Corporate retreats are a perfect opportunity to get away from the office—or remote workspace—and bond with your team in a new, exciting location. But planning corporate retreats can be a logistical Mt. Everest.
One of the biggest challenges is picking a location that works for your team, your goals for the retreat, and your budget.
We recently sat down with some of our dedicated Corporate Retreat Managers here at RetreatsandVenues to learn more about what should—and shouldn’t—drive the decision-making process.
In this guide, we’ll share tips from their real-life experiences to help you pick the ideal corporate retreat location—stress-free.
8 Tips for Choosing the Right Corporate Retreat Location
1. Determine the Goal of Your Retreat
Before you start any planning, figure out what goals you want your getaway to accomplish.
Everything about your corporate retreat—from the location to the venue to the activities—will be affected by these goals, says Thiago Martins, Corporate Retreat Manager here at RetreatsandVenues.
“Understanding if it’s going to be a lot of meetings or if it’s going to be a lot of activity helps us understand what type of venue we should be looking for,” says Martins. “It’s about matching the space to the experience and making sure the meeting rooms and environment align with the client’s goals.”
So before you even start browsing exciting destinations, pick 1-2 goals you want to achieve for each retreat.
These could include:
- Team bonding (one of the most important reasons for a corporate retreat)
- Brainstorming on big projects in a distraction-free environment
- Strengthening team communication
- Relaxing and recharging in nature
- Developing leadership skills
- Rewarding employees as part of a recognition program
The objective of your retreat will have a cascading effect—especially when it comes to choosing a location, which we’ll discuss in a moment.
“I’ve had companies who specifically want to be out in nature or just somewhere remote so that their team members don’t scatter amongst a big city,” says Shay Tippie, Corporate Retreat Manager at RetreatsandVenues.
“When it’s a networking or bonding type of event or retreat,” adds Tippie, “being somewhere people aren’t going to get distracted and go off on their own is important.”
Once your goals are set, use them as a guiding light that shines on every step of the planning process to eventually calculate your retreat ROI.
2. Set Your Budget
Your company retreat budget determines everything from which locations and venues you can afford to what you can do while you’re there.
We recommend setting your budget right after nailing down your goals—and before you look at locations.
To highlight the importance of this point, Thiago Martins brought up an example of Neve Jewels, an Ireland-based client that wanted to take the team to Europe.
The client initially had their sights set on Italy or Spain, aiming for a secluded venue with dedicated spaces for meetings, collaboration, and relaxation.
As Martins explains, the key was aligning their vision with a strategic investment. While both Italy and Spain were appealing, Martins provided a clear overview of the price points for their preferred destinations, along with alternative locations offering similar experiences. In the end, Spain not only delivered on everything they were looking for but also proved to be a more budget-friendly choice–allowing them to maximize the experience while staying within their target investment.
“He wanted something memorable,” explains Martins. “It wasn’t about cutting costs–it was about making a smart decision that offered the best overall value for what they wanted to achieve.”
Head of Retreat Experiences Joanna Asiukiewicz agrees. “Budget has a huge impact, and knowing it before deciding on a location helps to set realistic expectations,” says Asiukiewicz. “For example, if a client is keen on Scandinavia but their budget is very low, we might have to reconsider the location straight away.”
Instead of wasting valuable time looking at retreat venue locations your company can’t afford, figure out your budget first and go from there.
Here’s a list of costs to consider as you work on the financial aspect of corporate retreat planning:
- Venue rental. Guest rooms, meeting space fees, and fees for any additional amenities
- Corporate Travel and transportation. Flights or ground transportation, airport transfers, car rentals, and parking.
- Food and drinks. Daily meals, coffee, snacks, alcoholic beverages, special dining events, private chefs or cooks, and wine tasting.
- Meeting and conferencing. Audiovisual equipment, tech support, speakers, facilitators.
- Retreat activities. Team-building exercises (kayaking, horseback riding, scavenger hunts, mountain biking, adventure courses), outdoor adventures, wellness programs, excursions, local tours, live music, and entertainment.
