Libsyn Directory

EP 256 Building Pilates Retreats in Europe: Creativity, Logistics, and Expansion with Bessie Refalo

Release Date: 01/29/2026

A Special Edition: A Fireside Chat about The Retreat Industry Forum with Alison, Erin & Shannon

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this special fireside chat, Shannon Jamail, Alison, and Erin pull back the curtain on the evolving energy of the Retreat Industry Forum — and why this year’s attendee profile looks different than ever before. What started as a vision to elevate the retreat industry is quickly becoming a high-level gathering of experienced retreat leaders, business owners, venue operators, and industry professionals ready to scale smarter and connect strategically. The trio discusses: The shift toward seasoned retreat professionals attending Why the Forum is not a beginner workshop —...

EP 258 What I Wish I Had Done Differently When I First Built My Retreat Business

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

When I first started building my retreat business, I made mistakes. Not small ones - real ones that cost time, money, energy, and unnecessary stress. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing: What I personally wish I had done differently in the early days The most common mistakes I see retreat hosts still making today And how to avoid burning out, underpricing, or building a retreat that looks good on paper but feels exhausting in real life If you’re hosting retreats (or thinking about it), this episode will help you build something that’s clear,...

EP 257 Belonging Is the New Luxury: Why Retreats Matter More Than Ever with Dan Berger

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Dan Berger to talk about something the retreat industry doesn’t discuss nearly enough: belonging. Dan shares his personal journey—from selling his event-planning software company for $100M, to grappling with his own sense of belonging, to ultimately creating Assemble Boise, a retreat and gathering space intentionally designed for human connection. Together, Shannon and Dan dive into: Why men are facing a serious belonging and mental health crisis How retreats can act as temporary communities that create lasting impact...

EP 256 Building Pilates Retreats in Europe: Creativity, Logistics, and Expansion with Bessie Refalo

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Bessie Refalo, a yoga and Pilates retreat leader who is carving out a unique lane in the wellness retreat industry - reformer Pilates retreats in Europe. Bessie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating retreats that require specialized equipment, including the challenges of finding venues with reformer Pilates machines and the creative solutions she’s used to make her retreats possible. From transporting reformers by lorry in Portugal to discovering bespoke studios in Italy, this conversation is a masterclass in...

EP 255 Building a Soul-Led Retreat Business While Working Full-Time with Amy Jaggers

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Amy Jaggers, a coach and retreat leader who is building a soul-led retreat business while still working full-time. Amy shares how she helps professionals step off autopilot and reconnect with balance, clarity, and purpose through meditation, mindfulness practices, retreats, and wellbeing circles. She opens up about what it really looks like to grow a retreat business alongside a demanding career — including boundaries, time management, and integrating her “soul work” into her corporate role. Together, Shannon and Amy...

EP 254 How to Make Your Retreat a Signature Brand Asset Instead of a One-Off Event

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Many retreat leaders are stuck running one-off retreats - constantly reinventing the wheel, hustling for new sign-ups, and exhausting themselves with fresh marketing every time. But the smartest, most sustainable retreat businesses? They build signature retreats that become a recognizable, in-demand part of their brand. In this episode, Shannon breaks down how to turn your retreat into a powerful brand asset that builds loyalty, grows every year, and creates recurring revenue through alumni and long-term client pathways. You’ll learn how to create a retreat theme people return to annually,...

EP 253 Everything You Do Either Attracts or Repels and That’s a Good Thing

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

Everything you put into the world is doing something. Your website. Your social posts. Your emails. Your videos. Your interviews. In this episode, Shannon Jamail breaks down a truth most retreat leaders avoid: if you’re not repelling anyone, you’re probably being too generic. Attraction is only half the conversation. Sustainable retreat businesses are built on clarity - and clarity naturally attracts the right people while filtering out the wrong ones. Shannon explains why repelling misaligned guests isn’t a flaw, it’s a leadership skill, and how trying to please everyone leads to...

EP 252 Ethical Marketing, Outsourcing, and Building Trust in Business with Dawni Baxter

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Dawni Baxter — founder of a boutique marketing agency and a multi-passionate entrepreneur leading the movement in ethical, human-first marketing. Dawni brings a refreshing perspective to an industry filled with noise, inflated promises, and confusing pricing structures. Together, Shannon and Dawni dive into: ✨ How to navigate marketing relationships with confidence ✨ Why transparency and trust are the backbone of ethical marketing ✨ What to look for (and avoid) when hiring a marketing agency or contractor ✨ The power of outsourcing — even...

EP 251 Stop Discounting Your Retreats: The Damage It Causes & What to Do Instead

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode, Shannon gets fired up about one of the biggest mistakes retreat leaders make: discounting their retreats. While a discount might feel like an easy way to fill a few spots, the long-term damage is real - it devalues your experience, trains your audience to wait for price drops, signals desperation, and hurts the entire retreat industry. Shannon breaks down exactly why discounting is harmful, what it communicates to potential guests, and better alternatives like early-bird bonuses, pay-in-full perks, and smart payment options. She also unpacks the real reason...

