Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Best Retreat?

We're a curated catalog of genuinely great retreats. Instead of overwhelming you with thousands of options, we feature a carefully selected collection of retreats that stand out for their design, setting, and experience. Think of us as an editorial filter—we do the research so you can skip the noise.

How is this different from Airbnb or VRBO?

Airbnb and VRBO are marketplaces where anyone can list. We're a curated catalog where every retreat is reviewed before it's included.

Airbnb helps you book a place to stay. We help you choose the right one. We do the research so you don't have to sift through hundreds of mediocre listings.

How does The Best Retreat make money?

Listed hosts pay $10/month. That's it. We don't take commissions on bookings, we don't charge guests, and payment never influences whether a retreat gets listed. Quality is the only criteria.

How do you choose which retreats to include?

Every retreat is reviewed against four core criteria:

What types of retreats do you include?

We focus on unique, design-forward properties that offer a genuine sense of escape:

• •Cabins, A-frames, and modern retreats in nature
• •Tiny homes, geodesic domes, and container homes
• •Treehouses, yurts, and other distinctive structures
• •Secluded estates and architect-designed homes
• •Renovated historic properties with character

What types of retreats don't make the cut?

We're selective about what we include. These typically don't meet our standard:

Do you personally visit every retreat?

Not at scale, but every retreat is intentionally reviewed before inclusion. We evaluate photos, descriptions, host communication, guest reviews from other platforms, and overall presentation. The goal is consistent quality without requiring a physical visit to every property.

Can hosts pay to be listed?

No. Retreats are selected based on quality, not payment. Hosts pay $10/month after approval—but approval is based solely on whether the retreat meets our standard. If it doesn't, no amount of payment will change that.

How do I book a retreat?

Each retreat includes a "Check Availability" button that links directly to the host's booking platform—Airbnb, VRBO, or their direct site. We don't handle bookings ourselves. We simply help you find great retreats and connect you to the host.

What about cancellations and refunds?

Because you book directly through the host's platform, all cancellation policies, refunds, and guest policies are handled by the host. Review the listing carefully for specific terms before booking.

Do you charge a booking fee?

No. We don't take a cut of bookings or charge guests any fees. Ever.

What if something goes wrong during my stay?

Any issues during your stay should be handled through the host and the platform you booked with. They manage guest support, refunds, and resolutions. If a retreat consistently fails to meet expectations, we may remove it from our catalog.

Can I leave a review?

Reviews are left on the platform where you booked. We monitor reviews across platforms to ensure retreats continue to meet our standard.

How can I get my retreat listed?

Submit your retreat through our host submission page. It's free to submit.

We review submissions within 48-72 hours. If approved, your card is charged ($10/month) and your retreat goes live. If not approved, you're never charged.

What does it cost?

$10/month after approval. Free to submit. No commission on bookings, ever. Cancel anytime.

What are the requirements?

To be listed, retreats must:

• Be actively bookable on Airbnb, VRBO, or a direct booking site
• Have high-quality photos that accurately represent the space
• Maintain a 4.8+ rating (or equivalent quality if new)
• Provide a clear, compelling description of the experience
• Respond to guest inquiries promptly

What if my retreat isn't approved?

Your card is never charged. We'll share feedback when possible, and you're welcome to resubmit after making improvements—better photos, updated description, or addressing quality concerns.

Can I submit multiple retreats?

Yes. Each retreat is reviewed independently and billed separately ($10/month each if approved). Having one retreat listed doesn't guarantee others will be approved.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes. Cancel from your dashboard anytime. Your listing stays active until the end of your billing period.