sits down with Tina Kapp-Kailea, international best-selling author, publisher, embodiment coach, and TEDx speaker, to unpack the truth about authorship in today's AI-driven world. This conversation goes far beyond "write your book in 90 days." Instead, it explores what most people don't talk about: the emotional weight of writing your story, the responsibility you hold as a leader, and the difference between sharing for connection vs. oversharing without transformation. If you're a coach, retreat leader, or expert looking to grow your visibility, build trust, and attract aligned clients, this episode will shift how you think about writing a book. ▪️ Why publishing a book is one of the fastest ways to build authority in 2026 ▪️ The difference between a memoir and a strategic authority-building book ▪️ How to tell your story without turning your audience into your therapist ▪️ Why "pain, pain, pain" storytelling repels instead of converts ▪️ The hidden emotional work behind writing—and why most people avoid it ▪️ How to use AI with integrity without losing your voice ▪️ What actually makes a book sell your retreats, services, and offers Tina also shares her journey through burnout, healing, and rediscovering purpose, and how that experience shaped her unique approach to helping women write powerful, truthful, and strategically positioned books. Because in a world where content is everywhere, your voice, your story, and your perspective are your greatest assets. And when done right, a book doesn't just tell your story… it becomes your most powerful business tool. 🖤   Connect with today's guest, Tina Kapp-Kailea: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinakkailea Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinakkailea Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_femmepreneur Pinterest: https://nz.pinterest.com/the_femmepreneur   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to share it, tag us, and leave a rating 🎧💬 Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/go Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Intensive → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Attend the Live Workshop → https://theretreatplanner.com/live Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    Authorship in the Age of AI: How to Write a Book That Positions You as the Authority in 2026. with Tina Kapp-Kailea

  8. May 28

    Why Every Coach, Speaker, and Leader Should Host a Retreat with Amanda Hietter

    What if hosting a retreat wasn't just about the experience, but about expanding your impact, deepening client relationships, and building a more profitable business model? In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I sit down with Amanda Hietter, CEO of Across the Horizon Travel and creator of Heat Up Your Retreats. Amanda supports coaches, pastors, and business leaders in designing transformational travel experiences, and in this conversation, we break down what most people get wrong when planning their first retreat. We talk about why retreats are such a powerful tool for growth, how to approach the planning process strategically (instead of emotionally), and what you actually need to validate before you invest time and money into your event. Amanda also shares her journey from paralegal to travel expert, and how she now acts as the "right-hand woman" for retreat leaders, handling logistics, contracts, and details so you can focus on what truly matters: filling your retreat and leading a powerful experience. Inside this episode, we cover: ▪️ Why your retreat should start with your why, not the destination ▪️ The biggest mistake retreat leaders make (and how it delays sales) ▪️ 3 essential questions to ask before hiring a travel agent ▪️ How to create momentum, demand, and a "snowball effect" for future retreats If you've been thinking about hosting a retreat, or you're already planning one, this episode will help you make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and focus on what actually drives results. 💭 Connect with Amanda Hietter: http://www.acrossthehorizontravel.com Instagram: @amandahietter 🎧 Grab her Top 7 Retreat Travel Tips: https://acrossthehorizontravel.com/travel-tips 🖤 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who's ready to host their first (or next) retreat and don't forget to leave a rating and review. 🎧 Listen now and start building retreats that don't just look good—but actually sell.   Plan a Profitable Retreat Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need: Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/go Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook Join the Sold Out & Profitable Intensive → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge Attend the Live Workshop → https://theretreatplanner.com/live Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner

    Why Every Coach, Speaker, and Leader Should Host a Retreat with Amanda Hietter
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About

How To Run Profitable Retreats is a heart-centered podcast hosted by Leni Cavazos, designed to empower you to create retreats that are not only profitable but deeply meaningful. In each episode, Leni shares insights and strategies to help you craft retreat experiences that are transformational for your clients and rewarding for yourself. With a focus on authenticity, community, and intention, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to create impactful retreats that leave a lasting impact. Each episode features interviews with successful retreat leaders, as well as solo episodes.

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