5 Amazing Out of the Box Destinations For Your Next Corporate Retreat

Your colleagues and work companions are, in a way, your family. So, finding new ways to incentivize your team and build relationships is paramount as remote work and hybrid employment become increasingly commonplace. Undoubtedly, taking a corporate retreat is a great way to incentivize your team and allow for team-building activities. 

The destination you choose for your next corporate retreat will set the tone for the type of experience your team will have. Of course, your destination has to be relaxing and fun, but deciding on a destination amongst thousands of different options can be challenging. We recommend you consider your overall goals, the type of mindset you want your team to have during the retreat, and whether the destination aligns with your companies mission and culture. For example, although an all-inclusive vacation in Mexico is an excellent choice for many corporate retreats, the abundance of alcohol and late-night parties can lead to some uncomfortable situations for certain members of your team who may not wish to partake in these activities. 

Take time to consider the tone and ambiance of a destination and whether it will provide the type of experience that will truly strengthen your team. 

So, if you’re looking to host an incredible corporate retreat and want it to be as unique and enticing as your brand, here are 5 excellent out-of-the-box destinations to consider.

Costa Rica

A ruggedly beautiful Central American country, Costa Rica is a gorgeous destination offering a wide array of activities and itinerary options. Costa Rica has much to offer companies seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations from its wild rainforest to mythical waterfalls to unbelievable coastlines. In addition, Costa Rica promises excellent fresh cuisine bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Although the flight to Costa Rica may be long for families and big groups, traveling via air should not be a hassle. Here are some airport tips.

Why Should You Consider Costa Rica For Your Next Corporate Retreat

Costa Rica is an ideal team-building retreat for adventure lovers and companies whose mission and culture align with sustainability, eco-friendliness, and commitment to the health and wellness of their employees. The country has some of the world’s longest ziplines, thrilling rainforests, excellent surfing waves, and relaxing yoga and wellness resorts. So, if your team has adventure lovers, yogis, or thrill-seekers, take them to Costa Rica. Consider including fun team-building activities and mindfulness and relaxation sessions to stimulate creativity. Adding wellness to any vacation is a great idea and can help bring serenity to employees. 

The Ideal Itinerary

A 5-10 day itinerary is ideal for corporate retreats to Costa Rica. The itinerary should typically include a trip to the Arenal Volcanic National Park, ziplining excursions, a visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, and of course, relaxing beach time. Implementing team-building time into the itinerary is also a must!

Top Resorts/Hotels

Costa Rica has many beautiful resorts, but here are a few of the very best for luxurious corporate retreats:

• Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts

The Hacienda AltaGracia Resort in Costa Rica is ideally located near one of only five “Blue Zones” globally. People in Blue Zones are known to live longer, healthier lives related to their plant-based diets and low-stress levels. Situated near the Talamanca Mountains, this gorgeous luxury resort is outstanding. Housing comfortable rooms complete with fantastic service and even pillow menus to guarantee a great night’s sleep! 

• Nantipa, Tico Beach

This boutique, beachfront, luxury resort offers spa treatments, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, and paddle-boarding activities. It is one of the most beautiful resorts in Costa Rica, with contemporary suites and a pristinely untouched location. Nantipa offers 15 bungalows and suites spaciously scattered amongst a 5.7-acre property, guaranteeing privacy and making this a perfect option for a buy-out. Schedule a morning yoga session, encourage long walks on the beach, and watch as your team forms life-long bonds. 

• El Mangroove, Autograph Collection

El Mangroove is a calming haven, a contemporary boutique hotel, perfect for companies looking to reward their team with a relaxing and laid-back retreat. Its Bohemian ambiance, boutique hospitality, and a stunning beachfront location in Guanacaste offer convenience (only 20 minutes to the Liberia International Airport) and authenticity. 

• Nayara Springs Relais & Chateaux

Indulge in a close-to-nature, relaxed luxury stay at the Nayara Springs. The boutique, adults-only resort has 35 villas surrounded by dense rainforests and views of the Arenal Volcano. The villas come with private pools fed by natural spring water from the Arenal Volcano. Schedule a private yoga class in the open-air pavilion and a morning birdwatching experience to catch a glimpse of toucans, hummingbirds, and hundreds of other unique species. 

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a world-renown year-round destination. A popular ski resort in winter and a gateway to two National Parks for incredible hiking, fishing, and rafting. 

Why Should You Consider Jackson Hole For Your Next Corporate Retreat?

Jackson Hole is a stellar destination for skiers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers. So if you think your team is due for a little dose of adrenaline, wide-open spaces, and a naturally social-distanced style of travel, then you should plan a Jackson Hole team-building retreat!

The Ideal itinerary

In our opinion, the ideal itinerary for US travelers should be around 4-7 days. Spring, summer, and fall retreats should include Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks visits, horseback riding, and fly-fishing. Consider cross country and downhill skiing, snowmobiling, and backcountry adventures if you’re planning a winter retreat.

Top Resorts/Hotels

Here are the top hotels and resorts:

• The Cloudveil

The Cloudveil by Autograph Collections is a stunning mountain lodge. This property is a relatively new, luxury boutique hotel. Located near the Grand Teton National Park and offering an enriching Jackson experience, this is a dreamy destination for your next boutique corporate retreat.

• Spring Creek Ranch

Surrounded by the Yellowstone National park and the Grand Teton National park and sporting a rustic, natural look, the Spring Creek Ranch is an outdoorsy hotel that will keep all your nature and adventure lovers happy.

