Choosing the right setting for a corporate retreat is like selecting the perfect backdrop for a movie. Just as a film’s location sets the tone and enhances the narrative, the right event space is crucial in shaping your team’s time together.
Make every moment of your next corporate retreat a scene-stealer by carefully curating an environment that aligns with your organizational goals. Below are 10 ideas to help you set the stage for your next event.
What is a company retreat?
A corporate retreat is an opportunity for employees to come together. It could include educational sessions, team-building activities, casual socializing, or collaborative work.
Unlike an on-site, these corporate events take place outside of the office. Whether tailored for small groups or the entire company, the get-together provides a valuable opportunity to foster connection and rejuvenate team dynamics.
There is an art and science behind fostering a conducive environment for productive work, collaboration, and relaxation.
The corporate retreat ideas in this list offer a combination of:
The suggestions are general enough to be used nearly anywhere, year-round, but some sample destinations have been provided for inspiration.
Ready to disconnect from the daily routine and develop skills to succeed together? Here are 10 event venues perfect for fostering creativity, engaging employees, and making memories.
Great for: Teams in need of a technology detox
Sample destinations: National parks, wilderness areas
Skip the stuffy meeting spaces and go outdoors! A glamping trip is the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Activities like exploring hiking trails and cooking meals together require teamwork, and coworkers can connect during fireside chats under the stars. Plus, there’s a good chance your team won’t be disturbed by phones, technology, or Slack messages.
Great for: Teams that are hands-on and open to experiential learning
Sample destinations: Texas, Wyoming, Arizona
Give employees a taste of the cowboy lifestyle. A dude ranch experience offers various activities, from outdoor adventures to leisurely downtime.
Team-building activities could include:
This variety ensures there’s something for everyone, and the relaxed setting provides a unique backdrop for brainstorming and problem-solving.
Great for: Teams that appreciate nature and adventure
Sample destinations: Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, National Parks
For a truly unique retreat experience, go into the wild! A wildlife safari is an exciting and immersive experience for those passionate about conservation or who enjoy outdoor adventures. Wildlife safaris can also be a fitting setting for leadership development, as challenges encountered in the wild can be metaphorically linked to leadership principles.
Great for: Teams that enjoy socializing in a casual environment
Sample destinations: Miami, San Diego, Hawaii
Who doesn’t love some fun in the sun? Beach getaways are popular choices for corporate offsites because the setting provides a balance between work and play. There’s a wide array of adventure and water sports activities, as well as opportunities for relaxation.
Beach escapes are also a common choice for president’s clubs or other special events, when groups celebrate achievements, milestones, or successes.
Great for: Teams that thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments
Sample destinations: New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Nashville, and Austin
Taking the team to explore a new city can inspire ideas, expand perspectives, and facilitate team bonding. Companies may organize city trips around industry conferences or internal events, such as sales kickoffs.
Activities for the group could include:
Plus, cities offer dining options and nightlife opportunities you might not find in more remote locations.
Great for: Teams focused on wellness or relaxation
Sample destinations: Florida, California
Swap the meeting room for the yoga studio. A serene and peaceful wellness escape provides an escape for the mind, body, and soul. Wellness retreats take many shapes and forms, and are widely available in any part of the world, whether at boutique hotels, resorts, lodges, golf courses, or campsites.
Common types of activities include:
These retreats vary in focus and intensity, catering to diverse preferences and wellness goals.
Great for: Teams with relaxed and sociable dynamics
Sample destinations: Napa Valley, Martha’s Vineyard
Wineries are increasingly accommodating large groups in need of meeting spaces. A vineyard can be a great retreat venue for a unique, customized event. Of course, this type of get-together centers around wine tasting, but that’s not all. Other activities include:
Depending on the venue, there may also be space for outdoor activities, team-building games, relaxation, and networking in the vineyard surroundings.
Great for: Teams that enjoy a mix of adventure, entertainment, and social interactions
Sample destinations: Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico
When it comes to event planning, corporate cruise packages can save time and energy. Because the cruise company provides guest rooms, food, and entertainment, the event planner can focus on the other details.
Many cruise companies can also help:
Whether cruising the Pacific or Atlantic coast — or perhaps somewhere more far-flung — corporate cruises can help teams unwind, connect, and socialize.
Great for: Teams looking to get work done (with a change of scenery)
Sample destinations: Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, California, Alaska
From the Rocky Mountains near Denver to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee, a team offsite in the natural beauty of the mountains can be invigorating and inspiring. Teams can conquer challenges together in the great outdoors by day and then brainstorm around the bonfire at night. Mountain lodges provide access to adventure activities as well as cozy common areas for conversation.
While many mountain lodges are open year-round, some operate seasonally or may be pricey during the winter, which is the high season for skiing and snowboarding.
Great for: Teams that are competitive or high-energy
Sample destinations: National parks, wilderness areas
If your team tends to live adventurously, a get-together themed around a high-thrill outdoor adventure mixes excitement, physical activity, and team-building — and could help raise your team's confidence and synergy.
Ideas to plan a trip around could include:
So long as everyone in the group is game to participate, engaging in challenging activities can foster teamwork, communication, and personal growth.
Finding the perfect location is just the beginning. Handling all aspects of planning, booking, and managing travel for the group is the next — and most complicated — step. But corporate event planning doesn’t need to be complicated.
The Navan Team Travel tool was purpose-built to help travel planners organize offsites for corporate groups. The tool is a one-stop-shop where travel managers can:
Because this tool is built into a travel and expense management platform, guests can book and manage their own travel and then submit any related expenses quickly, easily, and efficiently.
Schedule a demo to see how Navan can help bring your team together, or get up and running with Navan in just 5 minutes.