While it seems crazy that we’re already looking toward 2025, the best company retreat locations often book out a year to 18 months in advance. So, if your team hasn’t started the retreat planning or sourcing journey for next year, it’s time to start!
A new array of stunning destinations has emerged on the global retreat scene, offering unique experiences tailored to rejuvenate and inspire your team both in the U.S. and internationally. From serene beachfront resorts to invigorating mountain escapes, the best company retreat locations for next year promise not only to foster collaboration and creativity but also to provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories and unbreakable bonds.
The Moniker Partners team has curated a list of their favorite spots to help your planners select the best retreat locations and retreat venues for your 2025 programming. Ready for some inspiration?
Essential Considerations for Picking the Perfect Retreat Venue
But first, if you’re new to sourcing unique locations and resorts for corporate events, where do you start? Our sourcing team has some recommendations for factors you should consider to choose a retreat venue that will meet your team’s unique requirements.
Location & Accessibility
You want to ensure that your team can access the venue within a reasonable amount of time. The last thing you need is for them to be so exhausted from travel they can’t enjoy the experience. Plus, you want to ensure there are enough activities and amenities within driving distance of the venue to meet your retreat goals.
Accommodation Quality
Can your team rest and relax comfortably? Part of choosing luxury corporate retreat locations is ensuring that there’s an R&R element, and if the spot isn’t cozy and clean, it makes that difficult.
Activities & Amenities
Check for available on-site activities that complement the retreat’s goals, such as hiking, spa services, or water sports. You’ll also want to look for nearby attractions and optional excursions you can add to the agenda.
Retreat Budget
This one is pretty straightforward. Does it fit within your budget? Don’t forget to factor in additional costs like service fees, taxes, or additional activity charges.
Food & Beverage Options
While traveling, you want to ensure your team is nourished with fresh, wholesome cuisine that meets all dietary restrictions – no Hampton Inn hotel breakfasts, please.
Reviews & References
What are other teams saying about the properties you’re considering? Make sure you read the reviews. This is why many teams choose to have Moniker experts do the sourcing because we’ve actually experienced hosting meetings at hundreds of locations around the world and know what questions to ask!
Top Company Retreat Locations Worldwide
Now that you know what to look for, ready to explore the best company retreat locations and executive retreat locations worldwide?
Mountain Lodges in Colorado: Adventure Meets Work
A study done by psychologists found that those who spend time immersed in nature for four days showed a 50% improvement in creativity. If your team is feeling creatively stifled, a retreat at a lodge nestled in a mountainous natural oasis may be the solution.
Featured Venue: Dunton Hot Springs | Rico, CO, USA
Dunton Hot Springs is an exclusive resort set in a restored 1800s ghost town in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. How cool is that? The resort offers not only five-star accommodations and cuisine but also rejuvenating hot springs, along with modern amenities needed for a team retreat like functional high-speed internet.
Check out more of the best locations for corporate retreats in Colorado.
Beach Resorts in Florida: Sunshine and Strategy Sessions
For teams that want a tropical escape in the United States, Florida is the solution. Sun, sand, and stunning palm trees peppering the coastline provide inspiration and zen for just about every team.
Featured Venue: Ocean's Edge Resort & Marina | Key West, FL, USA
Oceans Edge Key West Resort & Marina offers a luxurious oceanfront escape on Stock Island, featuring six saltwater pools, a full-service marina, and a variety of watersports like paddleboarding and kayaking so your team has built-in activities, which is always a bonus.
Check out more unique corporate retreat locations in Florida.
Luxury Estates near NYC: Convenience Meets Elegance
While there’s a time and place for everything, sometimes you need to get your team out of the city and into a serene, natural playground. The plus of New York City is that there are so many options for a scenic escape, with drive time under a couple of hours from the heart of the city.
Featured Venue: Cedar Lakes Estate | Port Jervis, NY, USA
Essentially a summer camp for adults, Cedar Lakes Estate in the heart of Hudson Valley is the farthest thing from city living you’ll get. But you’re there in just over two hours’ drive time from NYC. Dinners in the garden, s’mores under the stars, sessions on the lake – it’s all part of the experience. But, bunk beds aren’t. The accommodation is sleek and modern with luxurious en-suite cottages featuring all necessary amenities.
Check out more best company retreat locations near NYC here.
