Let’s talk about the elephant in the room - the bit of the retreat world no onereally wants to talk about.

There’s been a huge rise in entrepreneurs creating and selling retreats recently, and honestly, we love to see it. It’s amazing watching people turn their expertise, passion, and ideas into experiences that genuinely change lives.

But… (you knew that was coming) with that rise has come a wave of confusion and, let’s be honest, a fair few people winging it when it comes to Package Travel Regulations (2018).

It’s the not-so-glamorous side of the industry, but it’s also the part that protects your clients and your reputation if something goes wrong and keeps you on the right side of the law. And yet, we still hear the same lines over and over:

“Im working with a travel partner so Im already covered”
“I’ve used an agent, I’m covered.”
“We aren’t leaving the UK so I don’t need it”

Spoiler: PTR (2018) is a big deal. So, let’s clear a few things up.

1. “I work with a travel partner, so I’m covered, right?”

Maybe. But not always.

We see this all the time. There are loads of independent travel agents out there and many are fantastic. We are one. However, there are two big pitfalls that retreat hosts fall into when working with travel partners.

⚠️ Pitfall One: The MLM Travel Scheme Trap

You’ve probably heard of names like InteleTravel, Not Just Travel, or Travel Counsellors.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with these platforms, they do what they’re designed to do: allow agents to book off-the-shelf holidays, hotels, and flights, earning a small commission along the way.

But here’s the catch: they are not designed or insured for creating dynamic packages i.e. when you take those hotels and flights, then bolt on your own extras like yoga sessions, workshops, excursions, or private chefs.
The moment you do that, you’ve created a new travel package, and it’s no longer covered by the MLM’s ATOL or liability insurance.

So while your agent might think they’re doing the right thing, the reality is that package is not protected under law, meaning if something goes wrong, neither you nor your guests have legal protection.

⚠️ Pitfall Two: Using a Legit Agent, But Selling It Yourself

The next mistake?
Using a properly licensed travel partner who can create dynamic packages, but then selling the retreat through your own business, taking payments directly from your clients.

Here’s the problem:
The minute the money comes through your bank account, you become the seller of travel.
Even if your travel partner handled the bookings, the law sees you as the organiser. You’ve just taken on all the liability and lost the protection their licence and insurance would have provided.

So despite working with a compliant travel company, you’ve accidentally undone all that compliance by how you’ve sold it on.

2. “I’ll just wing it - what could go wrong?”

And then there’s the third (and most dangerous) mistake of all.

Running your retreat completely independently - no travel partner, no financial protection, no legal compliance, because“nothing will go wrong”.
We hear it all the time:

“I know everyone coming.”
“I’ve done it before, it’s fine.”
“Why should I pay for compliance when no one else does?”

Here’s why: because the minute you combine two or more travel services (like accommodation and yoga sessions, transfers, or meals), you’ve created a package. That means you’ve also just triggered Package Travel Regulations (2018) and if you haven’t met the legal criteria, you’re breaking the law.

And yes, that’s true even if it’s “just a few friends and clients.”

At best, you’re misleading customers and invalidating their travel insurance.
At worst, you’re personally liable if something goes wrong and you’ve committed a criminal offence, and if you knew about PTR (2018) and intentionally ignore it, you’ve also committed fraud.

The Hard Truth

We’re not saying this to scare anyone, we’re saying it because it’s happening constantly, and most hosts simply don’t realise they’re operating illegally.

But here’s the uncomfortable bit:
Many of these same entrepreneurs talk passionately about integrity, ethics, and putting clients first, while unknowingly (or worse, knowingly) selling unprotected, illegal travel packages.

Your clients trust you.
They invest in you - financially and emotionally.
Don’t throw that trust away to save a few pounds on compliance and insurance.

If you’re building a brand built on empowerment, wellbeing, or transformation then protecting your guests’ money and safety should be part of that.

The Good News

Compliance doesn’t have to be complicated. It just has to be done properly.
That’s why we exist.

At the Retreat Standards Organisation, we support retreat hosts, coaches, and wellness entrepreneurs to become fully compliant under Package Travel Regulations (2018) so you can focus on creating incredible experiences while we handle the legal backbone that keeps everyone safe.

If you’re not sure whether your current setup is compliant, book a free consultation with our team.
Let’s make sure your next retreat isretreat ready notretreat risky.