Libsyn Directory

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

Release Date: 01/29/2026

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...

EP 249 If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Trying Hard Enough

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail gets real about something every retreat leader needs to hear: failure isn’t the enemy - it’s proof that you’re in the game. If you’re not failing, you’re not trying hard enough. Shannon dives into why “falling short” - whether it’s your finances, your workshop, your attendance, or your execution - isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to learn from. You can hire the best coach, join the smartest program, and learn from the pros… and you’ll still make mistakes. The difference? You’ll...

EP 248 Why Retreat Leaders Who Don’t Evolve in AI + SEO Will Be Left Behind

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

If you’re still marketing your retreats like it’s 2022, you’re already behind. In this solo episode, Shannon Jamail drops the truth about how the digital marketing landscape has shifted - and why AI integration isn’t optional anymore. From Google rewriting your meta descriptions to the rise of algorithmic visibility, the retreat industry is evolving fast. Shannon breaks down how retreat leaders can start using AI tools strategically - not just for blogs and social media, but to analyze data, personalize messaging, and scale visibility. She also gives a sneak peek at...

EP 247 Redefining Tantra and Running a Profitable Retreat Business with Justin Gottlieb

The Retreat Leaders Podcast

In this episode of The Retreat Leaders Podcast, Shannon sits down with Justin Gottlieb - a sexual freedom coach, Tantra practitioner, and retreat host who transitioned from the corporate world to full-time facilitation. Together, they unpack what Tantra really is (and isn’t), how to maintain integrity in intimate retreat settings, and why it’s time for more men to step into leadership roles in the wellness and retreat space. Justin shares how he and his co-facilitator Leola create transformational retreats rooted in safety, consent, and empowerment - and how they’ve built a sustainable...

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

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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.

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