What a Business Retreat in Marbella Taught Me About Focus, Creativity and Growth

As a Business Growth Mentor, I spend a lot of time helping others simplify and scale their businesses. But sometimes, the best way to grow my own business is to take a step back from it.

When was the last time you truly stepped away from your business?

Not just closed the tabs or took a long lunch, but physically removed yourself from the day-to-day and gave yourself space to think bigger?

I recently flew to Marbella to attend a business and content planning retreat for female entrepreneurs hosted by the incredible Rach Howourth and Cat Salisbury.

The retreat took place in a stunning private villa, although I chose to stay nearby in a hotel and travelled in each day for the sessions. A mix of women joined. Various ages, backgrounds, and business types, but all united by a shared ambition and desire to grow.

And yes, I absolutely brought my laptop, because it became my number one tool to capture everything that flowed while I had the space to think clearly.

Sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs happen not when you're doing more, but when you finally allow yourself space to think strategically and creatively.

As female entrepreneurs, we wear a lot of hats — coach, content creator, marketer, accountant, admin… not to mention the ones we wear outside of business (mum, partner, friend, carer).

It's no wonder that carving out headspace to actually work on our businesses, strategically, creatively, intentionally, can feel impossible.

That’s why I love attending retreats for business owners. A business retreat for female entrepreneurs offers the opportunity to press pause, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose.

They remove the noise. They remove the distractions. And they allow you to reconnect with the bigger picture of what you’re building and why.

For me, this retreat gave me:

Imagine this: arriving each day to a beautiful villa in the Spanish sun, sipping a cup of tea outside before diving into focused conversations, collaborative planning, and time to think deeply about your business.

There was laughter, there were aha moments, there was support, sunshine, and the kind of connection you can only get when you remove yourself from the usual hustle.

The final day took us to a beach club. Yes, with sandy feet, inspiring chats, and a fresh perspective, but even those moments sparked ideas and breakthroughs. Because when you're relaxed, your brain makes space for magic.

Some of the sessions included:

It was the perfect combination of business strategy, personal development for business owners, and a renewed commitment to growth.

I know how vital it is to create space for new ideas and fresh perspectives.

And this retreat gave me just that, not only mentally, but strategically too.

During our time away, I mapped out an entirely new customer journey including a brand new lead magnet, a juicy new tripwire workshop, and a full course funnel that I can’t wait to bring to life.

Here are three powerful lessons that hit home for me:

1. We all need time away to gain focus

You cannot see your business with fresh focus when you're buried in it. Getting away from the noise helps you reconnect with your purpose and long-term vision.

2. Community is everything

Being around other women who understand the ups and downs of running a business is like a breath of fresh air. You feel seen, heard, and inspired.

3. Ideas need space to grow

While away, I came up with a brand new lead magnet, a juicy new tripwire offer, and the concept for a completely fresh course. None of those ideas had room to form while I was in my usual routine.

This retreat reminded me why personal development for business owners isn’t just “nice to have”, it’s essential.

Retreats aren’t just indulgent getaways, they're a business growth tool.

Here’s why I believe every female entrepreneur should consider one:

You get time to think expansively – beyond the day-to-day tasks.

You reconnect with your vision – the reason you started this in the first place.

You access new levels of creativity – without distractions stealing your focus.

You build genuine relationships – not just networking, but real support.

You strengthen your mindset – through focus, confidence, and shared experience.

They're a tax-deductible expense – meaning you can invest in your development and write it off as a legitimate business cost.

Whether you’re a business coach, service provider, or creative entrepreneur, stepping away can spark strategic thinking, content planning breakthroughs, and renewed motivation.

You don’t need to wait for burnout to take a break. Investing in time away is investing in the longevity and health of your business.

Can’t jet off to Marbella just yet? That’s okay.

Here are some ways to create your own version of a business retreat:

Book a day away from your usual environment: A local hotel, co-working space, or even a quiet café.

Switch off notifications: This is time for you and your business. Ditch distractions.

Bring a notebook or laptop: Whichever helps you best capture ideas and brainstorm freely.

Set a simple agenda: Reflect, review, plan. Ask yourself what’s working and what’s not.

Invite a business friend: Two minds can make it even more fun and insightful.

Even a mini planning retreat can help you realign with your goals and unlock new levels of focus and creativity.

Part of being a Business Growth Mentor means leading by example and this retreat was a powerful reminder that sometimes growth doesn’t come from grinding harder, but from intentionally slowing down.

The never-ending to-do lists, the content schedules, the launch plans.

But growth doesn’t always come from action. Sometimes it comes from space.

This Marbella retreat gave me the pause I didn’t know I needed and the focus I didn’t know I was missing.

If there’s one thing I hope you take from this post, it’s this:

Make space. Create room. Step away. So you can come back stronger.

And whether that looks like a villa in Spain or an afternoon in your favourite café, trust that your business (and your brain) will thank you for it.