- Planning and staffing. Event planners or retreat planning agency fees, coordination teams, on-site staff, insurance, and liability coverage.
- Swag and/or gifts. Welcome kits, company-branded gear, workshop/meeting materials, giveaways.
Not every item on the list above will apply to your retreat, but many will. Consider each of them as you build your company retreat budget.
Leave room for miscellaneous, unexpected costs too, so they don’t take your wallet by surprise.
3. Calculate Group Size
We know, we know—there’s yet another factor to consider before location?!
We get it. Location research is definitely the most fun part of corporate retreat planning. But it’s a lot more fun if you’ve got things like your retreat goal, budget, and group size figured out beforehand.
Group size matters because not every country can accommodate your entire team, says corporate retreat manager Nathalia Bilotti. “I had one client looking for venues in Albania,” she explains, “but the country simply doesn’t have big properties with all the amenities our client needs.”
This is also true of popular tourist spots like Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Greek islands like Santorini and Mykonos, adds Shay Tippie. They simply don’t have the infrastructure for large groups.
If your small group has around 50 members or fewer, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to picking a venue. But if you want to buy out an entire property for 100 or more attendees, options will be more limited.
And in some countries, adds Corporate Retreat Manager Luke Fujii, even 50 group members is overwhelming. “Group size doesn’t just affect the types of venues you can book,” says Fujii. “It also affects the cities and locations you can pick.”
He adds, “If a client had a group of 50+ and they wanted to go out for meals, book restaurants, and do big group activities, I wouldn’t recommend them going to somewhere like Japan or South Korea where bars and restaurants are small and wouldn’t accept 50 people walking in at once.”
Do a thorough headcount before you start location searching. Just knowing this number will make it easier to narrow down your options.
4. Choose 2-4 Potential Locations
Finally, we’ve arrived at the fun part: deciding on which locations could fit your needs.
One of the most important things to consider—along with the retreat goal, budget, and group size—is the vibe.
Relaxed? Productive? Cozy? Beachy?
The overall vibe you want your trip to have is crucial to narrowing down a corporate retreat location, says Thiago Martins.
“If a client wants a summery vibe in Europe,” says Martins, “I’m going to focus on the south of Europe because it’s going to be hotter.”
It’s worth surveying your team to get an idea of the types of locations they’d enjoy, too. Don’t worry! You don’t have to open up the entire atlas to the team.
Look at which general locations are feasible based on your goals, group size, and budget, and then ask the team which location they’d enjoy the most.
This is what one of Shay Tippie’s clients recently did. “For a client that wanted a beach vibe, they asked their team members where they’d want to go: a Caribbean island, the Florida Keys, or Costa Rica,” says Tippie. “And everyone was super excited about Costa Rica, so that’s what we landed on.”
The Most Desirable Corporate Retreat Locations (Plus Top Venues in Each!)
Need help rounding up the top company retreat location options for your team?
We’ve got some proprietary data—and loads of real venues—to share with you.
According to our original research with a sample size of ~550, 8 countries stand out as the most-visited for corporate retreats and offsites.
Here they are, along with the percentage of respondents who picked them—plus three top venues to explore in each one:
- United States—15.76%
With everything from prairies and deserts to mountains and seas, the United States offers top venues with excellent infrastructure for teams of all sizes.
- The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California: A coastal luxury resort offering breathtaking ocean views, championship golf, and meeting spaces ideal for high-end corporate retreats.
- The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, Colorado: A historic five-star resort nestled in the Rockies, featuring elegant accommodations, outdoor adventures, and extensive event facilities.
- Hutton Brickyards Riverfront Hotel & Venue, Kingston, New York: A unique industrial-chic retreat on the Hudson River that blends historic charm with modern amenities.
Explore more venues in the United States
- Spain—10.41%
Spain is where culture, scenic variety, and eco-friendly hospitality meet to make it a top choice for corporate retreats, especially for teams based throughout Europe.
