Previously, Staci Alden shared tips for planning a fitness retreat. Here, Alden shares how to save money on a fitness retreat.
A retreat is a multi-day adventure, usually offsite from the facility and in some cases outside of the country. The schedule during a retreat usually consists of a combination of excursions, classes and workshops. Retreats are a unique, immersive, and interactive opportunity for members to experience their favorite classes with their favorite instructors in a new environment.
Whether your goal is to break even or aim for a significant financial return on your retreat, saving money will be a plus for you and the participants. Here are some simple strategies to save money on a fitness retreat without affecting the experience:
Utilize the Outdoors and Hourly Rates
Most hotels and resorts will charge your group for using indoor spaces. Instead of using an indoor space for every class and workshop you’d like to offer, aim to hold them outside. Ask about hourly rates for using spaces for classes and workshops versus an all-day price.
Avoid Peak Travel Season
Do some research on which weeks might be drastically different in lodging prices. For example, you might be able to secure reservations the week before or the week after peak when the weather is still favorable, but prices are much lower.
Secure Group Rates
Ensure you’re connected with a group coordinator versus booking lodging for participants individually and secure lower group rates. Working with a group coordinator will also help you create goals for the number of people you need to sign up. Keep in mind group rates are commonly applicable to basic hotel rooms. If a participant wants to upgrade their room, clarify that they may upgrade at their own expense.
Research the Competition
As you work with various vendors (lodging, restaurants, tours, etc.), compare rates and share the amount each of them is willing to charge so you can get them to compete on price to win your business.
Groceries Over Catering
Ensure the location will allow you to cater for your classes and workshops, then purchase groceries like fruit, bars and water for classes and workshops. If the hotel requires their catering during the event, when participants arrive give them goodie bags full of all the snacks and water they could need during classes and encourage them to bring them to class to keep blood sugars up.
Create Your Adventures
Creating your excursions can be easy if you keep them simple. Rather than hiring a guide for extracurricular activities, research some fun sights that you can lead yourself.
Examples of fun self-led adventures include:
- A nature walk or urban site seeing on foot.
- Renting kayaks and standup paddleboards.
- Firepit songs, s’mores, and storytelling.
- Museums or historic districts.
- Purchase local wines and beers to host your own tasting.
Whether you use all of these strategies or pick and choose as you finalize the itinerary for your retreat, saving money will make it easier to stay within budget and accomplish revenue goals even when unexpected costs come up. Stay tuned for the next article in this retreat series for low-cost marketing strategies to fill your retreat with paying participants.
Looking for a retreat to attend? Learn more about the 2022 Club Solutions Leadership Retreat.
