Think of executive corporate retreats as a chance for the bigwigs to take a breather from the daily grind, clear their heads, and bounce back to the office with a fresh burst of energy and ideas. It's like hitting the reset button for leaders, swapping spreadsheets for strategy sessions and water coolers for brainstorm bonfires.
These retreats aren't just a relic of corporate history; they're making a big comeback post-pandemic. Companies are realizing the power of mixing work with a bit of play, all outside the cubicle walls. It's a chance for management to mingle, hatch plans, and plot the course for the company's future, without the usual office distractions hogging the spotlight.
Whether you're a newbie to the retreat scene or dusting off the old playbook, here's the lowdown on executive corporate retreats and how to make them pop.
What exactly is an executive retreat?
It's like a power-packed powwow where the C-suite crew swap ideas, dive into team-building antics, and sharpen their strategic axes. While some retreats wrap up in a day or two, others stretch into a week-long extravaganza, depending on the vibe and budget.
Usually, a seasoned facilitator takes the reins, guiding the ship through the waves of brainstorming and bonding. They're the gurus behind the scenes, cooking up the perfect recipe for success and picking the ultimate retreat spot. If you need more tips for planning, we got you covered with this executive retreat blog post.
Sure, you could cram into a stuffy conference room, but where's the fun in that? Executive retreats are all about dialing up the excitement, whether it's hitting the jackpot in Vegas, sailing the high seas on a cruise, or kicking back at a cozy hotel with all the fixings. And hey, don't sweat the cost; there's something for every budget and vibe. The goal is to match the retreat's price tag with tangible outcomes, making every dollar count.
Ready to start planning an executive retreat? Here are a couple of our top recommendation locations that are sure to wow your c-suite group:
Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland
The highly decorated Inn sits on an island, off an island, at one of the four corners of the Earth. Every one of its 29 one-of-a-kind guestrooms and suites has dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto the wildest and most powerful ocean on the planet. With seven singular seasons, every journey here is unique bringing about its own activities and adventures. Meals are included and served in a swanky sea-view restaurant. The powerful landscapes and secluded location make Fogo Island Inn the perfect setting for a strategic executive retreat.
Property Highlights:
- 29 Guest Rooms
- Restaurant & Bar
- Gym & Sauna
- Cinema
- Boardroom & co-working space
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, Tofino
They say the journey is just as important as the destination, and Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is certainly no exception. One of the most renowned resorts in Canada, here you can experience authentic luxury, bespoke adventure and restorative escape, wrapped up in 5-star service. This upscale, tented resort is open seasonally and reached only by seaplane or a 30-minute boat ride from Tofino. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by safari-style tents complete with all the amenities you would expect at a 5-star resort.
Property Highlights:
- 25 Guest Rooms
- 2 Dining Tents
- Wellness Spa
- All-Inclusive Packages
Bardessono, Napa Valley
Flowing water, natural stone, and inspired architecture that incorporates sustainable design to harness natural light and open space come together to form Bardessono, an industrial-chic hotel that blends the 4 natural elements creating a sanctuary unlike any other in Napa Valley. The hotel's signature restaurant offers "field-to-fork" garden-inspired cuisine and other onsite perks include a spa, yoga classes and a pool.
Property Highlights:
- 62 Guest Rooms
- Restaurant & Bar
- Therapeutic Spa
- Multiple Meeting Rooms
Blackberry Farm, Tennessee
Situated on a serene 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains this 5-star property offers an ideal setting to escape the modern-day frenzy. Celebrated for its impeccable service and unsurpassed accommodations, here, no detail big or small goes unattended, promising legendary service and personalization. Spectacular views, an award-winning restaurant, and an endless array of activities year-round it's easy to see why Blackberry Farm is one of the top rated properties in the world and an ideal location for an executive retreat.
Property Highlights:
- 60 Guest Rooms
- Restaurant & Bar
- Wellness Centre & Spa
- Meeting Rooms
Broadmoor Cloud Camp, Colorado Springs
Sitting in the clouds with an obstructed 360-degree view showcasing the incomparable splendor of Pikes Peak - Broadmoor Cloud Camp is an authentic Colorado escape. Coupled with culinary delights highlighting the very best seasonal produce and unrivaled access to a plethora of outdoor adventures. This upscale ranch is a remote retreat affording guests the opportunity to escape and recharge.
Property Highlights:
- 42 Guest Rooms
- Restaurant & Bar
- Multiple Meeting Rooms
- All-Inclusive Packages
Bringing your team to one of the above executive retreat locations is a sure way to make sure your team benefits from your retreat, leaves feeling stronger, gets to work with their fellow leaders one-on-one, and has a blast doing it!
The world’s luxury and bucket-list destinations are always shifting, so don’t worry, we’ve got you covered: check out some of our other blog posts for great travel destinations like Boston, Nevada, and unique destinations in South Africa or Europe! Don’t forget to check out more of our recommendations, ideas and venues for your next executive retreat! Happy travelling!
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