EP 250 Both Sides of the Retreat: Hosting, Supporting, and Finding Balance with Kim DeMoss

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Kim DeMoss - Retreat Ranch’s Executive Assistant, Yoga Teacher Training host, and long-time retreat collaborator - to talk about what it’s really like to experience retreats from both sides: hosting and supporting. From her early days hosting retreats with Shannon to now managing the logistics behind the scenes, Kim shares candid insights on burnout, boundaries, work-life balance, and how she found her groove in the retreat industry. They also dive into the digital...

More Episodes

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Bessie Refalo, a yoga and Pilates retreat leader who is carving out a unique lane in the wellness retreat industry - reformer Pilates retreats in Europe.

Bessie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of creating retreats that require specialized equipment, including the challenges of finding venues with reformer Pilates machines and the creative solutions she’s used to make her retreats possible. From transporting reformers by lorry in Portugal to discovering bespoke studios in Italy, this conversation is a masterclass in persistence, adaptability, and thinking beyond traditional retreat models.

Shannon and Bessie also discuss the rapid growth of the wellness retreat industry, the realities of hosting retreats in Europe, and why networking, flexibility, and on-the-ground familiarity are essential for successful international retreats.

This episode is a must-listen for retreat leaders who want to expand internationally, host niche retreats, or navigate complex logistics without giving up on their vision.

Key Takeaways

Niche retreats (like reformer Pilates) require creativity, persistence, and flexibility.
Hosting retreats with specialized equipment presents challenges - but solutions exist.
Europe offers strong appeal for US-based retreat guests due to accessibility and travel interest.
Building relationships with local studios and partners is key to international retreat success.
Logistics, cultural differences, and local business hours matter more than most hosts expect.
Networking and in-person learning accelerate retreat growth and confidence.
Fully booked retreats are built through clarity, demand, and aligned offerings - not shortcuts.

About Bessie Refalo

Bessie Refalo is a yoga and Pilates instructor and retreat leader specializing in wellness retreats that combine movement, travel, and intentional experiences. Known for her innovative approach to reformer Pilates retreats, Bessie creates immersive international retreats that prioritize high-quality instruction, thoughtful locations, and meaningful connection.

Connect with Bessie here: www.bessierefalo.com

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

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!

Subscribe:

Apple Podcast | Google Podcast | Spotify

-----

TIMESTAMPS

Bessy’s Background and Journey (00:01:36) Bessy shares her background, the Bessy Raffaello Method, and her entry into retreats.

Launching Retreats with Limited Resources (00:02:21) Discussion on starting retreats without a clear blueprint or abundant resources.

Personal Motivation and Reformer Retreat Challenges (00:03:04) Bessy describes her inspiration and the unique challenges of hosting reformer Pilates retreats.

Finding Venues and Logistics of Reformers (00:04:03) Exploring the difficulty of finding venues with reformer machines and the logistics involved.

Pilates Reformer Popularity and Industry Growth (00:06:15) Conversation about the booming Pilates and wellness industry and its opportunities.

Venue Search and Forming Partnerships (00:07:36) Bessy details her search for venues, challenges with unresponsive owners, and finding her business partner in Portugal.

First Retreat Execution and Overcoming Obstacles (00:09:12) How Bessy and her partner transported reformers and handled unexpected issues during their first retreat.

Expanding to Italy and Other Locations (00:10:00) Bessy discusses finding a unique venue in Italy and her desire to expand to more locations.

Retreat Industry Forum Announcement (00:11:36) Shannon announces the upcoming Retreat Industry Forum event in Denver.

Venue Owner Mindset and Cultural Differences (00:13:27) Discussion about the challenges of working with European venues and cultural differences in business practices.

Importance of Site Visits and Local Culture (00:15:19) Advice on visiting retreat locations and understanding local customs and schedules.

Budgeting and Financial Realities (00:17:14) Bessy shares lessons on budgeting, accounting for lost income, and the importance of honest financial planning.

Retreat Agenda Planning and Avoiding Over-Scheduling (00:19:21) Tips on not overpacking retreat agendas and allowing space for rest and integration.

Group Energy and Audience Fit (00:21:32) The importance of group dynamics, attracting the right participants, and managing energy drains.

Attracting and Repelling the Right Clients (00:23:27) Shannon and Bessy discuss the value of attracting ideal clients and repelling those who aren’t a good fit.

Investing in Training and Community (00:24:21) Bessy reflects on the value of attending workshops, investing in herself, and connecting with like-minded leaders.

Upcoming Retreats and Availability (00:28:20) Bessy shares details about her upcoming Portugal and Italy retreats, including availability and unique features.

Closing and Contact Information (00:31:16) Shannon and Bessy wrap up, discuss future collaborations, and share how listeners can connect.

TOPICS