10 Inspiring Locations for Small Corporate Retreats

Teams both big and small deserve the motivation, collaboration, and refreshing inspiration that a corporate retreat can help spark. But booking for smaller teams can come with challenges, like the fact that many venues only offer corporate rates for larger groups or require high minimums. Fortunately, there are plenty of locations across the U.S. that cater to intimate getaways designed specifically for small teams.

10 Locations for Small Corporate Retreats 

For smaller teams, the ideal retreat space strikes a careful balance of being private enough for deep focus but communal enough to spark spontaneous conversations and camaraderie. It should feel like a getaway but still support the kind of collaboration that happens naturally when people are relaxed, recharged, and fully present.

Here are 10 suggestions for your next small corporate retreat.

1. Walden Retreats, Texas Hill Country

Glamping, or glamorous camping, provides a unique retreat experience by combining the adventure of camping with the comforts of luxury accommodations. It offers a space to disconnect from technology and get immersed in nature. Walden Retreats offers luxury glamping with modern amenities and wide-open views of Texas Hill Country. It’s ideal for teams that want a calm, unplugged setting to reconnect — and comes complete with hiking, stargazing, and the occasional s’mores session.

2. Orca Island, Alaska

Looking for something more adventurous? Orca Island offers luxury tents in a remote cove where teams can go whale watching, kayaking, or simply take in Alaska’s epic scenery. It’s perfect for groups that want to combine inspiration with adrenaline.

3. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina

A trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains is an especially appealing option for East Coast teams that want to combine minimal travel time with high impact. Boutique stays and mountain air set the scene for a nature-filled retreat that can feel like a storybook escape.  

4. Peconic Bay, New York

For teams eager to dive into aquatic adventures, Peconic Bay unfolds as a one-of-a-kind retreat — a place where waterskiing, sailing, and beachside relaxation take the spotlight. Here, the calm atmosphere and breathtaking views provide the perfect canvas for team-building activities and lively social gatherings. The harmonious fusion of excitement and peace creates an indelible experience, making it an ideal spot for intimate corporate retreats that are both inspiring and rejuvenating.

5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

A perfect location for wintertime skiing and snowshoeing, Jackso Hole offers plenty to keep your group moving. Bonus: Area hotels often include both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces so teams can brainstorm and then hit the slopes.

6. Sedona, Arizona

Sedona’s red rock landscapes and serene energy make it an ideal retreat for teams ready to unplug, reset, and return with renewed focus. With options like spa sessions, guided hikes, and meditation in the open desert air, it’s a destination that encourages clarity, calm, and a deeper sense of connection. 

7. Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is synonymous with laid-back luxury. Retreat venues like Rancho Caymus Inn offer handcrafted charm and vineyard views, with team-friendly activities like wine tastings and chef-led dinners. It’s ideal for teams that bond best over a great meal and shared surroundings.

8. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion is bold, beautiful, and built for adventure. From slot-canyon hikes to team-building challenges, this setting is made for groups that thrive on a little grit. It’s a favorite for executive retreats and teams that want to step out of their usual roles — and maybe onto a suspension bridge.

9. Portland, Oregon

If your team prefers a more urban, creative vibe, Portland offers a mix of culture, nature, and quirky charm. You’ll find artsy spaces, food carts, hiking trails, and plenty of options to spark fresh thinking and casual collaboration.

10. Honolulu, Hawaii

Need a serious change of scenery? Honolulu brings a sense of escape without pushing the limits of time or budget. Direct flights from many U.S. cities make it accessible, and all-in-one resorts help simplify logistics. Teams can meet in fully equipped conference spaces, then step outside to enjoy beaches, cultural experiences, or a laid-back dinner with ocean views. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Corporate Retreat Location for Smaller Teams

Planning a small-scale or exclusive retreat? Here’s what to look for when narrowing down your options:

1. Prioritize Flexibility

Smaller teams benefit from venues that offer versatile meeting spaces — think cozy lounges that double as brainstorming hubs or outdoor patios perfect for relaxed strategy sessions. Variety is essential for different team activities, so your chosen venue should include options for shared and private spaces. You don’t need a ballroom; you need a space that adapts to your team’s flow.

2. Don’t Compromise On Comfort

Even intimate retreats should feel polished. Look for locations with thoughtfully designed accommodations and modern amenities that support rest and recharge — not just a place to crash after a long day. 

3. Build In Space To Play

The best ideas often come when people aren’t staring at a whiteboard. Choose spots that include recreational options, whether that’s nature trails, kayaking, or spa access. These activities spark connection and give teams room to reset.

4. Seek Out Settings That Inspire

Surroundings are part of the strategy. The right backdrop can elevate the experience and serve as a mental reset that’s hard to replicate in an office. Whether it’s mountain views, desert calm, or vineyard charm, the right backdrop helps your team think bigger, breathe deeper, and engage fully. When the environment feels inspiring, teams are more likely to open up, think creatively, and return to work with a renewed sense of clarity and purpose.

5. Make Mother Nature Your Co-Planner

When selecting a venue, think about how the season will affect your event. Summer venues might offer outdoor spaces and natural light, while winter locations should have reliable heating and indoor alternatives. Research typical weather patterns for your dates and choose a venue that shines during your selected season.

6. Think Team-First Over Tourist-First

Avoid the usual tourist traps and look for venues that naturally foster connection. Think less about gimmicks and more about places designed for shared experiences. Aim for experiences that align with the retreat’s objectives, whether that’s problem-solving, strengthening team dynamics, or simply stepping back to recharge with intention.

Meet Navan

The logistics of planning even a small corporate retreat — coordinating group flights, hotel blocks, meeting space, speaker invites, and expense tracking — can quickly crowd a to-do list.

Navan, the all-in-one business travel and expense management solution, can help. 

Navan simplifies every step of the group travel process with smart, centralized tools designed for modern teams. Create an event, estimate the travel budget, and invite participants to book their own trips while maintaining full oversight. Employees can manage their own travel and submit expenses in one place — no scattered emails, no confusion. The result? A retreat that runs as smoothly as it was envisioned.

Conclusion

Taking your small team out of the office is an investment in culture, connection, and fresh thinking. A well-chosen retreat spot can turn downtime into breakthrough moments, whether it’s under the stars, in the mountains, or tucked into a boutique hideaway. Pick a place that inspires, then let Navan handle the logistics so you can focus on what really matters: returning stronger. Try it today.