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Post by maribeth on Jul 2, 2015 11:50:37 GMT
Hello - I was hoping to get a sense from others about the interest in Luxury retreats. Of all the things I miss most in my scrapbooking world is a true RETREAT - not a busy crop at a hotel, but a true Luxury Retreat. In this time of failing scrapbooking enterprises, I still yearn to offer Luxury Retreats, I probably wouldn't quite my day job, but thought maybe I could do this on the side.
So......................I was hoping you all would answer some questions for me.
First my definition of a Luxury Retreat: They would be held at various available non-urban area vacation home rentals, often with views, hiking trails, hot tubs or other amenities. The venue itself would be a large part of the Retreat. It would be a place that one might want to go even if they were not planning on scrapbooking. These really would be more like vacations, like the scrapbooking cruises just on land.
1. How far would you travel (and be willing to spend on travel) to attend a Luxury Retreat.
2. How many days would you want the retreat to span.
3. Would you want to prepare your own meals or have them prepared for you. And would you pay extra for prepared meals.
4. What type of tools would you like to have available so that you would not have to bring your own.
5. Would you like to bring your spouse/partner with you (I know my husband could easily attend something like this if there was TV/hiking/outdoor seating where he could read).
6. Are you willing to share a room with a stranger. Do you usually travel with a friend/relative with whom you would share a room.
7. How far in advance would you be willing/and want to sign up for the retreat in order to make your travel plans.
8. Would anyone be interested in having RV pads available for your own RV.
9. And finally - what would you be willing to pay (per night) for the retreat itself (this would be in addition to what it would cost for you to get to the venue).
Any other items you would require or any thoughts on this issue would be very helpful.
Thank you
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Post by mikklynn on Jul 2, 2015 12:41:51 GMT
That sounds awesome. 1. I'd travel up to 4 hours 2. Four days 3. Prepared meals 4. None - I'd just bring my own 5. No, he'd be bored and I'd feel guilty for ignoring him 6. No to sharing with a stranger. If I went with a friend, that would be ok. 7. I'd be willing to book 6 months out, theoretically. Right now, I can't do that. 8. I don't own an RV, so no. 9. I'd want to pay $100 double occupancy, but obviously that wouldn't be profitable! I don't know, maybe $200? Honestly, it sounds good, but I just don't know if I'd really be open to paying $600 for a retreat ( 3 nights @ $200) I love the concept  |
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Post by coaliesquirrel on Jul 3, 2015 0:10:22 GMT
1. How far would you travel (and be willing to spend on travel) to attend a Luxury Retreat. Needs to be within a 3 hr. drive (I'm not packing up all my crap airplane-style for a crop).
2. How many days would you want the retreat to span. Friday morning - Sunday night.
3. Would you want to prepare your own meals or have them prepared for you. And would you pay extra for prepared meals. It is not a luxury anything if I'm preparing my own meal.
4. What type of tools would you like to have available so that you would not have to bring your own.
5. Would you like to bring your spouse/partner with you (I know my husband could easily attend something like this if there was TV/hiking/outdoor seating where he could read). Nope, he's gotta be home with DD.
6. Are you willing to share a room with a stranger. Do you usually travel with a friend/relative with whom you would share a room. Under no circumstances would I share room or bathroom facilities with a stranger. I would happily share with a friend but would want our own beds or a king to share.
7. How far in advance would you be willing/and want to sign up for the retreat in order to make your travel plans. 9-12 mo
8. Would anyone be interested in having RV pads available for your own RV. Cool idea, but we don't have an RV so I wouldn't use.
9. And finally - what would you be willing to pay (per night) for the retreat itself (this would be in addition to what it would cost for you to get to the venue). $250 or so which should include accomodations.
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Post by maribeth on Jul 3, 2015 14:45:56 GMT
Thank you both for your information.
It is clear that I would have to market this service in an more urban/populated area where a "remotish" venue could be reached within a few hours of driving. Unfortunately that is the largest of my hurdles as I live in New Mexico, and don't have the population to support a venture such as this. I was hoping that people would be willing to fly (as they do to go on the scrapbook cruises) I am sure the are out there, but I do not know where to find them. Once they flew into the state, I could provide transportation to the venue, which could be anywhere from 2-5 hours from the airport. The amount for the accommodations/event is in line with what I was thinking of charging, without meal however. This information has been really helpful. Thank you.
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Post by myboysnme on Jul 3, 2015 14:54:51 GMT
1. How far would you travel (and be willing to spend on travel) to attend a Luxury Retreat - I would drive about 4 hours, maybe 5.
2. How many days would you want the retreat to span.
Thursday to Monday
3. Would you want to prepare your own meals or have them prepared for you. And would you pay extra for prepared meals.
I do not want to cook or clean so whatever that involves, I would not do either of those things. I don't cook at home so I'm not going to do it at a retreat. Cost should include meals or have an affordable restaurant on site.
4. What type of tools would you like to have available so that you would not have to bring your own.
None, really.
5. Would you like to bring your spouse/partner with you (I know my husband could easily attend something like this if there was TV/hiking/outdoor seating where he could read).
