We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shawn Dougherty a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Shawn Dougherty thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
The inception of The Malibu Retreat is a story deeply rooted in family, creativity, and transformation. The journey began when our family moved from New Jersey to the serene Malibu Canyon in 1998. The property, originally serving as the office for Michele Clark Promotions, played a pivotal role in launching numerous artists into stardom. Over time, inspired by the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of our home, we saw an opportunity to share this unique environment with others.
The Malibu Retreat’s journey from a cherished family home to a premier destination for wellness and relaxation reflects our commitment to growth and enhancement. Initially, our offerings began modestly with short-term rentals of our cozy guest house and the iconic Happiness Bus, setting the stage for what would blossom into a comprehensive wellness-focused environment.
As our vision expanded, so did our accommodations. We introduced the Boho House, a meticulously designed space that captured the essence of boho-chic luxury intertwined with the natural beauty of Malibu. This addition was a pivotal step in enhancing the breadth of our offerings, providing guests with an immersive experience that harmonized with the retreat’s tranquil and healing ethos.
A few years after establishing the Boho House, we seized the opportunity to further expand our facilities. We acquired the property next door, effectively doubling our capacity and allowing us to offer a more diverse range of accommodations. This expansion included two main houses, two studio apartments, and a guest house, bringing the total area to nearly five acres. This growth not only enhanced our ability to host more guests but also diversified the types of experiences we could offer, from private retreat spaces to larger gatherings and events.
Each new addition was thoughtfully designed to reflect our core values of wellness, tranquility, and personal growth, ensuring that every space offered not just comfort but also inspiration. The expanded grounds allowed us to host a wider array of wellness events and classes, providing ample room for guests to explore, relax, and reconnect with themselves and nature.
Today, The Malibu Retreat is not just a place to stay; it’s a sanctuary where guests can experience a blend of luxury, wellness, and the rejuvenating power of nature. We take great pride in the evolution of our accommodations and the serene environment we have cultivated. As we look to the future, we remain committed to enhancing our offerings and ensuring that every guest’s visit is a transformative experience that resonates long after they leave.
Shawn Dougherty, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Shawn Dougherty, co-founder of The Malibu Retreat, a unique sanctuary nestled in the scenic heart of Malibu Canyon. This journey began in 1998 when my family moved from New Jersey to California, setting down roots in a place surrounded by 10,000 acres of parkland at the base of a mountain. Originally, the property served as my family home and the office space for my mom and her companies Michele Clark Promotions & Sunset Sessions, launching artists like Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson into stardom.
Inspired by the land’s unique energy and the diverse wildlife that visits our backyard—from deer to mountain lions—we decided in 2018 to open our doors to those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. We started with simple offerings: a cozy guest house and the iconic Happiness Bus, and these humble beginnings have blossomed into a well-loved retreat.
Today, The Malibu Retreat spans nearly five acres, featuring two main houses, two studio apartments, and a guest house, each space uniquely curated by our family to create a homely, inviting atmosphere. Our expansion has allowed us to offer a variety of wellness events and classes, providing guests not just a place to stay, but a chance to grow, relax, and reconnect with nature.
What sets us apart is our dedication to creating an environment that feels like a home away from home. Every corner of The Malibu Retreat is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness, offering our guests a deeply personal and tranquil experience. We’re most proud of transforming our family home into a space where others can find peace and inspiration.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that The Malibu Retreat is more than just a destination; it’s an experience enriched by the natural beauty and serenity of its environment. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful getaway or a meaningful gathering, The Malibu Retreat offers a unique blend of nature’s beauty and homely comfort, making every visit unforgettable.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
We do word-of-mouth, a mix of paid Google SEO, and targeted ads on both Instagram and Facebook.
Google SEO: We put a little bit of money behind making sure our site came up correctly, so if anybody was Googling, for instance, something like, “Hotels in LA” or “a wellness retreat in Malibu,” The Malibu Retreat comes right up-first page. Like a signpost in the middle of the internet leading people directly there.
Targeted Social Media Ads: Instagram and Facebook have been super tools to reach the right crowd. We make use of these to reach out to the audience interested in wellness, nature, and people looking for a special place to stay. The ad shows them snippets of some classes or photos of the property stunning shots of the canyon and cozy snapshots from our guest areas. It’s all about catching the eye of someone who’s dreaming of their next getaway and showing them that we’ve got the perfect spot.
Posting on All Social Platforms: Other than the paid posts, we create a buzz continuously by posting across all our social media platforms. Whether it is sharing a serene sunrise captured on the property or announcing a new wellness workshop or event, we make sure there’s always something fresh and engaging. It’s a fantastic way to stay in touch with the community, even driving shares and conversations online.
These have been some of the strategies that have enabled us to reach out to more guests than ever before. It is amazing to see how these digital strategies draw people looking for just what we offer: a peaceful place to reset and reconnect with nature.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One pivotal moment that really tested and showcased our resilience at The Malibu Retreat occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many businesses dependent on travel and gatherings, we faced an unprecedented challenge when global restrictions hit. Overnight, bookings for our accommodations and event spaces plummeted. It was a situation that called for immediate action and adaptation.
With the usual flow of guests and events halted, we decided to use this period as an opportunity to refine and enhance what we could offer. First, we focused on improving our physical spaces to ensure they were not only beautiful but also safe and compliant with new health regulations. This included expanding outdoor areas with an outdoor yoga deck to allow for social distancing during events and classes and enhancing our cleaning protocols to meet heightened safety standards.
As restrictions began to lift, The Malibu Retreat was well-prepared to welcome guests back safely. We reopened our doors with enhanced offerings that catered to the changed needs and concerns of our clients. The response was incredibly positive. Not only did we see a return of those who had previously enjoyed our space, but we also attracted new clients drawn by our commitment to safety and our enhanced online and on-site wellness offerings.
This challenging time underscored the importance of being adaptable and responsive to external changes. By focusing on what we could control—improving our accommodations and innovating our offerings—we turned a potential crisis into an opportunity to strengthen and expand our business. Today, The Malibu Retreat continues to thrive as a versatile venue that welcomes guests for overnight stays, special events, and wellness activities, each designed to harmonize with the stunning natural backdrop of our location.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://themaliburetreat.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themaliburetreat
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-dougherty-82b94a67/