- Iberostar Selection Anthelia, Tenerife, Canary Islands: A family-friendly, beachfront luxury resort in Tenerife with ocean-view meeting spaces.
- Aubamar Suites & Spa, Palma, Balearic Islands: A chic hotel in Palma with stylish suites, a relaxing spa, and close proximity to the beach.
- Finca El Quinto, Los Realejos, Canary Islands: A rural retreat in Los Realejos with panoramic views and a focus on sustainable living.
- Italy—9.72%
With historic charm, stunning landscapes, and sustainable, high-quality venues, Italty is an ideal year-round destination for corporate retreats.
- The Workation Village, San Sebastiano da Po, Piedmont: A historic hilltop village and castle transformed into an all-inclusive retreat with workshop spaces, onsite wellness, and outdoor team-building in the Italian Alps.
- Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Sicily, Sciacca: A luxurious beachfront resort with world-class golf courses, a spa, private beach, and gourmet dining.
- Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, Castelfalfi, Tuscany: A restored medieval borgo wioth modern accommodations, two golf courses, a spa, and an organic farm.
- Portugal—8.26%
With a pleasant climate all year long, a rich culture, and outstanding hospitality, Portugal is a favorite choice for corporate retreats.
- Vincci Ponto de Ferro, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto: A stylish hotel with views of Porto and the Douro River.
- Casa da Amieira, Santarém: A charming countryside escape with wellness facilities and attentive service.
- Hotel Vila Galé Collection Palácio Dos Arcos, Lisbon: A restored palace in Lisbon ideal for relaxing corporate stays near the coast.
Explore more venues in Portugal
- Mexico—7.27%
Mexico is a vibrant and accessible destination for corporate retreats with everything from luxurious beach resorts to city experiences. It’s becoming one of the top countries for brands that want a sustainable focus, too.
- Paradisus Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo: An all-inclusive beachfront resort with modern amenities for any gathering.
- Barceló Maya Riviera – Adults Only – All Inclusive – Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo: A luxurious, adults-only retreat with oceanfront suites, an infinity pool, and top-tier dining.
- Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato: An elegant boutique hotel that blends historic charm with upscale comfort.
- France—6.58%
France’s blend of elegance, culture, and eco-conscious venues makes it an accessible destination for corporate retreats.
- Domaine De Rebetz, Chaumont-en-Vexin: A historic estate near Paris with modern meeting spaces, lodging, and a golf course.
- Le Couvent Des Minimes Hotel & Spa L’occitane, Mane: A peaceful Provencal retreat with luxury spa, fine dining, and wellness-focused amenities.
- Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel, Cannes: An iconic Riviera hotel with elegant rooms, beachfront access, and top-tier event facilities.
- Costa Rica—5.59%
Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes, eco-conscious venues, and abundance of outdoor adventures make it a top choice for inspiring and sustainable corporate retreats.
- W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal, Cabo Velas District, Guanacaste Province: A luxury resort hidden among Guanacaste mangroves with an infinity pool, spa, golf course, excellent dining, and versatile meeting spaces for retreats.
- Danyasa Eco-Retreat, Savegre de Aguirre, Puntarenas Province: An adults-only eco-lodge and yoga sanctuary built from upcycled materials on the Savegre River.
- Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, Nosara, Guanacaste Province: A leading wellness retreat on Nosara’s shore with multiple yoga shalas, spa services, pools, surf programs, and health-focused amenities in the jungle.
Explore more venues in Costa Rica
- Croatia—5.20%
Croatia’s breathtaking coastline, charm, and eco-conscious hospitality make it a rising favorite for corporate retreats.
- Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, Orašac: A seaside resort near Dubrovnik with modern meeting spaces, a spa, and panoramic views of the Adriatic.
- Maistra Select Island Hotel Istra, Rovinj: A peaceful retreat on a private island with relaxed luxury, wellness facilities, and nature-focused experiences.
