5 Trends for the Retreat Industry in 2025

With just a few months left in the year, my team and I have been reflecting on the current state of the world in 2024—and especially what it all means for the retreat space in the year ahead. And what we’re seeing is both fascinating and incredibly exciting.

In short?
All signs point to 2025 being a breakout year for retreat leaders. Here are 5 trends for the retreat industry in 2025!

But first, let me tell you a quick story.

If you’ve been in my world for a little while, you might already know that before I ever led my own retreats, I spent years assisting and learning from international retreat leaders. Eventually, I started building my own business around retreats and special events—and they became a key driver in my shift from 1:1 services to a 1-to-many model. Retreats have helped me create a life with more impact, flexibility, and freedom.

But what you may not know is that when I officially launched my travel and retreat company, it was the exact same week that COVID-19 was announced as a global pandemic. Yep. That week.

After five years of working behind the scenes for an international retreat company, I finally decided to go all in. In the fall of 2019, I took out a loan to invest in business coaching and a new website. My dream was becoming real. My company, Wanderlust Women, was about to launch.

But just as contracts were being signed and retreats were selling out in three countries… the world shut down. The travel industry collapsed practically overnight.

It was devastating. It felt like I had chosen the worst industry at the worst time.

But, as with most endings, a new beginning was on the horizon—for me and the entire retreat world.

The Post-Pandemic Shift: Why 2025 Feels Different

Now, with 10 years of retreat experience behind me, I’ve watched the industry bounce back from an all-time low—and what’s coming next might just be an all-time high.

The post-pandemic world has shifted the way people approach travel, wellbeing, and connection. These changes have created a unique and powerful landscape for retreat leaders who are ready to step in and meet the moment.

So what trends are we seeing? Here are 5 you need to know:

Trend #1: People Are Prioritizing Experiences Over Things

There’s been a massive shift in consumer behavior: people are spending less on material items and more on meaningful, immersive experiences.

Travelers today want more than just a getaway—they want transformation. They’re seeking connection, personal growth, and purpose. This boom in experiential travel is great news for retreat leaders offering intentional, life-enriching experiences.

Trend #2: A Growing Desire for Personal Transformation

Retreats are no longer viewed as “luxury escapes”—they’re becoming powerful spaces for personal breakthroughs.

Whether focused on wellness, leadership, creativity, or healing, retreats offer something traditional vacations can’t: deep transformation. In 2025, people will be actively seeking these kinds of spaces to reset, realign, and come back to themselves with new clarity and purpose.

Trend #3: Travel Confidence Is Returning

Travel is officially back. As safety measures improve and global movement becomes easier, people are planning trips again—especially to wellness-focused destinations like Costa Rica, Bali, Portugal, and Greece.

This travel rebound is already underway and is expected to accelerate in 2025, especially for intimate, experience-rich travel like retreats.

Trend #4: The Craving for Real-Life Connection Is Stronger Than Ever

Let’s be honest: we’re all feeling digital fatigue.

After years of Zoom, social media, and online everything, people are hungry for real, human connection. Retreats offer a rare chance to unplug, slow down, and connect face-to-face in intentional community.

As a retreat leader, you have the opportunity to offer something people are desperately missing in their everyday lives.

Trend #5: The Rise of Micro-Communities and Niche Retreats

The future of retreats is not about going big—it’s about going deep.

2025 will see a rise in intimate, highly curated retreats that serve specific micro-communities. From women’s empowerment and creative entrepreneurship to eco-healing adventures and trauma-informed spaces, people are seeking retreats that speak directly to their values and needs.

This is an incredible opportunity to lead smaller, more specialized retreats that create deeper impact and connection.

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’re a retreat leader—or want to become one—2025 offers a remarkable window of opportunity.

The wellness economy is booming, travel is surging, and people are searching for transformation, connection, and meaning. Demand for well-facilitated, heart-led retreats is climbing fast—and there’s still room for your unique voice and vision.

If you’ve ever felt the call to lead retreats, the time to start preparing is now.

Join my FREE 5-Day Challenge, where I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan, lead, and grow a profitable, impactful retreat business—without burnout, guesswork, or needing a massive audience.

✨ You’ll learn what works (and what doesn’t), avoid common mistakes, and leave with a roadmap to bring your retreat vision to life.

Let’s make 2025 the year you rise into your next level of leadership. 🌍💫