Winery Retreats in California: Blend Team Building with Wine Tasting
How many times have you had some of your best ideas after sipping on a glass of bold Cab Sav? If you’re nodding in agreement – you’re not alone. Napa is a hub for artistic creation. From the artful agriculture to the cuisine and of course, the wine, your team will be able to indulge, pamper themselves, and most importantly, create magic together.
Featured Venue: Auberge du Soleil | Napa Valley, CA, USA
There are few places in this world as indulgent as an Auberge property. Put that property in the heart of one of the most decadent wine regions in the world and you have pure bliss. The Auberge du Soleil offers a world-class spa, activities like cycling the Napa Valley Vine Trail, and hot air balloon rides above the vines, as well as comfortable Provençal-style suites with panoramic views of the area.
Check out more Napa retreat locations here.
Nature Escapes in Costa Rica: Wellness and Wildlife Adventures
Despite being such a small country, Costa Rica accounts for 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Areas like Guanacaste and Papagayo Peninsula are filled with properties designed for rest, relaxation, and gathering – with stunning scenery and experiences around every corner.
Featured Venue: Villa Punto de Vista Estate | Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
One of the best small corporate retreat locations for an intimate gathering, Villa Punto de Vista sits in the heart of a 2.5-acre nature reserve in Manuel Antonio with ultimate privacy and natural immersion. This means your team will be greeted each morning by sloths and monkeys while gazing at the gorgeous Pacific Ocean. While there’s meeting space on-site, you also have over 20 different spots for team-building activities and the villa kitchen is a perfect spot for a private Costa Rican cooking class.
Check out more of the best company retreat locations in Costa Rica.
Historic Castles & Estates in the UK: Majestic Settings for Inspiration
Whether strutting the lively streets of London or soaking in the scenery of the Scottish Highlands, the U.K. is filled with historic estates turned luxe resort properties ideal for corporate retreats.
Featured Venue: Cameron House on Loch Lomond | West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, U.K.
This elegant, restored 17th-century mansion estate is a resort that has all the amenities that make retreat planning simple. Luxe accommodations paired with a robust on-site activities program including options like speed boat trips, 4x4 adventures, champagne cruises, an in-house cinema, pony trekking, clay-pigeon shooting, enchanted forest tours, and even more. Team-building is always next level.
Check out more corporate retreat venues in the U.K.
Ski Resorts in Switzerland: Combine Meetings with Skiing
Is your team a winter-loving bunch? While Switzerland is incredible in all seasons, there’s something about a cozy ski lodge meeting that brings people closer between ski or snowshoeing sessions. It makes it one of the best team-building destinations, according to our team and clients!
Featured Venue: HUUS Gstaad Hotel | Saanen-Gstaad, Switzerland
This quintessential Swiss lodge is the ideal corporate retreat location in the colder months because of its world-class ski center with tons of winter activities that are actually included in the room rate. Team members can borrow boots, ski equipment, walking poles, and more to be able to enjoy the snowy scenery without having to bring everything with them.
Check out more European retreat locations here.
Desert Oases in Arizona: Secluded Spots for Strategic Planning
With its stunning desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and picturesque canyons, Arizona offers a variety of adventurous activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining, promoting teamwork and collaboration. Plus, the state is also rich in Native American history and Southwestern culture, offering team-building opportunities that include cultural tours, art workshops, and culinary experiences that foster cultural appreciation and team bonding.
Featured Venue: Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia | Scottsdale, AZ, USA
Southern Spain or Arizona? You may not be able to tell at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia. Inspired by Andalusian design, the desert palms are accented by the shadows of the immense Camelback Mountains right in the hotel’s backyard. They offer plentiful resort activities as well as a prime location for outdoor adventure.
Check out more incredible Scottsdale group retreat locations.
Urban Innovation Hubs: Energize Teams with City Vibes
Being surrounded by the biggest in the industry is always a good push for inspiration. Take your team to the heart of Silicon Valley or Austin, Texas where they’re pioneering tech and setting the foundation for our future world every day.
Featured Venue: Miraval Austin | Austin, TX, USA
But you don’t need to spend all of your time in the city, even if you are looking for business retreat locations. Get your team out into Texas Hill Country for a bit of R&R. Miraval Austin is less than 20 miles from all the action in downtown Austin. While a wellness-focused, secluded resort, they like to say, “There’s no question that you’re in Austin,” as Texan hospitality and innovation shine. Spend a day or two in the city on a team-building adventure, and then come to relax and continue building in this peaceful haven designed for connection.
