In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Mark and Lana from Blisstopia Retreats to talk about what it really takes to co-facilitate powerful retreats—and build a business together without losing your minds (or your marriage).

Mark and Lana share their journey from psychotherapy and martial arts to running over 60 retreats and living on-site at their stunning Arizona retreat villa. With over 7,000 sq ft of curated wellness space, they've built a business based on balance, service, and transformation.

You’ll hear:

• Why co-leading retreats is a dance of trust, clarity, and communication
• The pros and cons of living at your retreat property
• What makes a retreat center host different from a vacation rental owner
• Tips for thriving in a saturated retreat market
• A special offer just for podcast listeners

Mention this episode and get $500 off a 3-day retreat rental at Blisstopia Retreats!

Whether you host retreats solo, with a team, or dream of running your own retreat center, this convo will give you a behind-the-scenes look at how to lead with heart and strategy.

Connect with Mark and Lana: https://www.blisstopiaretreats.com/

 

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Free Top 11 Tips for Building an Email List 
• Get your legal docs for retreats

 

Thanks for tuning into the Retreat Leaders Podcast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes, and visit our website for additional resources. Let’s create a vibrant retreat community together!

 

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----------------- Timestamps:

Introducing the Guests: Mark & Loni (00:00:25 ) Host introduces Mark and Loni, a couple running a retreat business together. Loni’s Background & Entrepreneurial Journey (00:01:48 ) Loni shares her psychotherapy, wellness, and entrepreneurial background, and how she met Mark.

Mark’s Background & Transition to Retreats (00:03:28 ) Mark discusses his martial arts and coaching background, and their shift to retreats after the pandemic. Deciding to Open a Retreat Center (00:04:18 ) The couple describes the decision to sell everything and open a retreat center in Arizona.

Transition to Co-Facilitating Retreats (00:05:21 ) Discussion on how they began co-facilitating retreats and integrating their skills.

Why Retreats Over Other Wellness Businesses (00:05:56 ) Explaining the deeper impact of retreats compared to fitness or yoga classes.

Mark’s Growth & Their Yin-Yang Dynamic (00:06:57 ) Mark’s journey into yoga and breathwork, and the couple’s complementary energies.

Choosing & Setting Up Their Retreat Property (00:08:40 ) How they selected, purchased, and set up their Arizona retreat property.

Hosting Other Facilitators at Their Space (00:11:37 ) They welcome other retreat hosts and describe the support they provide.

On-Site Support & Services for Retreat Hosts (00:12:04 ) Details about their on-site help, meal services, and understanding retreat logistics.

Host’s London Event Promo (00:13:00 ) Brief promotion for the host’s upcoming retreat mastermind event in London.

Why Retreat Centers Are Preferred (00:13:41 ) Host explains the advantages of retreat centers over Airbnb/Vrbo for hosting retreats.

Challenges of Building & Planning as a Couple (00:14:55 ) Discussion about the challenges of planning and building a retreat space together.

Staying in Their Lanes & Defining Roles (00:15:19 ) How they maintain boundaries, respect, and trust by sticking to their strengths.

Industry Struggles & Oversaturation (00:17:06 ) Mark discusses industry oversaturation and the challenges of inexperienced hosts.

Struggles of Working as a Couple (00:19:03 ) The couple shares the realities of being together constantly and how they communicate.

Industry Growth & Differentiation (00:20:20 ) Host reflects on industry growth, competition, and the importance of differentiation.

Staying in Lanes: Host’s Personal Experience (00:24:29 ) Host shares her own experience working with her husband and the importance of defined roles.

Living On-Site: Pros & Cons (00:26:32 ) Discussion about the benefits and challenges of living at the retreat property.

Nature, Animals, and Sanctuary Vibes (00:27:10 ) Description of the property’s natural setting, animals, and peaceful atmosphere.

Being On-Site for Emergencies & Support (00:29:42 ) Anecdote about stepping in for a retreat host in need and the value of being on-site.

Host’s Perspective: Never Shutting Off (00:30:54 ) Host discusses the difficulty of separating work and home life when living on-site.

Mark’s Family Resort Experience (00:33:12 ) Mark relates his experience growing up around a family-run resort.

Constant Upkeep & Business Mindset (00:34:07 ) The ongoing nature of property maintenance and always being in business mode.

Special Offer for Listeners (00:35:20 ) Mark and Loni offer $500 off venue rental for podcast listeners.