Synergy - The Retreat Show, was born from a vision to bring purpose, connection, and authenticity into the world of wellness travel. Created during the stillness of the 2020 lockdown, founder Laura Montesanti set out to reshape how business is done in the retreat space by blending meaningful connection with personal growth. What began as an idea has grown into a global community dedicated to elevating the retreat industry through collaboration, intention, and heart. In 2024, Manduka joined as an official partner, supporting Synergy’s mission to elevate the retreat industry through quality, connection, and conscious living.
Can you [Laura Montesanti] introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?
With pleasure, my journey began in London in 1997, where I juggled university and multiple jobs in the fast-paced and demanding luxury sector.
Over time, I felt the toll it was taking on my wellbeing. A life-changing encounter with meditation and holistic practices sparked a deep personal healing journey, which took me across the globe — from Thailand to India to Latin America — exploring different healing traditions. My career also led me to roles across the globe, living from Cape Town, to Montenegro and Monaco, where I thought yoga and curated high-end experiences. But something was missing — I longed for greater meaning, making a positive impact in this world, connection, and authenticity in the work I was doing.
What inspired you to create Synergy — the Retreat Show?
The inspiration came during the lockdown in 2020. Like many, I finally had the time to pause and reflect: What is truly needed in the world? And how could I contribute to reshaping the industries I deeply admired, but often felt were missing something essential?
A pivotal moment came when my cousin — a guiding and inspirational figure in my life — took his own life. That experience made the need painfully clear: we must bridge the gap between wellness and hospitality, and create a platform where healing is not just discussed, but prioritised. Where business can be done differently — with purpose, integrity, and human connection at the core.
That’s how Synergy was born: a space where meaningful business happens, rooted in shared values and a sense of community. With a greater mission — to expand access to wellness worldwide and contribute to making a positive impact on people’s lives.
How have you seen the retreat and wellness industry evolve over the past few years?
There’s been a huge shift. Wellness has moved from being a luxury to a necessity. People are seeking deeper, results-driven experiences. The industry has become more sophisticated, more intentional, and more inclusive.
What I’m especially encouraged by is the rise of niche retreats — from postpartum to grief healing to men’s focused retreats — showing that the industry is becoming more responsive and human-centred. Some topics and words that were taboos are now finally openly talked about, this allows people to feel more at ease in addressing those issues that before were not openly discussed.
What was the initial mission or purpose when launching the show?
My vision has always been centred on unlocking the healing potential within the wellness and travel industries — through the power of collaboration. I set out to redefine the way we do business by demonstrating that meaningful connection, built through shared experiences and meaningful conversations, can lead to stronger, longer-lasting professional relationships.
I wanted to create a space where people could nurture their personal selves first — knowing that this would naturally reflect in the way they lead, create, and collaborate. The goal was never just to connect suppliers and buyers, but to offer an environment where people could reconnect with their why, and feel truly re-inspired in what they do.
Synergy was founded on the belief that business can — and should — be done differently: guided by values, authenticity, and a commitment to personal growth. When we lead from that place, the industry becomes more inspired, and the results more impactful — ultimately helping bring more healing, wellness-driven experiences to people around the world.
How would you describe Synergy today, and what makes it unique in the wellness and retreat space?
Synergy is the only trade show and gathering dedicated exclusively to wellness travel professionals. Its format is highly curated, immersive, and truly one of a kind. What sets us apart is the seamless blend of high-level business with deep, personal experiences.
From coaching sessions before meetings, to creative workshops over lunch, morning cold plunges, and jam sessions before dinner — every element is designed to nurture both professional growth and personal renewal. We intentionally create space for both strategy and soul.
Our attendees often leave feeling re-inspired — not just in their work, but in themselves. And that’s where the real power lies: in the self.
How has Synergy grown since the first edition?
We started with a great group of attendees in Ibiza and grew quickly. Since then, we’ve hosted editions in Mexico and Bali, and each one has deepened the sense of community, expanded our global reach, and elevated the quality of the experience.
What began as an idea has become a community — a hub where retreat leaders, venues, wellness brands, and travel advisors come to learn, connect, and grow.
We have evolved with the needs of our participants: expanded the experiential side of the event, become even more selective in the attendees selection process and focused more on personal expansions.
Each edition is hosted at a beautiful location—how have you chosen where to host the shows?
I believe in the concept of Destination Energy — the idea that each place holds its own spirit and healing vibration. That’s why every Synergy location is chosen with deep intention. We seek destinations rich in healing heritage, deeply connected to nature, and aligned with our core wellness values.
