20 best company retreat locations for your team

Trying to choose a spot for your next corporate retreat? With so many options, it’s hard to know which one to pick. But you won’t regret doing your homework—a well-planned retreat gives your team a place to reconnect, discover something new, and shake up how they think about their work and projects.

That kind of meaningful getaway might include balancing team-building activities with beach time, fun excursions, or visits to historic landmarks. Choosing a city that’s already a hub for business and innovation can help, but what matters most is picking a place that leaves your team feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through key tips for choosing the right spot and share some of the best corporate retreat locations in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. No matter what type of retreat you're planning—a strategy session, a wellness-focused escape, or a celebration of your team’s wins—you’ll find the inspiration and practical advice you need to make your retreat successful.

Top tips for choosing a corporate retreat location

Selecting the right location can make or break your corporate retreat. Here are some key considerations to guide your decision.

Define the corporate trip goals

Start by identifying the main objectives of your retreat. Is your goal to foster team bonding, spark creativity, strategize for the upcoming quarter, or allow employees to recharge? Understanding your goals will help narrow down locations with the appropriate environment and amenities.

Set a realistic budget

Determine your budget early in the planning process, factoring in all expenses, including travel, accommodations, meals, activities, and extras. A clear budget will help you shortlist destinations that offer the best value.

Set a specific duration for the event

Decide on the length of your retreat. A weekend might be long enough for team bonding, while an extended stay may work better for strategic planning sessions. The duration of the trip will influence your choice of location, especially when it comes to travel time and accessibility options. 

Choose convenient and accessible locations

Prioritize destinations that are easily accessible to all participants. Proximity to major airports, availability of direct flights, and transportation options are important factors—minimizing travel hassles means your team will arrive energized and ready to engage. You’ll also want to ensure the retreat is accessible to all attendees. Make sure accommodations like ASL interpretation, barrier-free rooms and venues, and adaptive technologies are available and easy to navigate.

Consider language barriers

If you’re considering international destinations, take potential language barriers into account. Make sure the local language won’t hinder communication during activities, meetings, or leisure time. Choosing locations where English is widely spoken or having translators available can enhance the experience. 

Keep your team’s interests in mind 

Think about what your team will enjoy. Are they more likely to appreciate a lively city with many entertainment options or a quiet mountain lodge with hiking trails? Tailoring the location to your team’s interests—food, nature, art, history, or relaxation—will make the retreat more engaging and meaningful. Be sure to provide an agenda beforehand so your team members are prepared and know what to pack.

Best corporate retreat destinations in the U.S.

The United States offers a wide range of corporate retreat destinations, each with its own unique charm—think vibrant cities, scenic national parks, historic landmarks, and world-class amenities. Here are some of our top picks.

1. Washington, D.C

The nation’s capital balances rich history with modern amenities—a city where your team can explore iconic landmarks, engage in cultural experiences, and access state-of-the-art conference facilities. Hotels in Washington are perfect for strategy sessions, but depending on your goals, you could consider something more immersive, like a museum or science center. If your organization is government-focused, being in close proximity to policymakers is an added perk.

2. Scottsdale, Arizona 

Scottsdale is the perfect spot for wellness-focused retreats. Known for its luxurious resorts and sunny climate, Scottsdale has plenty of modern meeting spaces with an abundance of natural light. Creative breakout sessions can take place in cactus gardens, and teammates who enjoy outdoor activities will love golfing or hiking in the Sonoran Desert. And after a day in the fresh air, everyone can unwind at the city’s world-class spas. 

3. Austin, Texas

Austin’s eclectic vibe and startup energy make it a dynamic retreat destination. Your group can enjoy live performances, explore local art museums, and indulge in renowned Tex-Mex cuisine. You can even host your retreat at the Barr Mansion, a historic estate that’s been converted into an event space. Companies often host coding challenges or pitch sessions in Austin’s tech incubators, and the city has numerous parks and lakes for fun outdoor team-building activities.