- Rixos Premium Dubrovnik: A stylish waterfront hotel with upscale amenities, a full-service spa, and proximity to Dubrovnik’s Old Town.
Explore more venues in Croatia
- United Kingdom—4.44%
The United Kingdom’s blend of history, modern venues, and sustainable practices makes it an ideal destination for corporate retreats.
- The Berkeley London: A refined city hotel in Knightsbridge with contemporary style, rooftop pool, and high-end event spaces.
- The Grove, Chandler’s Cross: A luxury countryside estate near London with beautiful grounds, golf, a spa, and versatile meeting facilities.
- Cameron House Hotel, Alexandria, Scotland: A sprawling lochside retreat offering Scottish elegance, outdoor adventures, and top corporate amenities.
Explore more venues in the United Kingdom
- Indonesia—3.67%
Bali’s peaceful setting and eco-conscious hospitality make it a practical choice for corporate retreats focused on connection, wellness, and sustainability.
- The St. Regis Bali Resort, Bali: A luxurious beachfront retreat in Nusa Dua with beautiful villas and event spaces.
- The Mansion Ubud, Bali: A wellness-focused hideaway with verdant gardens, a focus on art, and holistic amenities.
- Holiway Garden Resort & Spa, Bali: A peaceful north Bali escape with oceanfront villas, spa services, and tropical charm.
Explore more venues in Indonesia
If you decide to travel within the United States, here are the top 5 most-visited states for corporate retreats—plus a popular venue in each one:
- California—15.3%
- Texas—13.9%
- New York—6.9%
- Colorado—2.8%
- Arizona—2.8%
Want access to over 20,000 retreats and venues for your team? Get in touch with our team today (for free!) and get matched with the perfect fit for your goal, budget, group size, and needs.
Each of our corporate retreat locations comes with unique strengths, from the natural beauty of Costa Rica to the boutique hotels and year-round activities in New York City.
You can also survey your team to learn more about their interests—especially if you plan to do activities—and strengths.
Here’s a survey template that hits both the location and interest questions you can ask for your company offsite ideas.
Bonus: Corporate Retreat Location Survey Template
(Copy and paste into your survey software of choice!)
Hi Team, as we plan our next retreat, we’d love your input to help choose a location and shape the experience. Please take a moment to share your preferences below.
1. Which types of destinations appeal to you most? (Pick your top 2–3)
- Warm coastal or beach setting
- Scenic mountain or forest retreat
- Historic small town or countryside
- Urban cultural hub
- Remote and nature-focused
- Cozy indoor/winter-friendly destination
- Other (please describe): _______________
Alternate version of Question 1 to use if you’ve already selected a type of destination:
1. Based on the vibe we’re aiming for (e.g., beachy / wintry / relaxed), here are a few potential destination countries. Which would you be most excited about? (Pick your top 2)
- [Country/Location 1]
- [Country/Location 2]
- [Country/Location 3]
- [Country/Location 4]
2. What kind of overall vibe would you enjoy most? (Choose all that apply)
- Relaxed and laid-back
- Focused and productive
- Fun and adventurous
- Cozy and quiet
- Energetic and social
- Wellness-focused
3. What types of activities would you be most interested in during the retreat? (Select up to 4)
- Group workshops, teamwork exercises, or brainstorming sessions
- Outdoor activities (hiking, kayaking, ziplining, etc.)
- Local culture and experiences (food, music, art, etc.)
- Beach or water-based downtime
- Wellness and self-care (yoga, meditation, spa)
- Unstructured free time
- Volunteer or impact-oriented activities
- Other: ___________________
4. Do you have any skills, hobbies, or passions you’d enjoy sharing with the group? (e.g., fitness sessions, board games, photography, DJing, etc.)
Thanks for helping shape this experience — your input really matters. We can’t wait to create something meaningful (and fun) together.
5. Research Travel Requirements
With a list of potential destinations and venues in your pocket, you’re getting closer to landing on the best possible spot for your next corporate retreat.
