How to Price Your Retreat

Clear, Simple Strategy for Sustainable Profit. Learn how to price your retreat using a clear, high-level approach that covers fixed costs, variable costs, buffers, profit, and value. Perfect for new and experienced retreat leaders.

A grounded, simplified approach to designing pricing that honors your work, energy, and the value of a transformative experience.

Retreat pricing is one of the most intimidating aspects of planning a retreat-especially for leaders who want to keep their offering accessible yet sustainable. Many new retreat leaders undercharge out of fear, guess their numbers, or hope it all “works out.”

But pricing your retreat doesn’t have to be confusing, emotional, or overwhelming. When you use a clear structure, the numbers start to make sense.

This high-level Compass & Core pricing method gives you a simple, practical framework for setting retreat prices with confidence and clarity—without needing a complex spreadsheet or hours of calculations.

1. Start With Your Retreat Vision, Not Your Fear

Before any math, ground yourself:

• What transformation are you offering?

• What level of value does this retreat provide?

• How much energy, time, and leadership are you giving?

• How many days, meals, experiences, and support elements are included?

Remember: Retreats are a premium experience because YOU are facilitating a transformation, not just a vacation.

Your pricing should honor that.

2. Identify Your Fixed Costs

Fixed costs are the non-negotiable, per-person expenses you will pay regardless of guest upgrades or add-ons.

These typically include:

• Lodging (per person per night)

• Food (per meal or per day)

• Event/venue rental fees

• Yoga or movement space rental

• Transportation (shuttles, airport pickups)

• Excursions you’re including for everyone

• Staff support (chef, local guide, driver, etc.)

Add these together to determine what each guest costs you.

Example:Lodging: $1900 Food: $350 Yoga room: $60 Excursion: $80 Transportation: $50

Fixed cost per guest = $2,440

This is your foundation.

3. List Your Variable Costs

Variable costs change depending on how many guests attend or what they choose.

Examples:

• welcome gifts

• workshop supplies

• printing materials

• optional excursions

• gratuities

• snacks & beverages

These expenses may seem small individually, but they add up.Estimate a realistic amount per guest.

Example:Gifts + supplies + materials = $60 per guest

Total per-person cost = $1,440 + $60 = $1,500

4. Add a 20–30% Buffer

Retreats always come with surprises. Always.

Weather changes plans. Guests cancel. Transportation costs rise. Vendors add fees. Food prices shift. Supplies, firewood, or incidentals pop up.

This is why adding a buffer is essential—not optional.

Recommended buffer: 20–30%

Using our example:

$1,500 × 1.25 (25% buffer) = $1,875

This is your actual per-guest cost.

5. Decide Your Desired Profit Per Guest

Now that you know your baseline cost, ask:

“How much do I want or need to profit per guest?”

Profit is not greed. Profit is sustainability. Profit is honoring the work, emotional labor, and leadership you bring.

For most high-quality retreats, a healthy profit per guest is:

• $500–$1,200/person for U.S.-based retreats

• $600–$1,500/person for international retreats

• $800–$2,000/person for premium experiences

Choose what aligns with your:

• time investment

• value

• experience as a leader

• niche

• goals

Example:Desired profit = $800 per guest

Total price = $1,875 + $800 = $2,675

Round to clean pricing:$2,695 or $2,799

6. Review the Market (But Don’t Copy It)

Compare your pricing to similar retreats in:

• length

• location

• niche

• level of luxury

• offerings included

BUT:Do not lower your price simply because someone else charges less.

Many leaders undercharge because they didn’t use a real pricing strategy.You are not building your business on someone else’s guesswork.

Your pricing should reflect:

✔ your experience✔ your transformation✔ your brand✔ your energy✔ your time✔ your costs✔ your expertise

Not someone else’s fears.

7. Offer Tiered Pricing (If It Fits Your Model)

Tiered pricing can:

• increase accessibility

• widen your audience

• increase your total revenue

Examples of tiered options:

• shared room

• private room

• upgraded suite

• early bird pricing

• VIP add-ons

Tiering works best when all tiers still meet your profit minimums.

8. Make Your Pricing Easy to Understand

People buy what they understand. Complicated pricing = confusion = hesitation.

Your pricing should be transparent:

“Your investment includes lodging, meals, movement classes, excursions, transportation, gifts, and full retreat support.”

Use simple language, short bullets, and a warm brand tone.

9. Feel Into the Energetic Alignment

Numbers matter, energy too.

Ask yourself:

• Does this price honor the work I’m offering?

• Would I feel resentful at a lower price?

• Does this price match the quality of experience?

• Do I feel proud and grounded announcing it?

Your pricing should feel like an exhale—not a contraction.

10. Stand Behind Your Value

Once you set your price, own it.

People are not paying for a yoga class and a hike. They’re paying for:

• transformation

• safety

• emotional holding

• expert planning

• seamless logistics

• your years of experience

• the space you create

• the clarity you help them access

Retreat leaders offer something rare and significant . Your pricing should reflect that.

Closing Reflection

Pricing your retreat is not about charging the minimum—it’s about creating a sustainable, grounded, and aligned business. When you price from clarity and confidence, you don’t just support your retreat…you support your long-term ability to lead them well.

Your retreat is a gift. Your pricing should honor that gift.