1. Why Should Businesses Organize Corporate Retreats for Their Employees?
Corporate retreats are a great way for businesses to make employees feel valued, boost their morale, and foster collaboration while breaking down barriers. It also allows the employees to escape the confines of their desks and spend a few days in a relaxing and inspiring setting where they can bond with their colleagues.
Corporate retreats serve as a cost-efficient way for businesses to invest in their employees and improve their work culture.
2. Top 17 Unique Corporate Retreat Locations
2.1. 5 Unique Corporate Retreat Locations in the USA
2.1.1. San Diego, California
The perfect place for beachside fun, San Diego offers a variety of accommodations for your retreat. Camp in the wilderness at Lake Jennings, or enjoy a luxe retreat at Hotel del Coronado. Make sure to try out the signature Cali Baja cuisine and endless craft beers.
Activities:
- Balboa Park – enjoy top-notch cultural and entertainment offerings in museums, art galleries, and gardens.
- Explore the caves at La Jolla marine reserve – build team spirit while snorkeling, scuba diving, and other activities.
- Explore the pristine Mission Beach & Pacific Beach along the Pacific coast – two popular sandy stretches ideal for team games and bonding.
2.1.2. New Orleans, Louisiana
The vibrant city of New Orleans makes for a must-try unique corporate retreat location. Accommodations include historical sites like the Higgins Hotel and fine boutique hotels like Old No.77. Take your team to the original Beignet at Cafe Du Monde and local favorites at Commander’s Palace Restaurant.
Activities:
- The French Quarter – from music and architecture to shopping, New Orleans’ most famous neighborhood has plenty of attractions.
- Listen at the New Orleans Jazz Museum – listen to free live jazz and learn all about its history.
- Audubon Zoo – have fun with a hands-on animal encounter at this popular zoo or float down the 750-foot lazy river.
2.1.3. Austin, Texas
With beautiful outdoor spaces, live music, and Southern Hospitality, Austin is surely a unique corporate retreat location. Their large variety of accommodations includes everything from camping resorts to lakeside resorts and spas. But the best part of the trip is their Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex.
Activities:
- Take a dip at Barton Springs Pool – cool off in the spring-fed, 3-acre pool after a long brainstorming session.
- Reimers Ranch Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt – a must-visit for outdoor team adventures like climbing and bouldering.
- Check out local talent at Mohawk – this is a fantastic destination bar and live music venue in downtown Austin.
2.1.4. Denver, Colorado
Mile High City promises outdoor adventures and plenty of culture and entertainment. Some of the best places to stay include the Crawford Hotel and the ART Hotel. And local food options like green chile, tacos, and brews will keep you full.
Activities:
- Convergence Station – find creative inspiration and enjoy mind-bending art for only $30 to $45 per person.
- Denver Microbrew Tour – beer enthusiasts will enjoy this 1.5-mile walking tour downtown.
- Red Rocks Amphitheater – catch a concert at this world-renowned venue, tour the museum for free, or explore the ochre landscape.
2.1.5. Las Vegas, Nevada
From the best casinos to the top-notch restaurants, you can find everything right on the Las Vegas Strip!
Activities:
- Sunbuggy – go off-roading and explore Nevada’s natural surroundings.
- Dig This Las Vegas – this heavy-equipment playground is great for bulldozing adventures and team building.
- Wreck Room Vegas – break some equipment for a stress-busting experience for all of your team members.
2.2. 5 Unique Corporate Retreat Locations in Europe
2.2.1. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is an inspiring city to bring your team. The BLESS Hotel is a popular location for many team-building and recreational activities. You can enjoy traditional paella, tapas, Spanish wine, and churros with chocolate.
Activities:
- Take in an immersive art exhibition at Matadero Madrid.
- Feast on gastronomic delights at the Vallehermoso Market for the best the city has to offer.
- Take your team to the Prado Museum to see some of Spain’s best works from artists like El Greco, Goya, Velázquez, and more.
2.2.2. Vienna, Austria
Vienna is a charming and unique corporate retreat location in Europe with many visual treats. It has stunning accommodations and some of the best bistros and coffeehouses in the country.
Activities:
2.2.3. Gran Canaria, Spain
Spain’s year-round sunny days and spectacular beaches are just what your team needs to beat the winter blues. Book the Parador de Cruz de Tejeda for a quiet retreat or the Bohemian Suites for more activities. Simple, hearty delicacies on the island include papas arrugadas, rancho canario, and sancocho.
Activities:
- Jardín Botánico Canario Viera y Clavijo – explore 27 hectares of this botanical garden.
- Museo Canario (Canarian Museum) – learn about the original inhabitants of the islands for a nice history lesson for your team.
- Vegeuta – exploring this atmospheric quarter will make you feel like you’re actually in ancient Spain.
2.2.4. Tuscany, Italy
Italy’s wine country is perfect for a laidback corporate retreat. Try one of the famous luxury villas, such as the Estate of Petroio, and savor local delicacies like Tuscan black croutons and Fiorentina.
Activities:
- Visit the home of the finest red wines in the world: the dense vineyards and medieval villages in the Chianti Valley.
- Pay a visit to the Medici Villas – a UNESCO heritage site for art, nature, and architecture lovers.
- “Fontana delle Sette Cannelle” or fountain of seven spouts – visit this 16th century fountain to marvel at its beautiful arches and sculptures.
2.2.5. Budapest, Hungary
A mix of old and new, Budapest will leave your team spoilt for choice. From a deluxe stay at the Four Seasons Gresham Palace to a budget-friendly one at the Baltazár, accommodation options are plenty. Goulash soup is a must-try delicacy.