Now it’s time to consider the travel requirements for your retreat—document-wise.
Different countries have different entry requirements depending on where your team members are coming from. A U.S. citizen might be able to enter a country with a valid passport but visa-free, while a teammate from India, Russia, or South Africa may need to apply for a visa in advance.
If your team is based in the EU or Schengen Area, travel within Europe is often simpler. Citizens of EU member states can typically move freely between other EU countries using only a national ID card.
But non-Schengen EU countries (like Ireland or some Balkan states) may have slightly different rules. And for some nationalities, even short stays in the EU, UK, or U.S. require interviews, documentation, and weeks of processing.
Always check requirements for each passport or identification card held by every team member.
And keep in mind that documentation takes time to get. A U.S. passport, for example, takes 6–8 weeks to process and mail to the recipient, unless expedited (2–4 weeks).
Visa timelines vary more. Some can be done online in a few days. Others require in-person interviews at the nearest embassy or consulate, which may be in a different city—or even country.
For Santiment, a client Nathalia Bilotti worked with, visas heavily factored into the location selection process. Even though they’d been looking at locations like Spain, Portugal, or France, the client ultimately chose Montenegro.
“The team has a lot of Russian citizens, so they had more complications with getting visas,” explains Bilotti. “So they chose the easiest location—one that wasn’t very strict on documentation.”
Unlike Spain, Portugal, and France—all of which require Russian citizens to procure visas even for short stays—Montenegro currently allows Russian citizens to visit visa-free for up to 30 days.
When comparing destination options, always consider the time, cost, and ease of required travel documents.
The best retreat location is one your whole team can actually access.
6. Map the Distance and Travel Time
Planes, trains, and automobiles, oh my! One downside of traveling to another location—as thrilling as it may be—is the transportation part.
Team members may be willing—and even excited—to travel long distances by plane. But direct flights are your best bet, logistics-wise.
If your whole team is located in one city or region, you’ll need to book car transportation or flights for large groups at once. If everyone’s spread out, things get even more complicated—which is where RetreatsandVenues’ newest tool comes in handy. Our new Group Flight Planner makes it easy to view, share, and book the best group flight options—all in one place.
Because of this, explains Nathalia Bilotti, she’s able to easily book her clients’ flights—and works hard to book them mainly into major airports. But the travel time between the airport and the venue matters, too. Adds Nathalia, “We look for venues just one hour away from those major airports, if not less.”
You might not be able to make this work for every retreat—especially if you have specific venue requirements, like adults-only or sustainable venues, which are harder to find.
(We’ll touch on the requirements factor in just a moment.)
For the sake of your team’s stamina, try to keep the travel time as direct and seamless as you can.
Our venues tool comes with filters to help you narrow down your options based on travel time.
This is an excellent time to fill in a chart like the one below to help compare your options. Feel free to copy/paste this one and enter your 2-4 potential retreat locations into the fields.
| Location | Nearest Major Airport | Direct Flight Access (from key hubs) | Travel Time from Airport to Venue | Potential Venues | Notes on Accessibility / Transport |
| Lisbon, Portugal | Lisbon Humberto Delgado (LIS) | Direct from NYC, London, Berlin, São Paulo | ~30 minutes by car | Vinnci Ponte de Ferro, Pestana Palace Lisboa, Epic Sana Lisboa | Excellent urban access; many direct flights |
| Split, Croatia | Split Airport (SPU) | Direct from major European hubs | ~45–60 minutes by car | Maslina Resort, Le Méridien Lav, Brown Beach House | Smaller airport; limited long-haul access |
| Tulum, Mexico | Tulum International (TQO) | New direct flights from U.S. cities | ~25 minutes by car | Habitas Tulum, Nômade, La Valise | Very accessible for North American teams |
| Innsbruck, Austria | Innsbruck Airport (INN) | Limited direct flights; best via Munich or Vienna | ~1 hour by train or shuttle | Biohotel Grafenast, Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol, Adler Lodge | Scenic but less direct; best for EU-based teams |
It’s also important to consider whether you’ll be renting space in a conference center or event venue near your lodging. How far will your team members need to walk every day? Will they need extra ground transportation?
