Small retreat centre in a leased lodge

Yoga and wellbeing teachers, corporate teams, community groups, clubs and families who book the venue, plus individuals who book places on your own programmes.

Per-person or whole-venue rates for accommodation, meals and room hire, plus ticket prices for retreats and courses you run yourself.

• Hosting and customer service
• Organising bookings and groups
• Basic catering or managing a cook
• Marketing to facilitators and groups

• Check the venue's planning approval and building classification allow paid group accommodation, and get this in writing from the council
• Fire safety and bushfire rules for overnight guests vary by state and area, check with your local council and fire authority
• Public liability and property contents insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire staff
• Serving meals usually means registering with the local council as a food business, and alcohol needs a state liquor licence
• Quiet seasons and mid-week gaps, so check that the lease costs are manageable on low bookings

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the lease terms, furnishing and equipment, and your marketing. These are estimates, so check that the lease costs are manageable on low bookings before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how often you fill the venue with group hires and your own programmes. Quiet seasons and mid-week gaps are common. Expect to spend at least 35 hours a week.

Check that the venue's planning approval and building classification allow paid group accommodation, and get this in writing from the council. Also check fire safety and bushfire rules, insurance, food business registration if serving meals, and a state liquor licence if serving alcohol.