Is a Retreat Worth the Money? An Honest Look at What You’re Really Paying For
Written by Jacqui Toumbas, food and travel creator and founder of Savour the Slow, hosting women’s retreats in Italy and Greece.
“Is a retreat worth the money?”
It’s one of the most common and most valid questions people ask me before booking my Savour the Slow Mediterranean Retreats
Retreats aren’t cheap. And they shouldn’t be an impulse decision. If you’re someone who likes to understand why something costs what it does, this post is for you.
Let’s break it down honestly: what you’re actually paying for, when a retreat is worth it, and when it might not be.
The Question Behind the Question
When people ask if a retreat is worth the money, they’re rarely just talking about dollars.
What they’re really asking is:
Will this actually give me something meaningful?
Is this different from just planning my own trip?
Will I regret spending this much on myself?
Those questions deserve real answers, not sales language.
What “Being Looked After” Really Means
At the beginning of every retreat, I ask the same question. What brought you here? Why are you here? Everyone has a different answer. On one retreat, a guest paused for a moment and said, “I want to feel looked after.” She wasn’t talking about luxury. She was talking about relief.
She explained how nice it felt to arrive somewhere and not have to think about the details, not worrying about whether the transfer would arrive, what time dinner was, or what came next. Everything was simply… done.
And in that moment, it clicked. For many women, that’s what they’re really paying for. Not just a place to stay or a list of inclusions, but the feeling of being held. Of not having to manage, organise, or stay one step ahead. Of being able to exhale and just be.
What You’re Actually Paying For on a Retreat
A retreat isn’t just accommodation and meals. You’re paying for layers of things that are hard to replicate on your own.
1. Time and Ease
Every decision has already been made for you, where you’re staying, what you’re doing, how you’ll get there, who you’ll meet. There’s value in not having to research, plan, coordinate, or second-guess. Especially if your life at home already requires a lot of mental load.
2. Access You Can’t Google
Retreats often include access to:
Local hosts and family-run places
Experiences you wouldn’t find online
Homes, kitchens, and tables not open to tourists
These are relationships built over time, not something you can book with a search bar.
3. Small Group Experience
Travelling in a small group changes everything. You’re not lost in a crowd. You’re not navigating everything alone. You have support, connection, and shared experience, without the overwhelm of large tours. That balance is hard to price, but deeply felt.
4. A Slower Rhythm
A retreat creates space for something most trips don’t: settling in. Instead of rushing from place to place, you stay, notice, and connect. You’re not paying for more activities, you’re paying for a different pace.
Why Retreats Feel Expensive (and Why That’s Not Always a Bad Thing)
Retreats often feel expensive because:
They’re intentionally small
They prioritise quality over volume
They involve people, not just places
You’re not splitting costs across 40 guests. You’re not staying in generic hotels. You’re not being moved through on a schedule designed for efficiency. That choice costs more, but it also creates a very different experience.
When a Retreat Is Worth the Money
A retreat is usually worth it if you:
Value ease and depth over DIY travel
Are travelling solo and want built-in connection
Want access to local culture, not just highlights
Are craving rest, clarity, or a reset without pressure
For many people, the value isn’t just the week itself, it’s how they feel during and after.
When a Retreat Might Not Be Worth It
A retreat might not be the right fit if you:
Prefer fast-paced travel and packed itineraries
Want full control over every decision
Are primarily focused on budget travel
Don’t enjoy group experiences at all
And that’s okay. Retreats aren’t for everyone and they’re not meant to be.
Comparing a Retreat to Planning Your Own Trip
People often compare retreat pricing to a DIY trip. But the comparison usually misses a few things:
The time spent planning
The risk of things not working out
The lack of local access
The experience of doing it alone
They’re different styles of travel and worth is subjective.
So… Is a Retreat Worth the Money?
The honest answer is: it depends on what you value. If you value depth over speed, connection over crowds, and ease over optimisation, a retreat can be one of the most rewarding ways to travel. Not because it’s luxurious or indulgent, but because it’s intentional.