Everyone has their own idea of what a corporate retreat means. They can envision themselves relaxing in the countryside or sunbathing on the shore as they relax after a long year in the office. Or they might think that it’s party time and want a high-end resort in a more vibrant city. The good news is that there is something for everyone, with amazing corporate retreat locations right across the country. The best news is that the wealth of options doesn’t make choosing any easier. Here are the different types of locations out there to help you narrow down the best option for your team.
The Different Types Of Locations For Corporate Retreats
1) Urban retreats
This first option is a matter of taste. A lot of employees looking for a corporate retreat will appreciate a more gentle pace in rural settings such as those below. This is particularly true if your team has spent months stressing over projects in a downtown highrise with no green spaces in sight. However, those of you who operate in smaller towns with a more mundane pace of life may value the chance to vacation in a big city. These trips offer the chance to let your hair down together, see the sights, enjoy tourist spots and fine dining, and still have the company bonding experience. Examples of city retreats are broad. You could go for the big energy of New York, the history of Washington, the modern feel of Austin, or the music of Nashville.
2) Countryside retreats.
The opposite side of the coin to those vibrant city breaks is to head into the countryside. For example, if you work non-stop in New York City, a retreat out in the Hudson Valley may be the change of pace you need. These trips are a chance to escape into a different landscape and maybe unplug from technology for a while. You can hike the trails, go biking or horse-riding, and enjoy some interesting team-building events. Some of the best of these rural retreats are out in wine country, such as the resorts in Napa. These wine-tasting tours are a great reward for months of productivity. Again the range of options is vast. You can go pretty much anywhere across the United States, including the Midwest and up into Vermont.
3) Beach retreats
This is a theme that’s popular with a lot of employees, but not all. You really need to be sure that your team is the type to laze on the beach in the sun and wouldn’t rather be in a cooler location with a more comfortable wardrobe. Beach retreats are all about the setting. You can create fun activities on the sand, with some great team-building games, and then relax in the sun and watch the sunset over the horizon. The best areas also have plenty of options for watersports, boat trips, beachfront dining, and more. Just remember that the temperature and overall vibe vary between locations. Florida brings the intensity, while Californian sports like San Diego and Santa Cruz are more chilled. The alternative is always the seafront of New Jersey, with its great boardwalks and entertainment, and far less chance of sunburn.
4) Desert retreats
Another option is to discover corporate retreat locations in the desert. This one might sound a little strange compared to the option of going to a beach or wine region. However, a desert location is a good way to really get away from everything and back to nature. Employees can unwind in a landscape free from large office buildings and grey steel. They can hike through the landscape, recharge, and enjoy some unusual team-building activities. Southwestern sites, such as New Mexico and Arizona, are perfect for this and provide a taste of a new culture. Alternatively, there are areas where you can get the best of both worlds. You can spend the day with the team exploring the desert close to Palm Springs and Las Vegas but still get the creature comforts of a nice resort and urban setting.
5) Lake retreats
f the desert sounds far too dry, hot, and bleak for a relaxing corporate retreat, there’s always the option of a lakeside resort. Lakes are inherently relaxing – whether you want to swim, lay by the shore, or enjoy the sounds of nature. The quality resorts and lodges beside them just add to that whole vibe. Some of the rural lake retreats like Lake Tahoe and Minnesota are always popular. However, you can also enjoy some time on the water with retreats in Chicago and Ohio.
6) Mountain retreats
Finally, there is the option of a mountain retreat. These can be a little more inaccessible and require some planning to reach your destination. Still, they are worth the effort for the promise of clean air, quiet locations, and no urban stress. These sites are also great for outdoor pursuits and team-building adventures. There is also nowhere else that you can enjoy some skiing or snowboarding as part of your trip. Again, these retreats come in different shapes and sizes. Some are more intensive and remote, such as those out in Wyoming, while others are more accessible, such as the mountains of California. Those who want skiing can benefit from a more high-end retreat to Colorado, while those who want the city can enjoy mountain trips from Seattle.
Where Will Your Next Corporate Retreat Take You?
The list of options for corporate retreat locations is extensive. There is so much variety that it shouldn’t be difficult to find something your team will love. If they crave a relaxing getaway from the city, the lakes, mountains, and upstate countryside retreats are the way to go. If they need to blow off some steam and have fun, perhaps it’s time to go to the beach or a big city. Check out the different options in your chosen state and go from there. Get feedback from your team to see which is the best approach, and then start planning your team’s next adventure.