Just keep this in mind: the more straightforward the transportation needs, the better.
7. Pick the Right Time to Go
You’re getting so close to booking the company retreat of your dreams.
Now, it’s time to pin down the right time to go.
There are several factors to consider as you make this decision. With a general timeframe in mind, go through each factor with the 2-4 locations you’ve narrowed down:
- Climate and weather conditions. Learn the area’s climate and keep an eye out for seasonal changes, like rain, extreme heat or cold, and outdoor viability.
- Local and national holidays. Are there any public events, cultural festivals, or holidays that could affect travel?
- Tourism seasons. High? Low? Shoulder seasons? These can all affect crowds and pricing.
- Flight costs and availability. Peak travel windows may cost more, while shoulder seasons are often more affordable.
- Venue and vendor availability. Time of year can affect booking windows, staff availability for cooking services, and seasonal closures.
- Team availability. Consider your employees’ family schedules, busiest work periods, and religious or cultural observations before booking.
- Local events. Check for local happenings that might temporarily drive up costs and crowds, like major concerts or conferences.
Keep in mind that you might have to give a little in some areas to get what you want in others. Not everything has to be 100% perfect. Choose the top priorities—balmy weather, avoiding crowds, and low flight costs, for instance—and look for locations based on those.
Pro insight: We surveyed ~4500 teams to find out the top months they chose for their company retreats. The three top months were September (21.7%), October (20.2%), and May (18.4%)—all of which are shoulder seasons!
8. Narrow Down Your Requirements and Desired Amenities
You’re almost done with the process of choosing your ideal corporate retreat location.
Now that you have a deep understanding of your goals, budget, travel requirements, location, and time of year, consider what you want from your venue.
Are you looking for an all-inclusive resort with complete food, beverage, and activity packages? What about an on-site spa or golf club? Do you need fast, strong Wi-Fi? Outdoor event spaces for team bonding? Conference rooms? Diverse dining options near the venue?
List out your 3-5 most important requirements and let those narrow down your potential venues.
Pro insight: Our team at RetreatsandVenues can help you find the best venue for your budget, travel requirements, and on-site needs.
We’ve booked retreats for tens of thousands of guests from companies all over the world. We also have a goldmine at our fingertips: a proprietary database of retreats and connections to make your corporate event run seamlessly.
Let us save you hundreds of hours on planning a retreat—all while helping you maintain a strong company esprit de corps.
Explore our venues or book a call with our team to get started.
Corporate Retreat Location FAQs
What is a corporate retreat?
A corporate retreat is a company trip taken with a specific goal in mind—team bonding and camaraderie, brainstorming, or relaxing, for example. From glamping and hitting the hiking trails as a team to strategizing at a beautiful conference center in a new city, the retreat experience can take many forms.
At its heart, a corporate retreat gives your team the opportunity to collaborate and bond in a distraction-free environment. Company offsites can be especially helpful for remote or hybrid teams to get to know each other in person.
How much is a company retreat?
The cost of a company retreat can vary a lot depending on location, duration, number of attendees, need for indoor and outdoor spaces, and planned activities. On average, companies spend between $700 to $2,000 per person for a multi-day retreat.
This typically includes lodging, meals, transportation, and team-building exercises for a team offsite. Custom retreat options with luxury accommodations or international travel can cost significantly more.
What are the top corporate retreat locations in Colorado for team building?
Some of the top corporate retreat locations in Colorado are The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, with 784 bedrooms ideal for larger groups, and the Highland Haven Creekside Inn in Evergreen, with 18 bedrooms and 2 meeting spaces, ideal for smaller groups. For a sustainability-focused retreat, The Molina Center for Sustainability offers 7 bedrooms for a small group. Explore our full list of Colorado venues.