8 Key Steps To Planning A Successful Health & Wellness Retreat
Hosting a health and wellness retreat is an excellent way to connect with like-minded people and improve your connection to your physical and mental health. When organizing a retreat for an organization or clients, there are 8 things to keep in mind to ensure a successful and unforgettable experience.
Your Retreat Vision
Before you plan, you must define your vision. What’s the purpose of your retreat, and what do you want attendees to gain from the experience? Are you planning to focus on meditation, yoga, or another form of exercise? Pine Valley Resort is home to a world-class gymnastics facility that can serve as your meeting place for any indoor led physical activities. Defining your vision and how you want attendees to feel after they leave will help you guide every aspect of your retreat.
Choosing the Right Location
If you’re planning a retreat based on connecting with others and getting in touch with nature, choosing a location that allows you to access the right people and amenities is key. One of the easiest ways to get in touch with nature is to step outside, and locations with easy access to stunning nature walks will instill an immediate sense of peace and stillness. Pine Valley Resort is 45 minutes North of St. Albert and Edmonton, Alberta, and boasts 140 acres of land with 5 kilometers of natural walking trails through the Tawatinaw Valley.
Our location allows you to be steeped in nature while also having the comforts of the city. When choosing the right location, you’ll want to consider amenities that will enhance the overall retreat experience such as accommodations, meal options, and a peaceful environment.
Plan the Schedule
Once you’ve determined your vision and location, it’s time to plan your schedule. A well-planned itinerary can make or break how memorable and enjoyable your retreat experience will be for attendees. Things like leaving enough free time for attendees to explore the area and organically connect with others, but also having planned activities and meal times will provide some structure for your retreat.
Pine Valley Resort does full catering for all retreat events and as you plan your retreat schedule, we’ll collaborate with you on meal times and menus.
Encourage Connection and Community
As a retreat organizer, your goal might be to foster connection and community between attendees during the retreat. Plan activities that encourage interaction between attendees, like group meals, group exercises, and team-building activities. These types of activities can help attendees break out of their comfort zones to connect with others.
Offer Varied Physical Activity Options
Physical activity is a must-have at health and wellness retreats. With a world class gymnastics facility, 5 kilometers of accessible walking trails at Pine Valley Resort, and close proximity to the Tawatinaw Valley Ski Hill, Pine Valley Resort is a 4-season retreat venue.
Offering a range of exercises will engage participants at different fitness levels and ensure that everyone feels comfortable and included. Consider offering multiple levels of walking group difficulties, yoga or gentle physical activity classes, and other activities that interest your attendees.
Promote Mindfulness
At the core of every good health and wellness retreat is mindfulness. We say that in order to reconnect, you have to disconnect. And at Pine Valley Resort, we encourage you and your guests to disconnect from distractions and be present in the moment. Activities like guided meditations, yoga classes, and breathwork are fantastic ways to incorporate these techniques.
At PVR we have limited cell service in our secluded location. While we do have free wifi available for all guests, the practice of mindfulness and unplugging from devices will help your attendees feel more relaxed, attentive, and allow them to enjoy the natural environment.
Provide Delicious Meals
Nutrition plays a vital role in health and wellness, and whether you are looking for healthy and nutritious meals for your retreat attendees, or want to make eating delicious and well the focus, we at Pine Valley Resort are happy to accommodate. We are able to work within most dietary restrictions and whole-food options, and are happy to collaborate on creating a menu that caters to your attendees needs and preferences.
Find Experienced and Professional Staff
One of the most important parts of any retreat are the professionals running the event. From guides, instructors, to support staff, everyone should be committed to helping attendees achieve their goals.
At Pine Valley, we are experienced in providing indoor and outdoor venue spaces for retreat activities, delicious food at every meal, and lodging. We strive to create a welcome environment for you and your retreat attendees to relax your shoulders and breathe a sigh of relief as you take in the beauty of the Tawatinaw Valley.
When planning your next health and wellness retreat with a focus on connecting with others and nature, consider Pine Valley Resort as your retreat venue. Make sure to define your vision, choose the right location, plan your schedule, encourage connection and community, promote mindfulness, provide delicious meals, and find the right people to lead your event. Follow these steps and you can count on everyone leaving your retreat knowing it was memorable and a successful experience for all involved.