10 company retreat ideas for your team (plus locations)

Despite a number of studies proving company retreats are invaluable to company culture, and in the long term, increasing revenue, only 20% of organisations currently host them.

A study by Gallup showed that strong company culture leads to an average of 85% net profit increase over a five-year period.

Having studied the impact of Covid and the great resignation, Basejam realised that there is no better time for a carefully curated company retreat. We believe a retreat is much more than hiring a soulless conference hotel off the motorway.

Instead, the environment you choose should inspire, motivate and unite your team towards your company goals. There are plenty of handpicked places and spaces to choose from - each offering something unique, and all guaranteeing an unforgettable stay.

If the idea of organising a company retreat is a fairly new one, let’s get you started with the basics.

What is a company retreat?

A company retreat is a way to strengthen your team outside the four walls of an office, or the virtual walls of an online chatroom. It’s a chance to bring employees together so they feel connected with each other and the business.

There are no limits as to how big or small a company retreat can be - they can be designed for the leadership, as an onboarding trip or an annual event for the entire organisation. They can be day trips or extended stays in national and international venues - there really are no solid rules.

Company retreats are also often built around themes or goals—such as planning your next steps, honing the company mission, or celebrating big wins. This helps give the retreat a bit of direction.

Company retreats = Employee engagement 🚀

Company retreats can be an effective way to improve employee engagement, foster teamwork, and boost productivity. By investing in these types of activities, organisations can create a positive work culture that supports employee well-being and contributes to business success.

For instance, the social media tool Buffer organises company retreats as a way to build overall morale, given that they have a remote workforce and their team members are located across the world. According to the company, the retreats have led to increased collaboration and improved communication between team members.

So… have we peaked your interest? Below are some of the best venues we offer for team building activities.

1. Regenerative Farm Stay in Rural Sussex

This well-being retreat, nature reserve, and regenerative farm in rural Sussex, England, is a beautiful choice for your company retreat. It’s a place to relax and be inspired - with activities ranging from meditation and yoga to sound baths and fire pits.

2. Nature-led resort an hour from Lisbon

Nature-led luxury resort, country house and spa in lush green surroundings 🌱 Escape the city at this stunning 17-hectare estate, surrounded by pine and cork trees, wild dunes, rice fields and white-sand beaches.

Is your company in need of a clear head? Escape to this nature-led resort with a stunning pool and lush green surroundings for your next company retreat. Find your next best idea on an evening stroll.

3. French Chateau in the Dordogne

French château in the Dordogne surrounded by rolling meadows and enchanting woodlands →

This magical chateau has over 800 years of history, nestled within over 1400 acres of idyllic nature in the Dordogne. Enjoy the venue's beautiful, well-tended gardens with a pool that boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside 🌳

This venue boasts a whole host of team-building activities, from wine tasting to truffle hunting, canoeing to horse riding. There's no better way to bring your team together than to experience something new as a team.

4. Rural Hertfordshire Manor House

Rural Hertfordshire manor house only 1 hour from London →

If the hustle and bustle of city life is getting you down, the possibility to connect and network in the fresh country air in Hertfordshire could be everything you need to host a company retreat. Located on 1200 acres of countryside, you can view the evergreen vegetation and trees while you hold your meetings in this beautifully designed manor house.

5. Luxury Hotel in Portugal

Portuguese rural paradise near beautiful beaches →

Tucked away in the Portuguese countryside, yet conveniently close to everything, Matinha is the perfect remote paradise to reconnect with nature and bond with your team.