What Truly Matters When Choosing a Retreat Location

The Space Between the Walls

What makes a retreat space truly powerful?

Is it the lush jungle backdrop? The ocean view from the yoga shala? The hand-carved wooden doors or the eco-luxury details?

Maybe. But not entirely.

After nearly two decades supporting land projects and hosting transformational retreats, I’ve come to see that the most important aspects of a retreat space can’t always be captured in a brochure or Instagram post. The most magnetic venues are the ones that hold a frequency—a felt sense. They’re places where the land welcomes you, the team holds you, and the environment remembers why you came.

And yet, so many facilitators fall into the trap of choosing spaces that look good on paper but misalign with their actual purpose.

So let’s dig in.

The Status Quo: Chasing Aesthetics Over Alignment

Most facilitators start with the obvious: location, amenities, photos, cost. These things matter, but they only scratch the surface.

I’ve seen facilitators book “dreamy” retreat centers—only to feel disconnected the moment they arrive. I’ve also seen lesser-known venues create life-changing experiences simply because the space, people, and mission were in alignment.

The truth? A retreat space isn’t just a backdrop. It’s a co-facilitator.

And when you choose the wrong co-facilitator, the entire container wobbles.

Things People Try

Let’s talk about common missteps:

• Choosing based on hype, not energy. Just because a space is popular doesn’t mean it’s right for your work.
  

• Ignoring the local team. A retreat isn’t just held by the facilitator—it’s held by every staff member. If the energy behind the scenes is chaotic, it leaks into the guest experience.
  

• Overbooking the itinerary. When a space doesn’t naturally support deep rest and presence, facilitators often try to “fill the gap” with nonstop programming. This leads to exhaustion, not transformation.
  

I’ve made these mistakes myself. Years ago, I ran a retreat at a stunning venue—everything looked perfect. But halfway through, I realized the land felt tired. Overused. There was no intentional relationship between the owners and the land. By the end, guests were satisfied, but I knew something deeper had been missed.

What I Look for Now

These days, when I scout or recommend a venue, I go beyond the surface. Here’s what I tune into:

1. The energy of the land. Does it feel alive? Held? Does the land support the work you’re bringing in?
   

2. The story of the space. Who built it, and why? Was it created with vision and intention—or just for profit?
   

3. The team on-site. Are they heart-centered? Do they care about your mission? Do they operate from presence?
   

4. Natural rhythm. Does the space invite pause, reflection, and connection—or does it feel transactional?
   

5. Logistics, yes—but in service of flow. Good food, comfortable beds, solid WiFi, and a peaceful schedule support transformation. But they are in service of, not the goal itself.

One of the most aligned retreats I’ve ever supported happened in a simple venue in the Costa Rican mountains. No frills. But the owner walked the land every morning, blessing each corner. The kitchen staff sang as they cooked. Every guest cried at the closing circle—not because of what was done, but because of how deeply they were held.

What Becomes Possible

When you choose the right space, something magical happens:

You stop holding the retreat alone.

The space starts holding you.

Your nervous system relaxes. Your guests open faster. The teachings land deeper. You find yourself in flow—not just with the schedule, but with the soul of the retreat itself.

The best retreat spaces don’t just check boxes. They co-create miracles.

And in a world that desperately needs more transformation, that’s the kind of magic we can’t afford to overlook.

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To the facilitators, the visionaries, the space holders—choose wisely. The right space is more than a location. It’s your partner in possibility.

If you need help choosing a retreat space, or building a space, or anything else in between - this is what we love supporting people with at Live the Possibility. Don’t be shy, reach out via our website (Livethepossibility.co) or substack:

Live the Possibility

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With love,
Ed