Check out more retreat locations near San Francisco and Austin.
Endless Splendor and Lively Culture in Portugal: For exceptional hospitality and natural beauty
If you need a middle ground for teams in the U.S. and Europe, Portugal is the happy medium. Easily accessible from both continents, affordable, with diverse landscapes from historic landmarks to lush vineyards to cliff-dotted coastlines, Portugal has it all.
Featured Venue: Pestana Palace Lisboa | Lisbon, Portugal
Pestana Palace Lisboa is a sprawling hotel situated inside a captivating 19th-century palace that has been impeccably restored to feature both historical charm and modern luxury. A part of the popular and artsy Chiado neighborhood, your team has access to some of the city’s most popular highlights within walking distance.
Check out more of the best retreat locations in Lisbon.
Adventure and Relaxation in Mexico: Palm-fringed beaches, steamy jungles, and teeming cities to re-energize your team
As many like to say, Mexico is always a good idea. Not only is it highly accessible with tons of places to have a retreat, stunning landscapes, and diverse food and activities, but groups get VAT exemptions which makes it affordable as well.
Featured Venue: Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen | Playa del Carmen, Mexico
It isn’t often that you find gorgeous beachfront downtown resorts, and that’s exactly what you get with Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen. The resort can either be all-inclusive or a-la-carte, which gives your group flexibility. Plus, there are two international airports your team can fly into – Tulum (TQO) or Cancun (CUN) – and there are a ton of adventure parks, underground cenotes, zipline excursions, and more close by for team adventuring.
Check out more luxury corporate retreat locations in Mexico and Cancun/Tulum specifically.
Incorporating Local Culture into Your Corporate Retreat
A survey done by a global travel brand uncovered that over 75% of travelers have made lifelong friendships when traveling.
What fosters this? Oftentimes, it’s shared cultural experiences that fit seamlessly into a corporate retreat agenda in distinct locations like we shared today. Adding local flavor to your event – literally and figuratively – can have a huge impact on connections and ROI.
Here are a few simple ways to add that local flair:
Try Local Cuisine
Incorporate regional dishes and culinary traditions into your meals, offering a taste of the local flavors and culture. Arrange for cooking classes or food tours led by local chefs to deepen the experience.
The Vivun team culminated their retreat by taking a private train to an alpine lodge for a traditional fondue dinner with local wine, and our own Moniker team celebrated over a traditional Italian dinner amidst the vines in a Chianti vineyard in Tuscany.
Add Cultural Activities to the Agenda
Schedule cultural activities such as traditional music and dance performances, visits to local museums, or art workshops. These activities provide insight into the region's heritage and allow team members to engage with local traditions.
The Real team’s Los Cabos retreat included a city tour, ziplining, a salsa class, and local fire dancers, while the Help Scout’s Quebec retreat included an indigenous storyteller.
Incorporate a Community Engagement Aspect
Organize community service projects or partnerships with local businesses and artisans. This not only gives back to the community but also offers a deeper understanding of local issues and fosters team bonding through meaningful situations that can really influence your team’s perspective on life and business.
The Airalo Academy Thailand retreat allowed the team to visit an elephant sanctuary where rescued elephants are given a second chance at life and the Vivun Vietnam retreat featured a volunteer-based day trip to a local school.
Planning Your Itinerary: Balancing Work with Leisure
When you’re choosing epic destinations like this, your time shouldn’t be spent inside the meeting space 24/7. We hear from a lot of clients that most of the real connections and ideas sparked happen outside the four walls of the venue.
But, how do you strike that balance?
We encourage clients to plan fun outdoor adventures, engaging team-building activities, luxe spa treatments, or cultural excursions for downtime. With this, you’re fostering connections and sparking creativity while having fun simultaneously. This harmonious blend ensures that attendees return to the office refreshed, motivated, and more cohesive as a unit. Ultimately, this benefits both your organization and your team for a true win-win situation.
If you want some inspiration you can find a few real client agenda examples here and here (the secret to balance is in these pages).
Ask the Experts
Still not sure the right options are here for your group? Explore even more blog posts for retreat location inspiration near Boston, Nevada, and North Carolina, or explore retreat locations worldwide.
But, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the retreat sourcing process, the Moniker team can provide you with an array of hand-selected destinations, potential team activities, and more. We're here to help, get in touch and we'll provide plenty more options for you and your team.
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