When you’re a coach, there’s nothing quite like that magical moment when a client finally has a breakthrough. Whether it's a virtual fist pump or a heartfelt tear shared over Zoom, these moments are the fuel that keeps the coaching fire alive. But let’s be honest, we’ve all had those days when online sessions feel like shouting into the void. That’s where retreats come in—a chance to step away from the screen and take transformation to the next level.
So, why should coaches consider trading their comfy office chairs for a spot in nature or a cozy retreat center? Let's dive into the benefits and explore a fresh perspective on the power of hosting retreats.
1. Deeper Connections: Clients Are More Than Little Faces on Zoom
Have you ever tried to hug someone through a screen? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work. The thing is, deep, transformational work goes beyond words. While online coaching can foster meaningful relationships, there's a certain depth of connection that only comes from being in the same physical space.
At retreats, you’re not just a voice on the other end. You become part of the experience. There’s a sense of shared presence that’s hard to replicate online. It’s in the small moments—the eye contact during a heart-opening meditation, the shared laughs around a campfire, or even the grumbles as you all do an early morning yoga class. These experiences create bonds that go beyond client-coach; they form a real community.
Take it from my own experience with the Hero Tribe. After six months of online workshops, I thought I knew the mentors and the group pretty well. But attending the Italy Spirit of the Hero Camp was a game-changer. Being there in person opened up deeper layers of connection I didn’t know were missing. We went from being Zoom acquaintances to a real tribe, sharing stories, facing challenges together, and bonding on a level that never happened on a screen. The in-person experience allowed me to see people’s authentic selves, away from curated backgrounds and virtual avatars—revealing the real magic of connection.
The unique perspective here? Retreats offer the rare opportunity to witness your clients as they truly are, without the persona they present through a screen. And sometimes, that means embracing their bedhead, realizing they drink way too much coffee, or catching them in a moment of pure authenticity. It’s in these real, unfiltered moments that the deepest growth happens.
2. Creating Lasting Transformation: More Than Just a Weekend Getaway
A retreat is more than a temporary escape from everyday life; it’s a container for transformation. When clients unplug from their usual routines, they create space for breakthroughs that wouldn’t normally happen in an hour-long Zoom call. There’s a kind of magic in being surrounded by nature or in a new environment—it stirs up the subconscious, invites reflection, and allows for profound shifts.
The Italy Camp with the Hero Tribe was a catalyst for my own transformation because of its intensity. The demanding schedule wasn’t just about pushing physical limits; it invited a deeper mental process, too. I found myself exploring how I fit into the group, questioning how I could best contribute, and discovering my authentic voice. Embracing that authenticity, especially in a space where everyone else was also doing the inner work, wouldn’t have been possible in the same way on Zoom. The environment set the stage for these revelations, encouraging me to stretch beyond my comfort zone and unlock parts of myself I hadn’t fully recognized before.
Here’s an underappreciated twist: The intensity of a retreat reveals hidden layers in your clients and in yourself as a coach. When things don’t go as planned (and let’s be real, they won’t), that’s when the true growth begins. Maybe you’ll face an unexpected rainstorm during an outdoor workshop, or discover that one client is struggling more than they let on during virtual sessions. Retreats teach you how to dance with the unexpected—and often, it’s in those unplanned moments that the most meaningful transformations happen.
3. Diversifying Revenue Streams: It's Not Just About the Money, But It’s Nice Too
Sure, you don’t get into coaching just for the dollar signs, but a little diversification never hurt anyone, right? When you host retreats, you’re not just providing another coaching service; you’re opening up new avenues for income. This could come from retreat fees, merchandise, follow-up courses, or even collaborations with other facilitators who complement your work.
But here’s the kicker: Retreats have the potential to transform clients into lifelong advocates. When someone has a powerful, life-changing experience at your retreat, they’ll not only keep coming back—they’ll tell their friends, family, and even strangers on the internet about it. This kind of organic growth can help fill your coaching programs, online courses, and future retreats.
4. The New Perspective: The Retreat as a Playground for Experimentation
One thing I’ve learned from being part of several retreats, coworking spaces, and coliving experiences is that people are far more open to trying new things when they’re outside of their usual environment. There’s an “anything-goes” mentality that naturally comes with travel and new settings. Retreats give you the chance to introduce experimental exercises, unique modalities, or unconventional coaching techniques that might feel a bit “out there” in an online session.
The Gathering I attended recently with Innate, while not exactly a retreat, was a perfect example of this playground mentality. It was a few days of co-creating and experimenting with a group of like-minded individuals, where the flow of dance nights, kirtans, and screen-free healing days provided the perfect setting for deep connection. We explored everything from emotional release workshops to sound healing and movement sessions, without a single laptop in sight! This environment made it easier for everyone to open up and connect authentically, sparking insights and breakthroughs that a weekly call would never quite touch.
This playground mentality also extends to your clients. When they’re in a new space, they’re more willing to let their guards down, take off the mask they wear in everyday life, and truly be seen. This is where real growth and transformation happen—not just in the techniques you use, but in the setting that allows clients to embrace their true selves without fear of judgment.
5. The Funny Side: Embrace the Unpredictable
Let’s be real—retreats can be messy. Sometimes, they’re more about surviving nature than thriving in it. (Anyone else been stung by three wasps in one day, or is that just me?) There will be moments when the itinerary goes out the window, clients wander off the trail during a “mindfulness walk,” or someone accidentally drinks the decorative flower water. The key is to laugh through the chaos because those are the stories you and your clients will remember.
When things go “wrong,” it’s a reminder that transformation doesn’t always look perfect. It’s not about executing the schedule flawlessly, but about creating a space where people can be human, connect, and grow—even if that means getting a little muddy along the way.
Conclusion: The Retreat Experience is the Real Transformation
For coaches, retreats offer more than just a change of scenery. They’re an invitation to take your clients on a deeper journey—one that goes beyond self-improvement and into the realm of self-discovery and real-world change. It’s about swapping out “breakthroughs per hour” for moments of genuine connection, creating lasting transformations, and embracing the unexpected. Plus, diversifying your revenue streams while making a lasting impact? That’s just the icing on the coconut-flour cake.
So, if you’re ready to take your coaching from Zoom sessions to in-person magic, start dreaming up that retreat. And remember: you don’t need to have it all figured out. The beauty of retreats is in their unpredictability, where even the hiccups are part of the transformation. Plus, you’ve got me by your side if you ever need help and guidance to plan retreats or set them up.
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