Tools, evidence and editorial utility
Retreat inclusions glossary
Plain-language definitions of terms used in retreat listings, such as all-inclusive, curated excursion, cohort and private villa, plus what to ask when a term is vague.
Retreat marketing uses words that sound precise but are not standardized. The glossary below explains common terms and the follow-up question for each. Where the official site of a retreat uses a term, ask the organizer to define it in your quote. Definitions here are general, not legal.
Pricing and booking terms
| Term | Plain meaning | Ask |
|---|---|---|
| All-inclusive | A marketing label, with no single standard | What exactly is excluded? |
| Deposit | An upfront part of the price that holds your place | Is it refundable, and under what terms? |
| Balance due | Remaining payment, with a deadline | What date, and what currency and fees? |
| Single supplement | Extra charge for sole use of a room | Is it already in the quoted price? |
| Cohort | The group that starts and finishes together | Maximum size, and does the start date depend on minimum numbers? |
Accommodation terms
- Private villa: a standalone residence rented for guests. Ask whether bedrooms are private or shared and who else stays there. Lions Gate Retreats describes a private villa on its official site (reviewed 2026-10-12); confirm room arrangement before booking.
- En-suite: a bathroom attached to your bedroom. Ask if it is private.
- Shared room: more than one guest sleeps in the same room. See accommodation privacy questions.
Food terms
- Chef-prepared meals: meals cooked by a chef rather than self-catered. Ask how many meals per day and how dietary needs are handled. More in meal plans and dietary questions.
- Snacks: small items between meals. Ask what they are.
- Performance nutrition: a marketing term for food planned around training. Treat it as a description of intent, and ask for an example menu.
Program terms
- Training sessions: ask duration, frequency and group size.
- Curated excursion: an organized outing. Ask whether it is optional and what is included.
- Faculty or team: the people delivering sessions. See how to assess coach qualifications.
- Take-home kit: physical items you keep. Ask exactly what.
- Ceremony: a broad word that can cover many things. Ask for a description and whether participation is optional.
Logistics terms
- Airport transfer: ask whether it covers both arrival and departure, and which airport. See transport questions.
- Wi-Fi for work: ask for speed, backup options and where it works. See Wi-Fi claims.
- Vehicle access: if a retreat lists a vehicle for guests, ask about licensing, insurance and who is liable.
How to use this list
Put every term from a retreat's page into a table with two columns: what they say and what they mean in writing. Then compare quotes using line by line comparison. Confirm all inclusions on the official site and in a written quote.
Questions people ask
Does all-inclusive mean everything is covered?
Not necessarily. There is no universal definition. Ask for the itemized list of what is and is not included.
What is a cohort?
A group of guests who start and finish a program together. Ask for the maximum cohort size.
What does curated excursion mean?
Usually an organized activity chosen by the retreat. Ask what the activities are, whether they are optional and whether transport is included.
Are gratuities usually included?
Practices differ. Ask whether tips for staff and chefs are expected and whether they are in the price.
Sources and further reading
Ready to see if Lions Gate fits?
Review the current program and request your place directly with Lions Gate. Pricing, eligibility and booking terms are set by the retreat.
Request a place →Lions Gate Retreats advertises on The Company Chronicle. This guide was written by our editorial team from public sources and general professional practice; it does not describe a guarantee, quote or offer from Lions Gate Retreats. Confirm current terms, prices and availability with the operator before you decide.