How We Evaluate & Choose Retreat Locations
With 8 yoga retreats under our belt since 2023, we’ve developed a fair amount of experience when it comes to selecting retreat properties and locations. This article aims to share a bit more insight behind our process and what elements are most important to us when it comes to planning the next Rooted Renewal retreat.
It’s important to note that while we have a formula that works well for the experience that we want to curate, each property or location does not necessarily need to meet every requirement.
Location, Location, Location
This one may seem obvious. But we tend to use the broader location / region as a starting point for how we evaluate retreat properties. We often ask ourselves, “Where in the world is a place that brings about a sense of curiosity?” Since the beginning, we dreamed of hosting retreats in Costa Rica. So we used that desire as a starting point to begin researching properties across the country.
As time goes on and we get more experience, we look to other regions of the US and world where we haven’t yet been. It’s important to us that no two Rooted Renewal experiences are the same. In fact, we’ve had many attendees come back for second, third and even fourth retreats with us! So, we’re motivated to continue innovating in how we design each Rooted experience.
Access to Nature
One of the six pillars of Rooted Renewal is nature. We intentionally incorporate the outdoors into every retreat we host simply because nature is our best teacher. Whether that means planning group hikes or selecting properties surrounded by desert mountains. Access to nature is a non-negotiable when it comes to selecting the next location for a retreat.
Quite honestly, we’ve found that these locations are what people crave. The ability to unplug, connect with the outdoors and slow down is a big reason why folks choose to invest in a Rooted Renewal experience.
Space for Connection & Solitude
This aspect has proved to be the special sauce when it comes to Rooted Renewal locations. When evaluating specific retreat properties, we look for layouts and designs that facilitate opportunities for group connection but also places where attendees can go for solitude. We incorporate what we call “Sacred Silence” for every retreat. Dedicated time for rest, silence and introspection. It’s important that the places we call home for a long week support this. A functional kitchen space where we connect as a group is just as important as the cozy corner or multiple outdoor patios where you can journal or read alone.
Dedicated Yoga Studio
Having a dedicated space to lead each yoga class is a huge factor when it comes to selecting properties. However, this hasn’t always held true for every retreat. Depending on time of year and location, we’ll host classes outside. But something about having a dedicated studio space just elevates the entire experience. As with any studio, it’s a place where you can show up, move, process or rest and simply leave it all there once you step off your mat. More often than not, when properties have a dedicated property, they also include mats and props. This makes it much easier for folks traveling when they don’t need to worry about packing mats or blocks.
Energy MAtters
This one might sound obvious. But we can tell you from experience the difference between a property that has been designed with intention and love versus properties that only care about profit. The energy of the space is a night and day difference. After hosting retreats at properties owned and managed by fellow yogis, there is no looking back.
These a just a few of the elements that we evaluate when planning our next retreat. We like to stay flexible through this process but not every property meets the high standard that we hold ourselves to. We’ve certainly learned a lot through the last two years and are proud to be able to turn those learnings into action by continuing to improve and evolve the Rooted Renewal experience. We’ve found a formula that works extremely well and are excited to continue sharing that with the world.