Pardon my vehemence but hell no. The last place I want to be scrapping is someplace where spouses are hanging around. Just no.
6. Are you willing to share a room with a stranger. Do you usually travel with a friend/relative with whom you would share a room.
I will no longer share rooms with strangers. If my friend can't go to the retreat I would need an affordable single occupancy option.
7. How far in advance would you be willing/and want to sign up for the retreat in order to make your travel plans.
2 months
8. Would anyone be interested in having RV pads available for your own RV.
N/A
9. And finally - what would you be willing to pay (per night) for the retreat itself (this would be in addition to what it would cost for you to get to the venue). I go to a beach retreat from Fri 10 am to Sun 3pm hotel included and 5 meals for $200 (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch 2 dinners with leftovers on Sun for lunch) So for Thurs to Monday I would pay probably $300 since I will be travelling on Thurs and Mon. If it was close by and I can scrap Thursday and Monday then $350.
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GiantsFan
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 3, 2015 15:26:26 GMT
1. How far would you travel (and be willing to spend on travel) to attend a Luxury Retreat.
No more than three hours. I don't want to waste my scrappy time driving.
2. How many days would you want the retreat to span.
Thursday night thru Sunday noon or Monday noon.
3. Would you want to prepare your own meals or have them prepared for you. And would you pay extra for prepared meals.
I've done both and I can do either. And would expect to pay more for prepared meals.
4. What type of tools would you like to have available so that you would not have to bring your own.
Some type of Electronic Cutter and enough so I wouldn't have to wait in line for one. But I would prefer to bring my own, since i have all my fonts and cut files saved to my laptop
5. Would you like to bring your spouse/partner with you (I know my husband could easily attend something like this if there was TV/hiking/outdoor seating where he could read).
NO! He wouldn't want to come anyway.
6. Are you willing to share a room with a stranger. Do you usually travel with a friend/relative with whom you would share a room.
No to a stranger, but yes if it's a friend.
7. How far in advance would you be willing/and want to sign up for the retreat in order to make your travel plans.
At least three months.
8. Would anyone be interested in having RV pads available for your own RV.
Yes!. I would love to stay in my own "home" and cook my own meals. I prefer to have some time alone and away from the crowd.
9. And finally - what would you be willing to pay (per night) for the retreat itself (this would be in addition to what it would cost for you to get to the venue).
No more than $100 per night. I've coordinated retreats at a local beach house for my scrappy group and for 12 people it was less than $200 for Thursday night thru Sunday morning. Of course this was no frills, everyone makes one meal with a buddy, bring your own snacks and drinks. The price was basically renting the house for the weekend.
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leeny
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Location: Northern California
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Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Jul 3, 2015 16:06:21 GMT
1. How far would you travel (and be willing to spend on travel) to attend a Luxury Retreat. 4 hours, but I would not fly
2. How many days would you want the retreat to span. I would like Thursday - Sunday
3. Would you want to prepare your own meals or have them prepared for you. And would you pay extra for prepared meals. Pay for someone else to do it
4. What type of tools would you like to have available so that you would not have to bring your own. Electronic cutter
5. Would you like to bring your spouse/partner with you (I know my husband could easily attend something like this if there was TV/hiking/outdoor seating where he could read). No way
6. Are you willing to share a room with a stranger. Do you usually travel with a friend/relative with whom you would share a room. If coming alone, like my own room. If coming with a friend, would share
7. How far in advance would you be willing/and want to sign up for the retreat in order to make your travel plans. 6 months
8. Would anyone be interested in having RV pads available for your own RV. N/A
9. And finally - what would you be willing to pay (per night) for the retreat itself (this would be in addition to what it would cost for you to get to the venue). For everything, food, drink, lodging, my own table I've paid up to $100 a night in the past
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leeny
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Posts: 4,805
Location: Northern California
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Jun 27, 2014 1:55:53 GMT
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Post by leeny on Jul 3, 2015 16:11:32 GMT
Thank you both for your information. It is clear that I would have to market this service in an more urban/populated area where a "remotish" venue could be reached within a few hours of driving. Unfortunately that is the largest of my hurdles as I live in New Mexico, and don't have the population to support a venture such as this. I was hoping that people would be willing to fly (as they do to go on the scrapbook cruises) I am sure the are out there, but I do not know where to find them. Once they flew into the state, I could provide transportation to the venue, which could be anywhere from 2-5 hours from the airport. The amount for the accommodations/event is in line with what I was thinking of charging, without meal however. This information has been really helpful. Thank you. If I was a total digi-scrapper flying in would be a no brainer, but I am not. |
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Post by alissa103 on Jul 4, 2015 19:10:58 GMT
Great idea!
1. How far would you travel (and be willing to spend on travel) to attend a Luxury Retreat
I'd prefer to drive, only because air travel with plenty of scrap stuff to keep me busy is awful. So tops for driving time would be 5 hours because I could do that easily.
