Wellness retreats have never been more popular. From yoga and meditation escapes to transformational journeys, longevity programmes, adventure retreats and specialised experiences focused on grief, burnout or personal growth, there are now thousands of options available around the world.
But with so much choice, how do you know which retreat is right for you?
We spoke with Laura Montesanti, founder of Synergy – The Retreat Show and a lifelong wellness traveller, to explore the questions she believes everyone should ask before booking their next retreat.
What am I really looking for right now?
Before researching destinations or comparing programmes, Laura believes the first step is turning your attention inward:
"I always encourage people to start with themselves rather than the retreat. Ask yourself: what do I need most right now? Rest? Clarity? Community? Adventure? Healing? A deeper connection to my practice? The answer often becomes the compass that guides everything else."
Many people book retreats because they sound appealing, rather than because they address what they genuinely need. The more honest you can be about your intentions, the easier it becomes to find the right fit.
Am I looking for a holiday, a retreat or a transformational experience?
Not all wellness experiences are designed to achieve the same outcome.
Some retreats focus on rest and restoration. Others are designed around personal growth, emotional exploration, learning, physical challenge or deep transformation.
"The most important thing is being honest with yourself about what you need right now," says Laura. "If you're exhausted and burnt out, a highly intensive programme may not be what your nervous system is asking for. Equally, if you're at a major crossroads in life, a simple wellness holiday may leave you wanting something deeper."
The clearer you are about your intentions, the easier it becomes to identify experiences that genuinely support you. The goal isn't to choose the most impressive retreat. It's to choose the retreat that meets you where you are.
Who is leading the retreat?
For Laura, the facilitator is often more important than the destination itself:
"We can become very focused on beautiful photographs, luxury accommodation or exotic locations. But ultimately it's the people leading the experience who shape the journey."
As the retreat industry has grown, so too has the number of facilitators, coaches and practitioners offering retreats. This growth has created wonderful diversity and innovation, but it has also made it more important for consumers to do their research.
"Not all retreat leaders have the same level of training, experience or scope of practice," Laura explains. "That doesn't mean someone needs decades of experience to create a meaningful retreat, but when people are working with emotional wellbeing, trauma, physical health or transformational practices, qualifications, experience and appropriate support structures matter."
Take time to research the facilitator's background. What training have they completed? How long have they been leading groups? Are they clear about what they do, and equally clear about what they don't do?
“I would also encourage a healthy level of discernment when reviewing retreat promises and outcomes. Retreats can create the conditions for growth, reflection and transformation, but they cannot guarantee healing; that work ultimately belongs to the individual. When outcomes are overpromised or presented as guarantees, I would view that as a potential red flag and proceed with caution,” adds Laura.
Most importantly, ask yourself a simple question: "Do I trust this person?"
Trust is often one of the strongest indicators of whether a retreat will feel safe, supportive and aligned.
Does the retreat's philosophy resonate with me?
Every retreat has its own energy, values and approach. Some are deeply spiritual, some are science-led, others focus on movement, adventure, creativity or personal growth.
"People often choose retreats based on logistics such as room types, activities or location. Those things matter, but what matters more is whether the philosophy behind the retreat resonates with you," Laura comments.
Read beyond the itinerary. Look at how the retreat communicates. What language do they use? What values do they embody? What kind of community are they building? The deeper the alignment, the more meaningful the experience tends to be.
Is the location supporting my intention?
Laura often speaks about what she calls "destination energy”.
"Every place carries its own character and feeling. The environment becomes part of the healing experience."
A remote mountain retreat may create space for introspection and stillness. A retreat by the ocean may encourage freedom, movement and emotional release. A retreat immersed in nature may help you slow down and reconnect. A city-based retreat may offer accessibility and easier integration into daily life.
Rather than choosing the destination everyone else is talking about, consider which environment best supports your current needs.
How much support is available before, during and after the retreat?
Many people focus solely on what happens during the retreat itself. Laura encourages looking at the wider journey:
"A retreat doesn't begin on arrival and it doesn't end on departure. Preparation and integration are often where some of the most important work happens."
Ask questions such as:
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Is there communication before arrival?
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Can you speak with the facilitator beforehand?
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Is there support after the retreat?
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Are there tools or practices to help integrate the experience back into daily life?
Strong support structures often indicate a thoughtfully designed programme.
Is the retreat being honest about what it offers?
The wellness industry is growing rapidly, which means consumers need to be increasingly discerning.
"Beautiful marketing doesn't always reflect reality," Laura explains. "Transparency matters."
Look for clear communication about:
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Who the retreat is for
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Who it isn't for
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What the experience includes
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What level of intensity to expect
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What qualifications and expertise support the programme
The most trustworthy retreats don't promise miracles. They clearly communicate what they offer and allow you to make an informed decision.
Laura also encourages people not to be afraid of asking questions before booking:
"A retreat is a significant investment of both time and money, and often an investment in yourself. Don't be shy about reaching out."
Ask to speak with a member of the facilitation team. Arrange a discovery call if one is available. Ask questions about the programme, the level of support, the group dynamic and whether the experience is suitable for you.
"One of the best ways to understand whether a retreat feels right is to have a conversation with the people leading it," says Laura. "You can learn a lot from a website, but human connection tells you much more."
The best retreat providers welcome these conversations and are genuinely interested in ensuring the experience is the right fit for both sides.
What do previous guests say?
Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful indicators of quality.
"I always encourage people to read reviews carefully and, where possible, speak to someone who has attended," explains Laura.
Look beyond star ratings. Pay attention to how people describe their experience. Did they feel supported? Safe? Inspired? Would they return? Often the stories people share reveal far more than promotional materials ever can.
How important are community and connection to me?
For many people, one of the most unexpected gifts of a retreat is the people they meet.
"We are living in a time when many people are craving connection as much as transformation," says Laura.
Some retreats are highly social and community-driven, others are intentionally quieter and more solitary. Neither approach is better, but understanding your own preferences can help you choose an experience that feels nourishing rather than overwhelming.
Can I imagine myself there?
Sometimes the final decision is surprisingly simple.
After all the research, practical considerations and comparisons, Laura suggests tuning into your intuition:
"When I am choosing a retreat, I ask myself a simple question: Can I genuinely imagine myself there? Do I feel curious? Excited? Calm? Drawn towards it? Often our intuition recognises alignment before our minds do."
The best retreat for you isn't necessarily the most luxurious, the most expensive or the most popular. It's the one that meets you exactly where you are.
A Final Thought
"Retreats are not about becoming someone else," Laura reflects. "At their best, they create the space to reconnect with who you already are. The right retreat will not give you all the answers, but it can provide the environment, support and perspective needed to hear your own."
If you feel you need time for yourself to heal and feel called to retreat, listen to that inner voice and take action. The process of researching and choosing the right experience may initially feel overwhelming, but the benefits, insights and positive impact it can have on your life are often well worth the effort. Sometimes, stepping away from your everyday environment is exactly what is needed to return with greater clarity, balance and connection to yourself."
Perhaps that's what many of us are searching for in the first place.
Connect with Synergy
Website: theretreatshow.com
Instagram: @synergyretreatshow
LinkedIn: synergytheretreatshow
2026 show: 29th September - 2nd October 2026 in Croatia
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