What if hosting a retreat wasn't just about the experience, but about expanding your impact, deepening client relationships, and building a more profitable business model?
In this episode of How to Run Profitable Retreats, I sit down with Amanda Hietter, CEO of Across the Horizon Travel and creator of Heat Up Your Retreats. Amanda supports coaches, pastors, and business leaders in designing transformational travel experiences, and in this conversation, we break down what most people get wrong when planning their first retreat.
We talk about why retreats are such a powerful tool for growth, how to approach the planning process strategically (instead of emotionally), and what you actually need to validate before you invest time and money into your event.
Amanda also shares her journey from paralegal to travel expert, and how she now acts as the "right-hand woman" for retreat leaders, handling logistics, contracts, and details so you can focus on what truly matters: filling your retreat and leading a powerful experience.
Inside this episode, we cover:
▪️ Why your retreat should start with your why, not the destination
▪️ The biggest mistake retreat leaders make (and how it delays sales)
▪️ 3 essential questions to ask before hiring a travel agent
▪️ How to create momentum, demand, and a "snowball effect" for future retreats
If you've been thinking about hosting a retreat, or you're already planning one, this episode will help you make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and focus on what actually drives results.
💭 Connect with Amanda Hietter:
http://www.acrossthehorizontravel.com
Instagram: @amandahietter
🎧 Grab her Top 7 Retreat Travel Tips:
https://acrossthehorizontravel.com/travel-tips
🖤 If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone who's ready to host their first (or next) retreat and don't forget to leave a rating and review.
🎧 Listen now and start building retreats that don't just look good—but actually sell.
Plan a Profitable Retreat
Start here to get the tools, support, and strategy you need:
Book a free consult → https://theretreatplanner.com/go
Download the Profit E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/profitebook
Download the Loyalty Marketing E-book → https://theretreatplanner.com/loyaltyebook
Join the Sold Out & Profitable Intensive → https://theretreatplanner.com/challenge
Attend the Live Workshop → https://theretreatplanner.com/live
Follow on Instagram → https://instagram.com/theretreatplanner
