EP 269 Why Glamping and Retreats Are the Perfect Pair (And What Retreat Leaders Need to Know) with Sarah Riley

The retreat industry is evolving - and one of the biggest opportunities right now sits at the intersection of glamping and retreats.

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon Jamail sits down with Sarah Riley, a UK-based glamping industry expert and co-organizer of The Glamping Show America, to explore how glamping and retreats are becoming one of the most powerful combinations in experiential hospitality.

Sarah has been working in the glamping and retreat space since 2010, helping entrepreneurs launch lifestyle businesses and navigate the realities of building glamping sites - from concept to permissions to profitability.

Together, Shannon and Sarah break down:

• Why glamping and retreats naturally complement each other
• How retreat leaders can use glamping to enhance guest experience and increase revenue
• The realities of starting a glamping business (and why it’s not as “cheap and easy” as people think)
• Emerging trends in experiential travel and hospitality
• How AI is driving people toward more authentic, in-person experiences

They also discuss Shannon’s upcoming participation as a speaker at The Glamping Show America this September, where retreat leaders and venue owners can learn directly from experts in the glamping and hospitality space.

If you’re a retreat leader, venue owner, or entrepreneur looking to expand your offerings or create more unique guest experiences, this episode will open your eyes to what’s possible.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why glamping and retreats are a natural and powerful combination
• How glamping can increase occupancy and revenue for retreat venues
• The real costs and considerations of starting a glamping business
• Funding opportunities available for glamping projects (including crowdfunding)
• How AI is shifting consumer behavior toward in-person experiences
• Trends shaping the future of experiential hospitality

 

Key Takeaways

Glamping and Retreats Are a Natural Fit

Glamping enhances the retreat experience by combining:

• nature
• comfort
• uniqueness
• immersion

This creates a more memorable and desirable experience for guests.

 

Glamping Is Not a “Cheap” Business

There’s a common misconception that glamping is easy to start.

In reality, it requires:

• proper permissions
• infrastructure
• investment
• planning

However, it also opens the door to unique funding opportunities not typically available to traditional accommodations.

 

Experiential Travel Is Growing Rapidly

Travelers are increasingly seeking:

• unique environments
• nature-based experiences
• authentic, in-person connection

Glamping and retreats sit directly at the center of this trend.

 

AI Is Driving a Return to Human Connection

As AI continues to reshape the digital world, people are beginning to crave:

• offline experiences
• real human interaction
• trustworthy environments

Retreats and glamping experiences provide exactly that.

 

About Sarah Riley

Sarah helps ambitious owners launch and grow their glamping businesses quickly and stand out in an increasingly competitive industry. From setting up your foundations to attracting consistent bookings, she shares the powerful (and often overlooked) strategies that give you a real edge… including hosting retreat events to maximise occupancy, even in the off-season.

With over a decade of hands-on experience running a boutique hospitality and retreats business, Sarah doesn’t just teach this industry… she’s lived it. Today, she’s a professionally qualified business coach, marketing visibility specialist, and the founder of The Glamping Academy, helping thousands of entrepreneurs turn their ideas into profitable, lifestyle-led businesses.

She’s also Co-Conference Director of Glamping Show Americas in Colorado, and a recognised voice in the global glamping space.

If you’re ready to launch with confidence and momentum… Sarah offers a range of high-impact programmes designed to help you start quickly, attract your ideal guests, and build a business you truly love.

Because this isn’t just about starting a business… It’s about creating a lifestyle. 

https://www.glampingshow.us/  and https:glamping.academy 

The Retreat Leaders Podcast Resources and Links:

• Learn to Host Retreats
• Join our private Facebook Group
• Top 5 Marketing Tools Free Guide
• Get your legal docs for retreats
• Join Shannon in Denver at the Retreat Industry Forum 
• Join our LinkedIn Group
• Apply to be a guest on our show

 

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:

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TIMESTAMPS

Sarah Riley’s Background & Glamping Show (00:01:11) Sarah shares her background in glamping, hospitality, and organizing the Glamping Show America.

Glamping and Retreats: The Perfect Match (00:03:23) Discussion on how glamping and retreats complement each other and enhance guest experiences.

Glamping Show Details & Experiential Industry (00:04:12) Information about the Glamping Show in September and the experiential nature of glamping and retreats.

Retreat Venue Models & Nature’s Role (00:05:32) Exploring retreat venue options, the benefits of glamping, and the importance of nature in retreats.

What is Glamping? Definitions & Structures (00:06:35) Sarah defines glamping, describes various structures, and highlights the diversity in the industry.

Budget, Myths, and Setting Up Glamping Sites (00:07:30) Addressing misconceptions about glamping costs, permissions, and funding options for new sites.

Innovative Glamping Models & Imagination (00:10:10) Discussion on creative glamping models, moveable structures, and the limitless possibilities in the field.

Glamping Show Inspiration & Unique Structures (00:10:51) Shannon shares experiences from the Glamping Show, emphasizing the inspiration and unique accommodations available.

Nostalgia, Vintage Experiences & Human Connection (00:12:05) Exploring the appeal of vintage experiences, historical structures, and the desire for authentic human connection.

Impact of AI & Digital Overload (00:12:44) Sarah discusses how AI and digital technology are driving people to seek real-life experiences and offline events.

Generational Shifts & Offline Experiences (00:14:14) Analysis of generational trends, with Gen Alpha and others seeking more in-person, authentic experiences.

Pandemic Effects & Glamping Industry Trends (00:18:19) How the pandemic increased demand for nature-based, in-person experiences and affected glamping bookings.

Future of Hospitality & AI Entrepreneurs (00:20:01) Tech entrepreneurs investing in experiential hospitality, and the uncertain future of online trust and marketing.

Marketing, Visibility & Rapid Change (00:21:04) Challenges of marketing retreats and glamping venues amid rapidly changing digital algorithms and platforms.

Entrepreneurs Shifting to Experiential Businesses (00:22:06) Stories of entrepreneurs leaving digital businesses to create glamping and retreat centers focused on connection.

Balancing Digital Tools & Authenticity (00:22:51) The need for entrepreneurs to stay visible online while maintaining authenticity and adapting to digital changes.

AI as a Disruptor & Essential Tool (00:23:13) AI’s dual role as a disruptor and a necessary tool for business owners, especially in hospitality and retreats.

Right-Brained Creatives & Data-Driven Marketing (00:24:52) The challenge for creative retreat leaders to embrace data-driven marketing, and how AI can help bridge the gap.

AI Adoption & Resistance in the Industry (00:26:07) Encouragement for retreat leaders to adopt AI, comparing its importance to the rise of the internet and social media.

Efficiency, Competition & AI in Hospitality (00:27:55) How AI can improve efficiency, reduce computer time, and help businesses stay competitive in hospitality.

Glamping Show USA: What to Expect (00:29:33) Sarah describes what attendees can expect at the Glamping Show USA, including exhibits, networking, and learning opportunities.