“Keep Austin Weird”

That’s the slogan adopted by the city as its motto back in 2000 during a radio contest, and it certainly seems to have stuck. 

Austin is a bit of an anomaly in Texas. It’s extremely liberal. It’s decidedly urban. It’s also proudly progressive and, well… weird. You’ll notice it in the eclectic shops and bars that are sprinkled around the neighbourhoods of SoCo or Rainey Street, or in the colourful murals and graffiti that adorn the city's alleys along 5th & 6th Ave, or in the people you’ll come across in Zilker Park, Austin’s very own little “Central Park” in the heart of the downtown. 

Austin is a city that has embraced diversity and creativity right alongside a deep heritage and respect for tradition that permeate every walk of life for Austinities, from the pathways of the University campus that criss-cross a large portion of the downtown area, right through to the halls of the Texas State Capitol which stands tall over the city.

So, why plan a company retreat in Austin? 

Austin, Texas, is a city that has it all - a thriving music scene, delicious food, a rich cultural heritage, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Located in the heart of ‘Texas Hill Country’, Austin is surrounded by rolling hills, lush green fields, scenic lakes, and rippling rivers. The city and its surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature - with hiking and biking trails in every direction, numerous parks, swimmable lakes and rivers, local hidden gems, and golf courses aplenty. These outdoor spaces make Austin an ideal location for fostering employee engagement through recreational activities and team exercises.

In addition to outdoor activities, Austin is an entertainment paradise. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," it is home to a diverse range of music venues, from intimate bars along 5th Avenue to massive concert halls. Music lovers can catch a live show any night of the week and experience the vibrant energy of the city. Break out of your comfort zone and join your co-workers for some karaoke (a great team-building activity, we might add), or head to a live show for some evening fun. It doesn’t stop there - the culinary scene in Austin is nothing less than a foodie’s haven. Its diverse gastronomic culture draws inspiration from all over the world with classic Texan BBQ around every corner, while modern fusion cuisine and unique food trucks are a staple of the city. 

Austin is a great city to visit, and an even better place to host your corporate retreat. From high-class restaurants, hip guestrooms, and award-winning golf courses, the city is full of fantastic hotels sure to ‘Wow’ your guests. Among the various unique corporate retreat locations we’ve traveled to, Austin has proven over and over to be a solid choice. Here are a few of our favourite venues to host your corporate retreat in Austin: 

Our Top Corporate Retreat Venues in Austin

Austin is a vibrant city with a wide range of corporate retreat venues that cater to different needs and preferences. Here are some of our top picks.

Retreat Locations In Austin Proper: 

Hotel ZaZa Austin 

If you're looking for something with a little extra pizzazz, look no further than Hotel ZaZa. This unique and eclectic hotel is located in the heart of downtown Austin and offers guests a one-of-a-kind experience. The hotel boasts a rooftop pool, fitness center, and a full-service spa, sure to make your stay unforgettable. The hotel's onsite restaurant, Perfect Strangers, serves up mouthwatering cuisine inspired by Texas flavours.

Modern sophistication meets southern charm in each of the 159 guest rooms, uniquely decorated with bold colours and leather accents, and stocked with updated amenities. The hotel offers 8 meeting rooms of varying sizes, sure to fit the needs of any group. 

Hotel Van Zandt 

Giving its visitors a front-row seat to all the action Austin has to offer is Hotel Van Zandt. Inspired by Austin's vibrant music scene, this hotel celebrates the city's rich musical heritage with music memorabilia and artwork throughout the space. The hotel's onsite restaurant, Geraldine's, serves up mouthwatering Southern-inspired cuisine, and the rooftop pool and stunning city skyline views make this hotel a must-visit destination. 

Anything but basic, every one of the hotel's 319 guest rooms is dressed to impress. With calm blues, cool grays, and dazzling gold accents across lush furnishings and amenities, you are in for the epitome of boutique-style luxury. An industry leader and award-winning property, the Hotel Van Zandt is a perfect base whether you plan to crash hard or chill out.

Arrive Austin 

Welcome to Arrive Hotel, where vintage charm meets modern luxury in the heart of Austin. This boutique hotel is a true gem, boasting a vibrant and eclectic design that seamlessly blends vintage touches with modern amenities. From the moment you step inside, you'll be transported to a world of colour and character, with lush greenery, retro-inspired furnishings, and playful accents throughout. 

The 83 guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with your comfort in mind, featuring plush bedding, oversized windows, and plenty of natural light. Its prime location in downtown Austin lends itself to nearby activities and is close to the city’s best entertainment.

Company Retreat Venues Outside of Austin:

Omni Barton Creek 

A 25-minute drive from Austin and perched on over 4,000 acres of beautifully landscaped land sits Omni Barton Creek. This resort is the ultimate retreat for visitors looking for a luxurious escape. With four championship golf courses, a world-class spa, and multiple dining options, you'll be living the high life. 

