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. 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

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EP 269 Why Glamping and Retreats Are the Perfect Pair (And What Retreat Leaders Need to Know) with Sarah Riley is an episode from Happy Hour Podcast with Dee and Shannon by Shannon Jamail.

This episode is 32:07 long.

This episode was published on May 7, 2026.

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