A Complete Guide
Wellness retreats have never been more in demand. With people seeking deeper relaxation, holistic healing, and a break from their fast-paced lives, hosting a private health retreat is an incredible opportunity to provide an unforgettable, transformational experience.
But what makes a luxury health retreat truly exceptional? In this blog post, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about running a private wellness retreat – including the best activities, ideal group sizes, dining experiences, and marketing strategies.
Whether you are a yoga teacher, wellness coach, corporate retreat organiser, or holistic health practitioner, this guide will help you design, market, and execute the perfect retreat.
When Is the Best Time to Run a Private Retreat?
One of the first things we recommend doing is locking in a date with us as soon as possible. Not only will it guarantee your retreat date, but it will also help you plan much better when you know what weather you’ll be dealing with. Here are some of the key dates and seasons to pay attention to in Marbella:
Spring and Autumn (March – May/September – November) are ideal for mild/warm temperatures, outdoor activities, and a balance between relaxation and adventure.
Winter (December – February) is perfect for intimate, cosy retreats focused on wellness, healing, and rejuvenation.
Summer (June – August) is best suited for sun-seekers looking for poolside relaxation, wellness activities and Marbella nightlife.
At The Sanctuary Marbella, our facilities are designed for year-round retreats, with both indoor and outdoor spaces that adapt to any season. Our villa and its facilities also have full air conditioning and heating throughout, ensuring your guests are in total comfort, whatever the weather.
Who Should Your Retreat Cater To?
Before planning your retreat, it is crucial to define your target audience. A successful retreat is one that speaks directly to the needs and desires of its guests, and with so many retreats available, it’s important to define what your guests will get from the experience.
Wellness Enthusiasts and Yoga Retreats
Ideal for those seeking mental clarity, emotional balance, and physical rejuvenation through yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices. A nutritional element is also a great addition to these types of retreats.
Corporate Professionals and Leadership Retreats
Designed for business leaders and teams looking to reset, recharge, and develop skills in an inspiring, stress-free environment. Activities might include mindfulness training, leadership coaching, and team-building exercises.
Fitness and Performance Retreats
Perfect for individuals looking to get fit or improve themselves, fitness trainers, personal coaches, and athletes looking to provide intensive training, nutritional advice, and recovery therapies.
Holistic Healing and Transformational Retreats
Ideal for spiritual and wellness practitioners offering sound healing, energy work, life coaching, and deep emotional healing experiences.
By clearly identifying your ideal retreat guests, you can tailor your schedule, activities, and messaging to attract the right people.
The Ideal Group Size and Accommodation Considerations
Smaller, intimate retreats create stronger connections and deeper transformation,
- 8 to 15 guests is ideal for boutique wellness retreats with personalised attention.
- 16 to 32 guests work well for corporate retreats, team-building, or fitness-focused events.
At The Sanctuary Marbella, we offer 14 beautifully designed suites, each with luxurious bedding, ensuite bathrooms, and breathtaking views, ensuring a comfortable and serene stay for every guest.
In addition to our private rooms, our Sanctuary Social bedrooms – dorm-style bedrooms sleeping up to 4 guests – are great for solo travellers, or those who want to stay as a group.
How to Structure the Perfect Health Retreat Schedule
A well-balanced daily schedule not only ensures guests get the most from their experience during their stay, but it also helps to sell the experience to prospective guests. Here’s an example of a daily retreat schedule that you might find helpful:
Morning Rituals
- Sunrise yoga or breathwork to set the tone for the day
- Guided meditation to help guests feel centred and present
- Nourishing breakfast with organic ingredients and fresh juices
Mid-Morning Activities
- Workshops and talks on nutrition, holistic healing, or stress management
- Outdoor fitness and gym sessions, such as strength training, pilates, or guided hikes
Lunchtime Reset
- Private chef dining with locally sourced, nutrient-dense cuisine
- Mindful eating session to encourage presence and connection over meals
- Cooking lessons or nutrition talks with an expert
Afternoon Relaxation and Healing
- Spa treatments, deep tissue massage, hydrotherapy, colonic irrigation sessions
- Sound healing, reiki, or breathwork sessions for deeper restoration
Sunset Wind-Down
- Evening yoga or stretching to relax before dinner
- Rooftop cinema and fireside chats to reflect on the day
- Large or small group dinners in the restaurant
A structured yet flexible itinerary allows for personalisation while keeping the retreat’s flow seamless and engaging. Breaking up the day into well-scheduled activities will also help provide structure for your guests.
Retreat Cuisine
Crafting a thoughtful and inclusive dining experience is essential for the success of any retreat. Meals provide not only nourishment but also opportunities for team bonding and relaxation.
At The Sanctuary Marbella, we work with top-tier private chefs to provide a bespoke dining experience for every retreat. They will work hard to create deluxe menus that cater to every individual, taking into account any allergies and providing a foodie experience that your guests will remember for years to come.
If you already have a catering team on board, you’re also welcome to make use of our professional-grade kitchen, giving you flexibility.
Dining Options to Consider
- Private chef-curated menus tailored to guest preferences, including detox meals, plant-based cuisine, or performance-focused nutrition
- Outdoor alfresco dining with beautifully designed table settings for sunset dinners
- Live cooking experiences, such as interactive paella nights, BBQs, or Mediterranean tasting menus
Marketing and Selling Your Private Retreat
Once your retreat has been planned out, it’s time to promote it effectively and look at how you can get your retreat seen by your target audience.
Key Marketing Strategies
- Social media presence with behind-the-scenes videos, testimonials, and teasers
- Paid ads on social media help to get your ads seen by the right people
- Collaborations and influencers to increase credibility and reach
- Email campaigns and newsletters with an exclusive invitation
- A professional website and booking platform with a seamless sign-up process and detailed retreat information
Remember: the more immersive and high-value your marketing efforts, the higher the demand for your retreat.
Why The Sanctuary Marbella is the Perfect Venue for Your Private Retreat
At The Sanctuary Marbella, we provide everything you need to host a seamless, luxury wellness retreat.
- Fourteen high-end suites designed for comfort and relaxation – sleeping up to 32 guests
- Infinity pool and outdoor spaces perfect for unwinding and social connection
- Private yoga studio and Techno gym ideal for movement-based retreats
- Spa and wellness facilities, including sauna, steam, hydra pool, and in-villa treatments
- Private chefs and gourmet dining tailored to every retreat theme
- Full concierge service organising everything from airport transfers to guided excursions
Ready to Host a Luxury Retreat?
Whether you are planning a wellness retreat, fitness boot camp, or holistic healing experience, The Sanctuary Marbella provides the ultimate setting for privacy, transformation, and luxury.
Contact us today to secure your dates and host the retreat of a lifetime.