4. Denver, Colorado 

Nested at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the Mile High City blends urban sophistication with natural beauty, making it an ideal gathering place for active teams. Consider organizing an exciting mountain excursion or taking advantage of the city’s extensive bike trail network. You can rent out Red Rocks Amphitheatre for motivational talks, while day trips to nearby ski towns offer a reward for productivity. Don’t forget to check out the Denver Botanic Gardens to experience the region’s amazing plants and flowers—they’re sure to inspire some creative “blue sky” thinking.

5. New York City, New York 

NYC provides endless possibilities for corporate retreats—think sleek venues, amazing food, and chic hotels. From Broadway shows to world-class museums, the city’s energy is unmatched. Central Park’s conservatory gardens are perfect for walk-and-talks, and endless access to global thought leaders and keynote speakers will add value to any New York City retreat.

6. San Francisco, California 

San Francisco’s iconic landmarks and tech-savvy environment make it a prime location for innovation-focused retreats and scavenger hunts to encourage team problem-solving. The city offers retreat options at iconic hotels or boutique spaces in the vibrant SoMa neighborhood. You can rent event space at one of San Francisco’s many museums for an interactive learning experience, or take a day trip to the foothills around Silicon Valley for scenic trails and wide-open views—perfect for team bonding and a much-needed mental reset.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada 

A Las Vegas retreat doesn’t have to stop at the casino floor. This world-famous city offers top-tier meeting spaces, conference facilities, and endless entertainment options to energize your team. After a day of seminars or strategy sessions, the group can unwind with world-class shows and indulge in gourmet dining along the Strip.

8. Orlando, Florida

Orlando strikes a perfect balance between business and pleasure, with a wide range of resorts and high-end hotels equipped with retreat-friendly amenities and offsite meeting spaces. Many venues provide conference packages that include early theme park access—the perfect way to mix productivity with fun. Disney also offers customized business programs through its professional conference services, adding a touch of magic to any retreat.

9. Honolulu, Hawaii 

Honolulu offers serene beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and a beautiful backdrop for focused retreats. Make the most of your tropical setting with oceanfront meeting spaces and culturally immersive activities like native storytelling sessions or Hawaiian language workshops. For a more relaxed format, host discussions in open-air pavilions with the ocean breeze as your soundtrack.

10. Nashville, Tennessee 

Known as Music City, Nashville blends Southern hospitality with creative energy. Host sessions in iconic venues like the Country Music Hall of Fame or chic boutique hotels. For content-focused teams, consider activities like songwriting workshops, team jam sessions in local studios, or even hands-on podcasting labs. After hours, your group can enjoy the city’s legendary live music scene in its many clubs and bars. 

5 best corporate retreat destinations in Mexico

Whether you’re aiming for relaxation, adventure, or creativity, Mexico’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes make it an ideal setting for corporate retreats. 

1. Cancun, Mexico

With its white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts, Cancun is perfect for team bonding and stress-free logistics. Host events at one of the area’s many high-end resorts, which offer everything from ocean-view boardrooms to outdoor amphitheatres. Add unforgettable team moments with catamaran excursions, snorkeling adventures, or horseback rides along the beach.

2. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Stretching along the Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya is home to eco-friendly resorts with lush jungles and coastal views. Consider booking meeting space at Xcaret eco-park, where teams can tube through mangroves or swim with dolphins between sessions. Other highlights include cenote dives, ancient Mayan ruins, and immersive culinary experiences.

3. Puerto Vallarta

Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains, Puerto Vallarta blends beachside beauty with old-town charm. Team-building options abound, from whale watching and zip-lining to local art walks and tequila tasting, making this vibrant Mexican city a well-rounded destination for both adventure and cultural connection.

4. Tulum

Known for its wellness focus and bohemian atmosphere, Tulum is ideal for mindfulness retreats and creative resets. The region’s eco-resorts offer unique spaces like jungle-view yurts and beachfront cabanas. Teams can dive into yoga sessions, explore eco-parks, or hold brainstorming sessions surrounded by the beauty of nature.

5. San Miguel de Allende

This UNESCO World Heritage City offers colonial elegance and artistic flair. Host rooftop strategy sessions in restored mansions or spark inspiration with painting workshops in historic courtyards. Cobblestone streets lined with galleries and vibrant markets create the perfect setting for creativity and cultural immersion.