This year, we’re heading to Sardinia — one of the world’s renowned blue zones, celebrated for its longevity, strong sense of community, and inspiring natural beauty. With longevity being such a relevant and widely discussed topic, we wanted to go straight to the source and draw inspiration from a lifestyle that embodies it.
Italy itself is not only steeped in cultural heritage, but also a timeless source of creative energy. That’s why the 2025 theme, The Healing Power of the Arts, feels so aligned. As one of the most artistically influential countries in the world, Italy offers the perfect backdrop for our next chapter.
What kind of impact are you hoping the show has on retreat leaders, venues, and wellness travel brands?
I hope Synergy helps people reconnect with the deeper “why” behind their work — leaving them re-inspired and reminded that anything is possible.
For retreat leaders, it’s a space to feel seen, supported, and part of a greater movement — expanding their network and finding the connections that will support both their personal and entrepreneurial journey.
For venues, it’s an opportunity to gain insight into crafting more meaningful and impactful wellness offerings, connect with qualified retreat leaders and travel advisors, and expand their perspective on the transformative potential of hospitality.
For travel advisors, it’s about gaining the tools, knowledge, and confidence to design purposeful wellness journeys — while discovering authentic destinations and expert practitioners to partner with.
For brands, it’s a platform to connect with aligned professionals and grow their visibility in a genuine and value-driven way.
My hope is that everyone leaves with new insights, meaningful partnerships, and a renewed sense of purpose — ready to bring even more healing experiences into the world.
Where do you see the retreat industry heading in the next few years?
We’ll see the rise of more targeted, life-phase retreats — thoughtfully designed around experiences like motherhood, ageing, burnout, and grief.
Urban retreats will continue to grow, making healing more accessible and seamlessly integrated into the rhythms of everyday life.
I also believe wellness will increasingly merge with the arts and culture — not just as a form of enrichment, but as a meaningful part of the healing process. Music, sound, and frequency will be used more intentionally, with greater awareness of their therapeutic potential.
Most importantly, the industry will place stronger emphasis on accessibility, sustainability, and trauma-informed practices — making wellness more inclusive, ethical, and truly transformative.
Why did partnering with Manduka feel like a good fit for Synergy?
Manduka represents quality, integrity, and conscious living — values we deeply share at Synergy. Its commitment to sustainability, and its support of yoga professionals and practitioners, made this partnership feel like a natural alignment.
We also share a common belief in the power of practice — not just in a yoga studio, but as an everyday ritual. Promoting the integration of mindful movement and stillness into daily life is something we both champion, and we hope to see this vision continue to grow and reach more people around the world.
How do you feel Manduka supports the retreat experience or retreat leaders?
Having high-quality tools like Manduka PROlite yoga mats undoubtedly elevates the retreat experience — but Manduka’s impact goes far beyond that. The brand has long championed the wellbeing of yoga teachers, offering resources, education, and community support to uplift retreat leaders who consistently give so much of themselves.
At Synergy, we’re proud to be the first industry event that truly integrates practitioners into the larger wellness travel conversation. We believe their voices are essential. Their wellbeing, growth, and success are vital to the continued sharing of practices that support healing across the world.
That’s why our partnership with Manduka feels so aligned — we share a deep commitment to empowering those who guide others on their wellness journeys.
In what ways has Manduka’s presence contributed to the experience of the show?
Manduka truly helped elevate the entire experience. As the Experiential Area Sponsor, we collaborated closely to create a thoughtfully curated and elevated practice space for all attendees. From yoga mats to props, every detail was considered to ensure comfort, ease, and support during each session.
Manduka’s clean, conscious branding aligned beautifully with Synergy’s own organic and minimal design aesthetic. The event takes place entirely outdoors, and thanks to the versatility of Manduka’s products, we were able to seamlessly use them across various settings — from morning and evening classes under the sky to movement sessions on the wooden floors of the Experiential Area.
Attendees were quick to notice the difference that high-quality equipment makes. Whether during Pilates, yoga, or meditation, the comfort and functionality of Manduka’s products enhanced every experience.
The brand is synonymous with trust — offering participants a sense of being held and supported in every moment of their journey.
Is there anything else you’d love to share with our audience of yoga teachers, retreat leaders, and wellness professionals across Europe?
Yes — your work matters more than ever. The world is craving healing, authenticity, and depth.
Keep trusting your voice, refining your craft, and showing up with heart. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Synergy was created for you — to support, connect, and inspire those walking the path of healing and transformation.
Connect
Website: theretreatshow.com
Instagram: @synergyretreatshow
LinkedIn: synergytheretreatshow
