Ever posted about your upcoming retreat only to hear crickets? Or worse — launched what you thought was your dream retreat only to struggle filling those last few spots? Trust me, you’re not alone in this.

The landscape of retreat marketing has changed dramatically over the past few years. What worked in 2020 just doesn’t cut it anymore. But here’s the good news: there are proven strategies that can help you fill your retreats, even in today’s competitive market.

I sat down with retreat marketing expert Brytta Moreira on the Blissful Biz Podcast to uncover what’s actually working in retreat marketing right now. What she shared might surprise you.

The Truth About Today’s Retreat Bookings

Here’s a statistic that might shock you: 52% of people book retreats just three days before they start. Yes, you read that right — three days! This completely changes how we need to think about retreat marketing and booking deadlines.

“What’s happening is that people living in big cities want to escape at the last minute,” Brytta explains. “They suddenly have a free weekend or holiday, and they’re looking for an experience.”

This means we need to adapt our marketing strategies and potentially keep our booking windows open longer than we might feel comfortable with. (I know, it’s scary — but the data doesn’t lie!)

Why Your “Yoga for Everyone” Approach Might Be Hurting You

One of the biggest mistakes Brytta sees? Trying to make your retreat perfect for everyone. It’s tempting to cast a wide net, but here’s the truth: when you try to please everyone, you end up connecting with no one.

Instead, get specific about who your retreat is for. Are you creating an experience for experienced practitioners who want to explore different yoga styles? Or maybe for busy entrepreneurs who need a mindful reset?

The more clearly you can define your ideal participant, the easier it becomes to market your retreat effectively.

The 9-Month Marketing Timeline That Actually Works

Think of planning a retreat like a pregnancy (Brytta’s metaphor, not mine!). Give yourself nine months to bring it to life:

– First 2-3 months: Plan your backend systems, marketing strategy, and get your foundations in place
– Next 6-7 months: Active marketing and filling spots

But here’s what most people get wrong: they wait until the last minute to start promoting. Instead, use those first few months to build excitement and connection with your community.

Building Community Before Anyone Books

Here’s a powerful strategy Brytta shared: connect with 25 new people every week about your retreat. Before you panic, that’s just five people a day, five days a week.

This isn’t about hard selling — it’s about building genuine connections. Send a DM, respond to comments, have real conversations. The key is consistency and authenticity.

Making Your Retreat Irresistible

Today’s retreat participants are comparing your offering to vacation packages. That means you need to think beyond just yoga classes. Consider:

– Optional excursions
– Flexible schedules (some people just want to read on the beach!)
– All-inclusive options
– Airport transfers
– Unique experiences that set your retreat apart

The Power of Pre and Post-Retreat Connection

One game-changing tip? Create a WhatsApp group for your retreat participants months before the retreat begins. This builds excitement, allows people to connect, and creates a sense of community before anyone even arrives.

But don’t stop there — consider how you’ll support participants after the retreat ends. The integration period is crucial, and offering post-retreat support can set you apart (and lead to amazing testimonials!).

Moving Forward

Marketing a retreat in 2025 requires a different approach than what worked even a few years ago. But by staying flexible, building genuine connections, and creating experiences that truly serve your specific audience, you can create a retreat that not only fills but transforms lives.

Remember: you’re not just selling a few days away — you’re offering a transformative experience that could change someone’s life (just like that retreat in Ibiza changed mine back in 2007).

Want to learn more about marketing your retreats? Connect with Brytta at theyogahostel.com or follow her on Instagram for more expert tips and strategies.