WTA Sets Six Principles for Responsible Retreats

The Wellness Tourism Association has introduced the Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™, a global framework for retreat providers and travelers. The initiative was informed by the WTA Retreat Committee, chaired by Dr. Sheri Rosenthal. Its six areas cover leadership, safety, transparency, inclusion, care, and community, culture and environment. The association introduced the framework as retreat travel continues to attract travelers seeking well-being, personal growth, restoration, connection, and transformation.

Six Areas of Guidance

The principles cover Qualified Leadership and Facilitation, Safety and Risk Management, Transparency and Integrity, Thoughtful Design and Inclusion, Respect and Care, and Community, Culture and Environment.

Robin Ruiz, President and CEO at Wellness Tourism Association, said:

“As retreats continue to grow in popularity around the world, the industry has a meaningful opportunity to ensure that participant well-being, transparency, and trust grow alongside it. The Six Principles for Responsible Retreats™ help translate shared expectations into practical guidance that supports more informed decisions by travelers and more intentional approaches to retreat design, discovery, and delivery.”

Retreat Committee Input

The framework builds on previous WTA resources, including the Global Glossary of Wellness Tourism Terms and the 10 Attributes of a Wellness Destination. Rosenthal has more than 25 years of experience in retreat development and facilitation.

Dr. Sheri Rosenthal, Chair at WTA Retreat Committee, said:

“Retreats can be among the most meaningful experiences in a person's life, but that kind of impact requires thoughtful design, clear communication, and an unwavering commitment to participant care. These Principles distill decades of real-world retreat leadership into a unified blueprint that supports both emerging and experienced professionals to show up for their participants with greater care, clarity, and integrity.”

July Discussion Planned

The WTA will explore the framework in a complimentary Wellness Travel Talks™ conversation on July 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, followed by a live Q&A. Details are available on the Six Principles for Responsible Retreats page.