2. How many days would you want the retreat to span.
3 FULL days or 4-5 if the start and end days were half days.
3. Would you want to prepare your own meals or have them prepared for you. And would you pay extra for prepared meals.
I want prepared food and it should be AMAZING at a luxury retreat. I'd rather have the cost of food be included in the price of the retreat. I'd be ok with bagels, muffin & fruit for breakfast but would love real lunches and dinners.
4. What type of tools would you like to have available so that you would not have to bring your own.
Electronic cutting machines, cutting mats (big ones that we could use at our crop spots for the whole weekend), daylight lamp at each person's table, manual die cut machine that easily works with all dies like a big shot, dies to use in it. I'd also like comfy crop chairs... no folding chairs!
5. Would you like to bring your spouse/partner with you (I know my husband could easily attend something like this if there was TV/hiking/outdoor seating where he could read).
Nope. I'd prefer no other spouses be there, actually. I don't think I'd be comfortable lounging around in my pjs with "random" (to me) men hanging around as well.
6. Are you willing to share a room with a stranger. Do you usually travel with a friend/relative with whom you would share a room.
If I came with a friend I don't mind sharing a room. Otherwise I want my own room. If this was a no-frills kind of crop I'd be fine with sharing with strangers, but for a luxury retreat I wouldn't want to.
7. How far in advance would you be willing/and want to sign up for the retreat in order to make your travel plans.
9 months
8. Would anyone be interested in having RV pads available for your own RV.
Nope
9. And finally - what would you be willing to pay (per night) for the retreat itself (this would be in addition to what it would cost for you to get to the venue).
Good question. I think it depends on the location and what's included in the cost. If we are talking shared room and space to crop only, maybe up to $150 night. If the house is amazing, my own room, crop space excellent and the food is awesome I'd pay more.
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Post by SunnySmile on Jul 4, 2015 19:34:47 GMT
I would really only ever want to go to a crop with a friend, luxury or not. I don't see the appeal of going to a retreat alone. I can crop alone at home and have everything I need there. Getting away with a friend would be nice though, having no distractions, etc. I would travel 3 hours or less. I'd like 3 full days. For a luxury retreat I would want meals prepared, but otherwise, access to restaurants or fast food; I'm not cooking or cleaning on a retreat. For tools, an electronic cutter would be nice, but I don't want to spend hours trying to figure out how to work it. Plenty of table space, good lighting and comfy chairs are a must. If I found folding chairs, I think I'd ask for a refund and leave, it's that important to me. I would NOT bring my spouse. I would NOT share a room with a stranger, but I would with a friend. I'd want my own bed though. I could make plans 2-4 months in advance. RV is N/A for me. For a double occupancy room, nice meals and bottomless soft drinks/bottled water, and a comfortable cropping area, I would pay $150 per night.
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Post by cannmom on Jul 4, 2015 20:45:23 GMT
The luxury part of a retreat for me is the uninterrupted scrapping time away from the responsibilities of home. I want to be in a comfortable place with good food, but I really don't want anything that is going to distract from the scrapping. I'm not really interested in doing anything else if I'm there to scrap. I definitely do not want to cook or have to clean up. The only cleaning I want to do is packing my stuff at the end. Please, please, please no spouses. Part of the luxury part is getting away.  Love my husband and child, but this is for me. No interest in RV hook-ups. Most I'm willing to travel is 5 hours by car. No flying. I like to stay Friday AM through Sunday afternoon or Thursday through Sunday. The most I think I have paid for a retreat was 400ish. That was for a SDV retreat. ( Anyone remember them ) It was a Thursday through Sunday. The most recent one was a retreat hosted by a scrapstore. It was in a cabin in Gatlinburg TN. Price was $250 for Friday through Sunday noon. All meals included. Honestly, you would have to be competitive with that price. I'm just not interested in having tons of other things to do while on a scrap weekend. |
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AnotherPea
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Post by AnotherPea on Jul 4, 2015 21:10:43 GMT
I loved the SDV retreats! I wouldn't consider them luxury by any means though.
I agree with most of what has been said.
I won't need a lot to do outside of scrapping. But I would like to have optional classes, free or cheap make and takes and vendors!
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AnotherPea
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Post by AnotherPea on Jul 4, 2015 21:12:23 GMT
And games/challenges.
The games should be designed so that there are few interruptions for those that choose not to play.
There should be a staff member in the crop room all of the time.
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Post by cannmom on Jul 5, 2015 2:43:29 GMT
I loved the SDV retreats! I wouldn't consider them luxury by any means though. I agree with most of what has been said. I won't need a lot to do outside of scrapping. But I would like to have optional classes, free or cheap make and takes and vendors! No, not the most luxurious. Some were held at nicer hotels than others though. I just enjoyed getting away to scrap and all the vendors they had. For a long time I didn't have any friends who scrapped so my yearly SDV was a chance to be around my "people". I have a friend who scraps now and last year we went out of town and stayed at a long term stay Marriot for 5 days. We each had our own bedroom and bath with a kitchen and living space. We scrapped the whole time and had a blast. Went out to dinner every night and visited every scrap store we could find. |
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Love my husband and child, but this is for me. 