Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Baker.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Soulfeast Retreats began when my life took a shift and friends invited me for a lengthy reprieve to teach yoga, surf, rest, relax and renew at their hotel in Playa Grande, Costa Rica. I have always been fond of travel. In fact, my mother still tells me I was born with a backpack on my shoulder and a zest for new experiences – fitting that Soulfeast Retreats started with a love of travel and the desire to bring amazing travel experiences to others.
Our first retreat took place seven years ago at this very hotel, The Rip Jack Inn, and we have continued to hold them every year thereafter. The Soulfeast story has been unfolding ever since, now with retreats taking place in Wyoming, Italy, Costa Rica and soon to be Vietnam and Brazil. It is always a privilege to meet and spend time with the guests who participate in these epic and glorious adventures. Together, we are inspired to explore and share our world.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think the road is as smooth as you want to make it. It is always a bit of an unknown as to whether the retreat location, accommodations, and activities will resonate with potential clients and if people will actually sign up. I am always in awe of the leap of faith clients will take in doing something they have never done before in a place they have never been to. It’s an honor that they trust in us and know we have vetted every experience we are inviting them to partake in.
We have learned through the years that impeccable organizational skills, a good handle on logistics and transportation, and making sure that our accommodation partners know we are working for them and alongside them to create a top-shelf experience for our guests, are necessary. Having a good plan is one thing, but being able to execute on it is another.
There are plenty of stressful situations that take place before, during and sometimes after a retreat, but for us, it’s all in how you choose to respond to these types of situations. Usually, a smile, a soulful yoga class, a stellar surf session and a glass of wine will do the trick!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Soulfeast Retreats organizes and produces retreats around the globe. We love to share our and adventures in stunning locations. In each retreat, we incorporate activities that are complementary to the region in which the retreat is taking place. Yoga and meditation are infused throughout each retreat, and there is always a sense of fun and play involved.
For instance, our Italy Retreat takes place in the ancient walled city of Asolo, about an hour from Venice. We dine at the local restaurants, visit nearby wineries, hike, shop, tour, and bike ride. While we generally have a daily schedule, we make sure to leave time for guests to experience the place they are visiting in a way that makes the most sense for them. Everyone is different.
Everyone travels differently and wants something different from their experience. It is important for us to support these differences and give our guests the experience they are yearning for, which hopefully turns out to be the time of their life!
What were you like growing up?
As mentioned prior, I have always been a traveler. There’s pretty much never been an opportunity I haven’t wanted to embark upon. I have always wanted to be in touch with the world to experience as much of it as possible. I yearn for everyone to have as much fun as I am having – which could be construed as a positive or negative trait, depending on the experience. None of this is a surprise though; I was born on the cusp of Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Sports have always been a huge part of my DNA, and I credit my parents for keeping me focused – both in terms of athletics and school. Education always came first, but sports were a very close second. You can generally find me one of a few places… behind my computer planning my next travel adventure, in the surf break, on the ski hill or in the gym and yoga studio.
In my opinion, time is always wasting so we might as well make the most of it and experience all this life has to offer and jump right in!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.soulfeast.surf
- Phone: +1 858 999 7331
- Email: soulfeastretreats@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfeast_official/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulfeastproductions/
Image Credit:
Woodham Photo
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