Activities:
- Gift your team a rejuvenating private spa and sauna session – tickets to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths start at 7,500 Ft ($20).
- Party at Budapest’s original ruin bar – Szimpla Kert is an iconic nighttime stop.
- Cruise on the Danube – enjoy a relaxing sightseeing tour and dinner for $12.
2.3. 7 Unique Corporate Retreat Locations in Asia
2.3.1. Tanah Gajah, Bali, Indonesia
If your teammates are looking for a stay that showcases old-world charm along with modern luxury, check out Tanah Gajah. This property offers a diverse range of activities like painting, hot air ballooning, guided treks, and more for teams to enjoy. Head to CoppaTreat to book this property. This venue booking platform for corporate retreats and company offsites helps companies curate the perfect corporate retreat for their teams.
Activities:
The Art of Discovery – a diverse and fulfilling experience featuring a vintage VW Safari convertible wagon half-day tour uncovering Ubud’s raw cultural richness and hidden treasures, culminating in an intimate local Balinese lunch at Dua Dari, a Residence by Hadiprana.
Experience the adrenaline rush at Bali’s first purpose-built ATV track, offering a thrilling 4.5km course per lap designed for the boldest adventure seekers, featuring Polaris Buggies.
Experience “The Art of Flying” above the vibrant hues of Ubud with Tanah Gajah Ubud’s exclusive hot air balloon adventure, offering the island’s first and only aerial perspective of nature’s brilliance.
2.3.2. Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Retreat, Bali, Indonesia
For an indulgent health and wellness experience, have a look at Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Retreat. The eco-wellness resort combines ancient Balinese wisdom and modern practices to provide teams with a holistic experience that’s sure to leave them rejuvenated.
To know more about the property head to CoppaTreat, a venue booking platform that allows you to look at all the information you need about the location in one place.
2.3.3. Phuket, Thailand
With beautiful beaches and breathtaking sunsets, Phuket is all that a tropical paradise is supposed to be. There are many business hotels and villas for corporate retreat groups. There’s no shortage of restaurants with local specialties like pad thai and stuffed pancakes.
Activities:
- Go exploring Phang Nga Bay – canoe through serene caves and closed lagoons.
- Old Phuket Market – shop til you drop and take pics with gorgeous backdrops.
- Big Buddha at Nakkerd Hill – pay a visit to the 45-meter white marble statue and enjoy a bird’s view of the island.
2.3.4. Manila, Philippines
The title of ‘Rome of the East’ fits the vibrant city perfectly. Stay at an accessible spot like Seda Vertis North and easily find your way to Manila’s best food crawl adventure in Binondo.If you’re up for some tropical-themed fruity cocktails, make sure to check out the Coconut Club.
Activities:
- Intramuros – see many historic attractions at once with a guided walking tour.
- Art In Island – Asia’s largest 3D Art Museum, home to over 200 works of art.
- National Museum Complex – meet Lolong, the largest crocodile in captivity (or its skeletal remains).
- Yexel’s Toy Museum – check out the life-size toy collection of your favorite Marvel characters, cartoons, and action figures.
2.3.5. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Visit the ‘Pearl of Asia’ and enjoy rich architecture, colorful markets, and scenic cityscapes. Business accommodation options are plenty—fantastic options include White Mansion and Capri by Fraser. Try delicious dishes like fish amok and beef lok lak.
Activities:
- Royal Palace – take a guided tour to admire 19th-century Cambodian architecture.
- Mekong Trail – bike through local stilted wooden homes and businesses.
- Ta Prohm Temple – find out what Phnom Penh looked like before the arrival of the French for only $2 entry fee.
2.3.6. Jakarta, Indonesia
The culturally rich city of Jakarta is chock full of local attractions. Stay in 5-star accommodations like the Wyndham Casablanca. Stepping out for food? Try national dishes like nasi goreng, gado-gado, soto, sate, and rendang.
Activities:
- Taman Mini Indonesia Indah – a day trip to the park is around $2.
- Ragunan Zoo – walk amongst local flora and fauna, including a Komodo dragon.
- Menteng Flea Market – go shopping for antiques, vinyl records, wood carvings, textiles, and arts and crafts at this famous flea market.
2.3.7. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi effortlessly combines its rich history and culture with modern sensibilities. This is easy to see in its quaint homestays and campsites. Explore restaurants that offer local delicacies like pho, bun cha, ca phe trung, and more.
Activities:
- Water Puppet Theater – learn about famous legends through Vietnamese water puppetry.
- Ba Vi National Park – walk among diverse flora and fauna and enjoy stunning views and a hot spring.
- Hanoi Old Quarter – visit the old Hanoi areas to see the capital city’s iconic colonial architecture while enjoying local delicacies and tropical fruit.
3. FAQs
3.1. What makes a good corporate retreat?
A good corporate retreat ensures there’s ample recreation amid strategic meetings. It allows the group to accomplish business goals, get into the team-building spirit, and make meaningful connections.
3.2. How do you have a successful corporate retreat?
To ensure your retreat succeeds, set clear objectives and organize the event around them. Create an environment to encourage the sharing of ideas and robust discussion. Also, schedule time in between work meetings for recreation.
3.3. How do you structure a corporate retreat?
Structure your corporate retreat by clarifying your goals and selecting attendees, the venue, recreational activities, etc. Next, plan your hour-by-hour schedule around your business goals, recreation options, and location. Plan and prepare the logistics, accommodation, equipment, and meals. Finally, get your staff on board.
