If you are interested in either opening a health retreat, or working in a retreat or spa, this article includes tips on how to open your own retreat, and the latest vacancies in retreats and spas across the world.
Many therapists have made a comfortable income from working in a retreat or a spa and this area may offer you an opportunity to further your career. This can either be as additional income to your main practice on occasional weeks, or as a main source of income all year round. Over the past few years many retreats have expanded their service from simple massage and yoga, to offering a wide range of holistic support including nutrition, acupuncture, and hypnotherapy. Some practitioners organise and run their own retreats, whilst other work for an established company as a ‘house’ therapist as part of a team.
The latest opportunities and links.
It may also be worth contacting retreats directly to see if they either have current vacancies, can put you on their list, or add your therapy to their existing portfolio.
Naturopathic/wellness consultant – Luxury spa resort in Thailand
http://www.kamalaya.com/thailand-work.htm
Spa opportunities.com – job page
http://www.spaopportunities.com/detail.cfm?pagetype=jobs&subject=NONE
Spastaff.com – job page
Champneys – jobs page
http://www.champneys.com/jobs/
New spas opening across the world
Tips to opening your own successful retreat
1. Have a solid business plan
This is absolutely essential and must not be overlooked. Without a solid business plan you are either doomed to failure, or at the very least, will never be as successful as you would with one. There is a very good reason why every top business advisor suggest the importance of a business plan.
We provide templates and workshops on building a business plan separately: http://naturalhealthpractitioners.org/business-skills.html
2. Put yourself in the shoes of a customer and experience a retreat yourself
What would you like to experience on the retreat?
What are the most important aspects of a retreat for you?
How long would you like to stay?
What are the additional ‘tit bits’ which make the difference?
3. Do your research
Who is your target audience?
What competition is there?
Is the location suitable?
Are there concerns with transport, safety, climate etc.?
Are your prices competitive, affordable and profitable?
4. The best service possible
An old marketing concept called ‘Moments of truth’ considered that every point of contact with your customer had a bearing on their enjoyment. This can be from a welcome note, to the food provided, the therapies, to the thank you and good bye. Every experience makes an impact, especially to a customer on a retreat, where sensory perception as at a high.
Therefore the following tips on service maybe useful:
Always give your customers the best.
Then give them more.
Pyramid from a basic service – to an augmented service – to a polished service to leave a smile on every customers face.
5. Marketing/advertising
What is your theme?
How are you going to reach your audience?
What are the benefits specific to your audience which make your service stand out?
Word of mouth is probably the most critical point of success for a retreat. Provide outlets by which your customers can feedback their experience such as social media.
6. Financial aspects
What are your costs?
What other staff do you need?
What other support do you need (i.e. advertising services, cook, accounts etc)
What is your budget?
What is your profit/loss forecast and breakeven point?
Links with some useful ideas on starting your own retreat.
http://www.retreatplace.com/2013/03/15/how-to-create-a-retreat-that-sells-4-steps/
http://www.yogitimes.com/article/yoga-business-tips-start-open-run-retreat-center/
http://www.pilatesunion.com/news/10/
We are hoping to expand this section and welcome any ideas or information you can share with us. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
