How to Start a Yoga Retreat Center – And Why Buying One Might Be Your Best First Step

Have you dreamed of running your own yoga retreat center but don’t know where to begin? Starting a retreat business can be deeply rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. We learned this firsthand when we built Eden on the Chocolata in Nicaragua from the ground up—with no blueprint, just a vision and lots of determination. In this blog, we share what helped make Eden a thriving retreat space, and why taking over an existing center like Eden could be the ideal way to start your journey.

Every great project begins with intention. Ours came to life during a long journey around the world. We envisioned a peaceful, nature-based sanctuary where people could reconnect with themselves and with others, living more consciously and in tune with a healthy lifestyle. To give it more clarity, we asked ourselves:

1. What do we want to create?
   A space close to nature that makes healthy living feel effortless. A place for deep rest, rejuvenation, and connection.

2. Why are we doing this?
   Our travels reminded us that true happiness comes from within, not from material things. We felt called to share that.

3. Who is this for?
   People seeking meaning, connection, and personal growth—while also enjoying the ease and joy of a beautiful holiday.
   This clarity became the foundation of Eden’s success. And it's something you can inherit and evolve if you choose to carry Eden forward.

Start with a Clear Vision

The world is full of breathtaking places—but finding a retreat location that truly feels like home takes time. For us, it was Nicaragua. After managing an ecolodge as volunteers, we fell in love with the country and eventually found Eden: a small property with three bungalows and a rancho. We instantly saw its potential—where the yoga deck would go, where we’d build the pool, and how we could grow the space.

If you're looking to open a retreat center, consider whether you'd prefer to start from scratch or build on something already thriving. Buying an existing center like Eden lets you skip the hardest first steps and focus on elevating the vision.

Choosing the Right Location

One of the biggest hurdles people face is funding. We get it—it held us back too. But once our vision was clear, we shared it with everyone we knew. That enthusiasm sparked support. We sold everything we owned in the Netherlands and took the leap.

When you’re passionate, people feel it—and often want to help. Having a financial buffer is key (budget more than you expect), and starting small is perfectly okay. Buying an existing center, especially one already generating income like Eden, can be a smarter, safer entry point than building from the ground up.

Funding Your Dream

Even with a legal background, navigating laws and logistics in a foreign country was a challenge. We were lucky to be guided by local contacts—people we met through our volunteer work—who connected us with lawyers, accountants, and builders.

If you're planning to run a center abroad, you don’t have to do it alone. Having the right local network is essential. With Eden, these systems are already in place, and the groundwork has been done. You can step into something solid, with trusted partners that can help you.

Legal & Practical Considerations

No retreat center succeeds alone. At first, Remy and I did everything ourselves—from teaching yoga to cooking meals. It was exciting, but not sustainable. As we grew, we built a team and clarified roles. Structure was key—everyone had clear responsibilities, and we adapted when needed.

Buying Eden means inheriting more than land and buildings—you also gain a team culture, established systems, and a tested operational rhythm you can make your own.

Building a Strong Team

Running a retreat center means navigating constant change. We’ve faced a political crisis, the pandemic, and personal transitions like welcoming our three children. But every challenge helped Eden evolve. We’ve held retreats within the team, improved the space, and kept dreaming forward.

The ability to grow with your business—and let it grow you—is part of the magic. If you’re ready to take that leap, you don’t have to build it all from scratch. You can pick up where we left off, with Eden as your starting point.

Stay Flexible and Keep Growing

If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need to have everything figured out to get started. We used to think perfection was the goal—but in truth, it’s all about progress. Eden has become more than we ever imagined, but now it’s time for a new chapter.

We’re ready to pass Eden on to new stewards—people who feel the call to lead, grow, and inspire. If that’s you, we’d love to connect. Reach out to us directly or check out our list of retreat centers for sale. Your dream might be closer than you think.

Ready to Take the Leap?