• Hotel Terra Jackson

An ideal base camp to the exciting slopes of Jackson Hole, the Hotel Terra Jackson is perfect for luxurious team-building retreats. Hit the slopes in the morning, then gather for après-ski and idea exchanges in the afternoon.

• Caldera House

Positioned in the heart of Teton Village, the Caldera House is an all-suites hotel and alpine club. It promises relaxed ski-in, ski-out luxury, and privacy for your executive team seeking a quick getaway or family-friendly team-building experience.  If skiing piques the interest of your team, here is a list of the top 5 family-friendly ski resorts in North America if Wyoming isn’t feasible. 

Alaska

Allow your team to unplug from their strenuous routine, hours of zoom-meetings, and endless screen time by exploring Alaska. This is truly the last frontier, where adventure and natural wonder are guaranteed. With stunning views of snow-capped mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and northern lights, a team-building retreat in Alaska is unforgettable.

Why Should You Consider Alaska For Your Next Corporate Retreat?

Above all, Alaska is a family-oriented destination, so if you’re extending generosity to employee families and hoping for a family-friendly retreat that accommodates moderate to luxury budgets, then Alaska is a great choice. Home to national parks and breathtaking glaciers, Alaska has the privilege of offering both ocean cruises and land itineraries.

Ideal Itinerary

Whether you want to take your team to explore Alaska by land or sea, the experience promises to be unforgettable. To make the most of the long travel time, we recommend a 7-10 day stay. Plan to visit the national parks where you can schedule glacier walks, fly fishing, hiking and kayaking. 

Top Cruises:

One of the best ways to explore Alaska is by cruise. Here are a few of the very best cruise options for luxury retreats and corporate adventures. 

• UnCruise Adventures

Offering unique adventures, Alaska was the birthplace of UnCruise Adventures. Their itineraries are perfect for small and medium-size groups interested in active yet sustainable exploration and seeking to venture off the beaten path. The ships are small and intimate, focusing on high-touch service, learning opportunities, and immersive experiences. You can even charter a whole ship for an affordable price!

• Disney Cruise Line

A strong contender that takes the win when it comes to children’s hearts, the Disney Cruise Line is perfect for family-friendly retreats. The ships offer separate programs for adults and children, leaving your team plenty of free time to connect and network. 

• Seabourn

An unforgettable experience awaits at Seabourn cruises, where extraordinary experiences, incredible excursions, and ultra-luxury accommodations offer the corporate retreat of a lifetime! Their itineraries are ideal for your top executives and medium to large size teams.

We understand that choosing the perfect cruise line for the occasion can be difficult. For more information, check out our blog on The Art of Cruising to help ease your mind when making a decision.

Caribbean Cruise

Undoubtedly, everybody loves the Caribbean Islands. For many teams and employees visiting one of the most beautiful places on earth (even if it’s technically a work trip) is a dream come true. So, if you’re hoping for a corporate retreat that’s fun, low-key, and easy to plan, then take a cruise along the Caribbean. The Caribbean Islands could be home to some of your companies most memorable experiences. 

Why Should You Consider A Caribbean Cruise For Your Next Corporate Retreat

A Caribbean cruise offers various options, from large corporate retreats to small family-friendly experiences. This is an excellent option if your team consists of employees who want to let loose, relax, and enjoy much-needed downtime with the freedom to choose which activities to partake in.

Ideal Itinerary

For corporate retreats that last around 3-7 days, Caribbean Cruises offer value and flexibility. 

Cruise Virgin Voyages

While many cruises explore the Caribbean, consider Virgin Voyages if you’re looking for a fun, unique, adult-only retreat. One of the best new cruise companies globally, they offer a variety of sailings from Miami and San Juan to ports around the Caribbean. Onboard activities include an array of wellness classes, exceptional cuisine, and exciting entertainment. Just make sure you don’t leave anyone behind after a fun evening on the private Beach Club at Bimini. Cruises offer a wonderful atmosphere for a great team-building or incentive retreat. 

Iceland

Iceland is one of the most exciting corporate retreat destinations on our list. This ruggedly beautiful country is full of indescribable natural attractions, from black sand beaches to raging waterfalls to remote glaciers and unspoiled landscapes. Visit in the fall for a chance to spot the Northern Lights or summer for mild weather and longer days. 

Why Should You Consider Iceland For Your Next Corporate Retreat

Iceland is a hidden gem, perfect for well-traveled teams seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. Plan to schedule glacier walks, kayaking experiences, ice cave visits, and a day of horseback riding on friendly Icelandic horses.

Ideal Itinerary

While Iceland’s accessibility from the East Coast offers flexibility for long-weekend getaways, the country has much to offer. So if you consider Iceland for your next team-building retreat, make sure you do the country justice. Most itineraries will include the Golden Circle and South Coast. 

For teams of 8-20, we recommend booking a private group trip. Backroads adventures offer 5 night, 6-day itineraries perfect for team bonding and group exploration. 

Top Resorts/ Hotels

Although Iceland offers many exciting hotels and resorts in Reykjavik, we recommend spending a few days exploring the more authentic, remote countryside. 

If you’re hoping for a fantastic experience that takes you on a memorable trip you can cherish forever, seek out Boutique Travel Advisors (BTA). We curate group travel itineraries for high-performing teams and companies seeking a personalized approach to planning their travel and help you pick out a dream resort. We promise we won’t let you down when planning your ultimate team-building retreat!