The 493 spacious guest rooms and suites highlight their Texas Countryside surroundings with tasteful Modern Hill Country décor, and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. The property has ample meeting room space suitable for various needs - large ballrooms for company-wide meetings, and smaller, more intimate rooms perfect for coworking or breakout sessions. Whether you're there for a little work or a little play, Omni Barton Creek is the perfect spot for your corporate getaway.

Hyatt Regency Lost Pines 

Experience the peacefulness and beauty of the Greater Austin Area at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort. Located just a short drive from downtown Austin, this resort offers a secluded getaway in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Surrounded by natural beauty and endless activities, from hiking and biking to horseback riding and kayaking, there is plenty of room for fun. The resort also boasts a championship golf course, a luxurious full-service spa, and multiple dining options. 

The resort's 491 guestrooms blend in with the natural landscape—each boasting views of rolling hills for miles on end. Featuring plush bedding, balconies, and luxe amenities, you can't help but wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed. Work and play easily blend together with 16 meeting rooms at Lost Pines, from unique spaces for the whole team, to personalized meeting rooms for your smaller gatherings. 

Miraval Austin Resort & Spa

For those looking to focus on wellness and mindfulness during their corporate retreat in Austin, the Miraval Austin Resort & Spa is the perfect destination. Set on 220 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country, this resort offers a variety of activities to help guests find balance and inner peace. With yoga and fitness classes, fly fishing, spa activities, and challenging team courses like high-ropes, there is truly something for everyone. 

Their 117 guestrooms are relaxing havens built in harmony with nature. By using a soft neutral colour palate, bespoke furnishings, specially-selected fabrics, hand-crafted accessories and art to create a restorative atmosphere, waking up has never felt so good. 

Activities for Team-Building

Team-building is an essential part of any team retreat. Here are some activities that can help foster team cohesion and productivity:

  • Outdoor Adventures: Austin is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. These activities not only provide a fun and adventurous experience but also encourage teamwork and communication among team members.
  • Team Sports: Organize a game of soccer, basketball, or volleyball to encourage teamwork and communication. Team sports are a great way to build camaraderie and foster a sense of unity among team members.
  • Cooking Classes: Take a cooking class together and learn how to prepare a new cuisine. Cooking classes provide a fun and interactive way to build teamwork and collaboration skills while enjoying delicious food.
  • Wine Tastings: Visit a local vineyard and participate in a wine tasting session. Wine tastings offer a relaxed and enjoyable setting for team members to bond and build relationships.
  • Escape Rooms: Challenge your team to an escape room and see how they work together to solve puzzles and escape. Escape rooms are a fun and engaging way to promote problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Planning Your Corporate Retreat in Austin: 

Selecting a location for your next company retreat or offsite is the first step, and once this is done, everything else will fall into place. Building your agenda can feel daunting (btw: we've got some tips and tricks!), especially if this is your first time around. There are a number of things to consider when planning the remainder of your corporate retreat. Want help planning your corporate retreat in the Austin, TX area? We can help.

Here are some of the biggest things to consider: 

Budget: While the location of your retreat is key, selecting a budget beforehand will ensure that your priorities are straight, your venues and activities are planned accordingly, and you can set a standard going in - and coming out of your retreat. We've become budget experts ourselves, and if you're looking for a guide on how much to expect to spend on a company retreat or offsite, we've got you covered. 

Length: While it sounds like a great idea to host a long corporate retreat with lots of time for fun activities, it's imperative that you consider your employees and their schedules (especially ones with families!). A 3-night, 4-day retreat is a great length to get everything done - from meetings to optional activities. 

Structure: After building corporate retreat agendas for years, we know that the most efficient length for a corporate retreat is between 4 and 5 days. This gives enough time for people to adjust, settle in, and prepare for the week. Finding the right balance is key to ensuring folks have enough time to enjoy themselves, but also enough time to work together. Additionally, this is when you decide on the kinds of activities you'll plan - meetings, pleasure, or a perfect mix of both. 

The world is vast and full of awe-inspiring destinations to visit. From bucket list spots on every continent to incredible cuisine and jaw-dropping activities, creating a list of 'must-see' places can be a task within itself. We know for a fact that finding the perfect location for a corporate retreat can be overwhelming and requires a lot of thought in selecting the ideal location. 

This is where we come in: we are a team of travel experts who specialize in planning and coordinating corporate retreats from beginning to end. Yes, you read that correctly - we handle every aspect of the retreat, from crafting a proposal to signing hotel contracts, to organizing company swag and reconciling the budget. As avid travellers ourselves, we are passionate about creating memorable experiences for our clients. Reach out to find out more about Moniker, get started on a proposal, or just to chat about your company's retreat needs.