So, we now have the opportunity to get the team back together, reunite with each other in-person, and welcome new team members. It’s a crucial moment of truth that can set your company up for even greater success. With that in mind, we asked our friends at SmartFlyer for their top suggestions on unique resort retreat venues. Their picks are the focus of this week’s report.
1. Hacienda Altagracia
2. Canyon Ranch Woodside
3. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
4. Montage Palmetto Bluff
5. One&Only Mandarina
6. Terra Farm + Manor
7. Magee Homestead
1. Hacienda Altagracia
Perez Zeledon, Costa Rica
First thing’s first: corporate retreat venues don’t have to be, well…corporate. Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection is the antidote to a boring business meeting. Each of the fifty casitas perched in the mountains above the San Isidro Valley is ultra-private; moreover, many offer their own pool overlooking Costa Rica’s verdant landscape that inspires pura vida spirit. In partnership with THE WELL, the resort reimagines the Costa Rica wellness experience, with cutting-edge treatments in addition to offerings like an immersive four-hour River Bath. After THE WELL refreshes you, your team can set out for hands-on experiences. Try a visit to a nearby farm before wrapping the day in a residential-style meetings space, cocktail (or mocktail if you’re detoxing!) in hand.
Meeting Space
With 50 keys, the hotel offers 25,000 square feet of meeting space and nearly a dozen different venues, including a 16-seat boardroom. Casa Grande is a freestanding house with entertainment and celebration rooms that have a capacity of up to 120 people.
Getting There
Private flights start at $1,100 per way for a Cessna 206 with two passengers from San José. Private flights with fewer than six passengers arrive directly to AltaGracia’s airstrip. Private flights with more than six passengers arrive at the Pérez Zeledón Airport (IPZ), followed by a 35-minute ground transfer to the resort. It has a 2,631-feet long runwy. Transfer by car from Juan Santamaria San Jose Airport (SJO) takes up to five hours.
2. Canyon Ranch Woodside
Woodside, California
Keeping with the wellness theme during your evaluation of corporate retreat venues, we highly recommend a fully immersive stay at Canyon Ranch Woodside. Canyon Ranch built this Redwood Forest wellness resort around its famed five wellness pillars. Your team’s personal Wellness Guide will craft a hyper-customizable wellness itinerary to fit your team’s specific needs. Whether it’s a personalized Forest Aromatherapy Treatment or a private ranch tour at Markegard Farms, your group is guaranteed to get in touch with a new sense of wellbeing.
Meeting Space
There is seated capacity for 50 people in 2,500 square feet of indoor meeting space with an additional 3,000 square feet of outdoor space. There are 38 guest rooms and suites.
Getting There
Canyon Ranch Woodside is 25 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and 30 miles from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC).
3. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
If your group is looking for a break from the winter chill, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa offers an easily accessible island paradise. The resort is set on famous Seven Mile Beach and is ideal for beachside activities. The variety of dining options available at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is exquisite – from innovative menus to clean-eating options – are the gold standard when it comes to corporate retreat venues with options for anyone in your group regardless of dietaries. On the other hand, adventure seekers amongst your team should try their water sports like sailing, kayaking.
Meeting Space
There is 20,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 7,076 square feet ballroom that can accommodate up to 450 guests for a banquet or in a classroom configuration. Outdoor venues include an extensive lawn terrace, beach deck, and Seven Mile Beach.
Getting There
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is six miles from Owen Roberts Airport (GCM).
4. Montage Palmetto Bluff
Bluffton, South Carolina
Sometimes, all you need to do to refocus is take a jaunt down south to lowcountry. Montage Palmetto Bluff stands out amongst corporate retreat venues for its stunning standalone accommodations paired with a wide variety of activities. Guests know Montage International for its distinct collection of hotels designed to blend with their local surroundings. And Montage Palmetto Bluff offers the southern hospitality that the region is known for and keeps repeat clients coming back time and time again. For this reason, we recommend this property for any groups looking for private residencies and its wide range of activities, including thirteen clay shooting stations throughout their 40-acre forest. Golfers will also love putting on their scenic 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. On the other hand, nature-lovers amongst your team will adore biking through the Bluff.
Meeting Space
There’s over 16,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 6,700 square feet ballroom. There are two boardrooms and extensive outdoor venues.
Getting There
The resort is 25 miles from Savannah International Airport (SAV).
5. One&Only Mandarina
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
If your team is looking for the ultimate getaway in a remote setting, One&Only Mandarina should be on your list. The designers wove all-villa resort seamlessly into Mexico’s coastal rainforests, meaning each accommodation ensures top-tier privacy. As you evaluate your list of corporate retreat venues, know that this property is especially geared towards more active guests. For example, a stay here is best paired with hiking shoes for a guided trek up to the 500-year-old La Abuela tree where One&Only’s fitness team will be waiting to lead you through a one-of-a-kind yoga experience. When it comes to conducting team meetings or corporate incentive group activations, there are a handful of dedicated event spaces including two outdoor venues so your group can soak up the fresh Riviera Nayarit air.
Meeting Space
The dedicated Event Pavilion accommodates up to 180 guests for cocktails, 120 guests for dinner and 60 people in a classroom setting. There is nearly a half-dozen additional outdoor venues.
Getting There
One&Only Mandarina is 30 miles – about a one-hour drive – from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR).
6. Terra Farm + Manor
Prescott, Arizona
Ranch-style stays are some of the best-suited trips for groups looking to completely disconnect from the everyday hustle-and-bustle. And it really doesn’t get much more secluded than Terra Farm + Manor, a working farm and inclusive eight-room manor for up to only 16 guests.
Meeting Space
When it comes to corporate retreat venues, this property is ideal for those looking for unique dining experiences and high-touch service. Every stay at Terra Farm + Manor is also a culinary adventure. Chef James Porter and his renowned staff will fill your visit with hands-on, customizable culinary classes.
Getting There
Terra Farm + Manor is 20 miles from Prescott Regional Airport (PRC). It is 105 miles north of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).
7. Magee Homestead
Saratoga, Wyoming
For team members that are craving a taste of the great American wilderness, look no further than Magee Homestead. We recommend this all-inclusive Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranch for any group looking for top-of-the-line excursions in stunning Gold Country. For example, anyone wanting to experience fly fishing for the first time should reserve a spot with their licensed fishing guides. Rock Creek is also famous for its phenomenal fishing conditions and fish populations early spring through fall. And after returning from the day’s adventure, turn down with a meal and nightcap from your private chef and bartender.
Meeting Space
Magee Homestead offers space for groups of 10 to 29 people, including a full buy-out.
Getting There
Shively Field (SAA) with an 8,800-feet long runway is 14 miles from Magee Homestead.
VIP Contact
For more information contact SmartFlyer at leisure@smartflyer.com.
