Welcome back to Heat Up Your Retreats! In today’s episode, I’m diving into one of the most important parts of planning a retreat — choosing the right venue. This single decision can make or break the entire experience for you AND your attendees.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by options, frustrated by confusing travel logistics, or stuck because everything “looks cute” online but doesn’t actually fit your retreat’s purpose… this episode is going to save you so much time, money, and stress.

Inside this episode, I break down the 3 non-negotiable factors every retreat leader must consider before booking a venue, PLUS my personal pro tips from years of planning transformational, spirit-led retreats all over the world.

Whether you're hosting your first retreat or your fifteenth, this episode will help you choose locations that are purposeful, peaceful, and prepared for the transformation you want to create.

What You’ll Learn

• The exact 3 factors that should guide every venue decision
• The biggest mistakes leaders make when picking a retreat location
• Why “pretty” does NOT equal “purposeful”
• How accessibility issues can completely derail attendance
• How to match your retreat theme with the right environment
• Budget traps to avoid — including minimums, deposits, and cancellation terms
• Insider travel industry tips you won’t find on Google
• How to discern a venue spiritually and make decisions with peace

Pro Tips I Cover in This Episode

• Why shoulder season can save your retreat budget
• The importance of “vibe vetting” (yes, I call the hotel myself!)
• What photos and floor plans you MUST request before signing anything
• How to negotiate perks like room comps, spa credits, and upgrades
• Why praying over each potential venue changes everything

Episode Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome to Heat Up Your Retreats

00:38 – Why the venue decision is so important

01:22 – Factor #1: Transformation-first venue selection

03:05 – Factor #2: Accessibility & travel ease

04:28 – Factor #3: Budget, capacity & group minimums

05:40 – Pro tips: Shoulder season, vibe check, floor plans & negotiations

06:55 – Spiritual insight: How God leads your venue choice

08:05 – Final takeaways + next steps for retreat leaders

If You Want Help Choosing the Perfect Venue…

Retreat planning shouldn’t feel overwhelming — especially when God has given you a vision to steward. If you want expert support choosing destinations, negotiating contracts, managing logistics, or designing a transformational experience…

Email me: Amanda@AcrossTheHorizonTravel.com

Subject line: Strategy Session

I’d love to walk with you and make sure your retreat is beautiful, strategic, and Spirit-led.

Thank You for Listening

If this episode helped you, share it with a friend, post it on your Instagram Stories, and tag me @acrossthehorizontravel.

Until next time…

Keep dreaming big, keep planning bold, and keep heating up your retreats!