5 best corporate retreat destinations in Europe

From historic landmarks to modern coworking hubs, Europe offers an inspiring blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort, perfect for retreats that strike a perfect balance between culture and productivity.

1. Athens, Greece

Athens merges ancient wonder with modern sophistication. Teams can explore iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, dine on Mediterranean cuisine, and gather in sleek conference spaces, including some housed in stunning neoclassical mansions. It’s a setting where history fuels big-picture thinking.

2. Porto, Portugal

Porto’s riverside beauty and laid-back vibe make it ideal for a restorative retreat—think Douro Valley wine tastings, gallery-hopping through the arts district, and casual sessions in design-forward coworking spaces. The city’s creative energy and slower pace are great for reflection and inspiration.

3. Madeira, Portugal

Nicknamed the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira offers lush mountain views, ocean breezes, and a mild climate year-round. Teams can hike scenic trails, explore botanical gardens, and recharge in cliffside resorts that elevate both mindset and morale.

4. Tuscany, Italy 

Tuscany’s rolling hills and sun-soaked vineyards set the stage for team-building activities rich in flavor and charm. Host group cooking classes or wine and olive oil tastings in cultural hubs like Florence and Siena. Wherever you land, you’ll find that Tuscany is the perfect place for teams seeking meaningful connections through shared experiences.

5. Barcelona, Spain

With its beachfront setting and standout architecture, Barcelona is a dynamic destination for creative and collaborative retreats. Elegant venues accommodate formal meetings, while sprawling parks invite impromptu brainstorming. Kick off your team bonding plans with a tapas tour through the city’s many vibrant neighborhoods.

Organize your team retreat with Engine

Planning a corporate retreat means balancing big-picture goals with logistical details, like finding the right location, coordinating group activities, and managing accommodations. Choosing a destination that energizes your team will set the stage for deeper connection and long-term impact.

Engine makes it easy to plan unforgettable retreats tailored to your team’s objectives and budget—and for groups of nine or more, our platform is 100% free to use. With access to trusted hotels, venues, and service partners, we can help make sure your retreat is both seamless and successful.

Ready to start booking? Partner with Engine to find group stays, event spaces, and curated experiences that support your team’s growth.

FAQs

What’s the best way to highlight team wins during a retreat?

Moments of recognition paired with a beautiful venue or getaway setting can help team members feel more connected—both to their work and to each other. Start with a welcome reception where leaders toast recent milestones, or plan an awards dinner to celebrate standout performers in a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere. The goal is to show your team that you value their contributions.

Want to get creative? Weave recognition into team-building activities, like a themed scavenger hunt focused on company achievements or a friendly cooking competition where teams create dishes inspired by your brand or company values.

What makes a retreat venue great for team building?

An effective retreat venue supports collaboration and shared experiences through thoughtful design and diverse activities. Look for places that naturally foster connection, like a luxury resort with collaboration-friendly lounges, a ranch with group cabins, or a scenic lodge that doubles as a private escape. Think guided scavenger hunts, group cooking classes, or outdoor challenges like ropes courses and horseback riding. The venue should also offer (or be conducive to) team-building exercises that go beyond the ordinary. 

How do I choose a retreat venue that fits both work and play?

Striking a balance between focused work time and memorable team bonding can be a challenge. Start with the location: Look for venues with modern meeting rooms alongside leisure options that naturally encourage connection, like spa services, outdoor adventures, or curated group dinners. Flexible scheduling is key to seamlessly blending productivity and downtime throughout the day. Working with an on-site retreat coordinator will make it easier to tailor the experience to your company’s goals.

What kind of amenities should I look for in a corporate retreat destination?

A strong retreat venue blends professional functionality with opportunities to relax and connect. Prioritize accessible locations with flexible meeting rooms, reliable high-speed Wi-Fi, A/V capabilities, and breakout spaces for smaller group sessions. When it’s time to unwind, features like golf courses, outdoor lounges, or wellness areas will help your team recharge between sessions. Bonus points for venues that offer on-site catering or farm-to-table dining, communal meal spaces, and curated team-building experiences like cooking classes, guided hikes, or cultural workshops. These thoughtful extras transform a retreat into a true getaway where your team can reflect, reconnect, and return recharged.