15 Questions to Ask a Retreat Venue Before You Book
Your venue is the single biggest line item in your budget and the single biggest factor in whether your retreat runs smoothly. Yet many first-time hosts book based on photos alone — and discover the gaps only once they've arrived with fifteen students. Ask these fifteen questions before you sign anything.
About Capacity and Rooms
1. What is the maximum capacity — and does that include my staff? Your teachers, assistants, and organizer take up beds too. Clarify whether the number quoted includes them.
2. How are the rooms configured? Shared, semi-private, private — and how many of each? This determines the tiered pricing you can offer your guests.
3. Are bathrooms en-suite or shared? A small detail that guests care about enormously.
4. Is there air conditioning, and where? Especially important in tropical climates. Ask which rooms have it.
5. Are hot water showers available? Don't assume.
About What's Actually Included
6. What exactly does the rate cover? Get it in writing — lodging, meals, yoga space, staff, taxes.
7. How many meals per day, and what kind of food? Ask about dietary accommodations (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies) and whether snacks and drinks are included.
8. Is the yoga space rental included or a separate fee? Some venues charge extra for the shala — a nasty surprise if you assumed otherwise.
9. What props are provided? Mats, blocks, bolsters, cushions, sound system. If they're not provided, you're shipping or buying them.
10. Are taxes included in the quoted price? Local sales tax can add meaningfully to your bill.
About Logistics and Support
11. Is there an on-site manager during my retreat? This is the difference between teaching and troubleshooting.
12. How do guests get from the airport? Does the venue arrange transfers, and at what cost?
13. What excursions or activities can you arrange? Surf lessons, cooking classes, tours — and are they bundled or extra?
About Money and Terms
14. What's the deposit, the payment schedule, and the cancellation policy? Know exactly what you're liable for and when.
15. Do you offer multi-week or repeat-host discounts? Especially relevant for teacher trainings and returning leaders.
The Answer That Matters Most
If a venue can answer all fifteen clearly and in writing, you've found a professional partner. If the answers are vague, expect to fill the gaps yourself — with your time, your money, and your attention during a week when you should be teaching.
That's the core case for an all-inclusive, turnkey venue: the answers are already baked into the price. See how the two models compare in all-inclusive vs DIY retreat venues.
We're Happy to Answer All Fifteen
Ask us anything — capacity, inclusions, props, transfers, deposits. Still Salty Escape is an all-inclusive, oceanfront retreat venue on Nicaragua's northern Pacific coast, and we put it all in writing.
👉 Request availability and pricing for your retreat.
You can also browse our property page and FAQs.