Corporate Retreats in Europe
Let’s face it—when you’re thinking about a corporate retreat, you’re not just looking for another boring conference room with bad coffee and stale bagels. You’re searching for a retreat experience—the kind that will have your team talking for months, maybe even years (without needing therapy after). Lucky for you, Europe is packed with destinations that check all the boxes: luxurious, culturally rich, and drop-dead gorgeous.
From the dramatic cliffs of Madeira to the rolling hills of Tuscany, these destinations are perfect for executives who want to reset, reconnect, and maybe enjoy a glass of wine (or three). Ready to dive into some serious retreat inspo? Let’s go.
The Perfect Blend of Luxury and Culture in Europe
When it comes to hosting an executive retreat, Europe is like the Taylor Swift of destinations—always delivering, never disappointing. Whether your team wants to stroll through vineyards, indulge in Michelin-starred meals, or simply soak up some sun in the Mediterranean, Europe offers the ultimate mix of relaxation, culture, and luxury. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want to “accidentally” run into George Clooney in Southern France? Ready to explore the best destination for your retreat? Use our Offsite Flight Analyzer to compare flight costs and logistics for up to three destinations at a time.
Madeira, Portugal – A Hidden Gem for Executive Retreats
Why Madeira Should Be on Your Corporate Retreat List
Madeira is basically the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of retreat destinations. It’s exotic but totally accessible, and the natural beauty is just the beginning. Whether it’s cliff diving (for the brave), hiking through the lush Laurisilva forest, or indulging in world-class wine, Madeira is the perfect blend of adventure and chill. Trust me, you won’t find another place that so effortlessly balances relaxation with just enough adrenaline to keep things interesting.
Top Accommodations:
Saccharum Resort & Spa: This luxurious beachfront hotel offers stunning ocean views, sleek design, and a fully equipped spa. Whether your team needs time to unwind or wants to hit the waves for some water sports, this hotel has you covered. The pool area? Absolutely jaw-dropping.
The Cliff Bay: Known for its sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, this hotel is as close to paradise as it gets. The luxurious rooms, extensive spa treatments, and Michelin-starred restaurant (Il Gallo d’Oro) make it perfect for high-end corporate retreats where comfort and gourmet dining go hand-in-hand.
Must-Do Activities:
Laurisilva Forest Hike: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this forest offers trails that will make your team feel like they’ve stepped into a lush, fairy-tale jungle.
Levada Walks: Explore Madeira’s unique irrigation system on scenic hikes that weave through valleys and mountains.
Wine Tours: Madeira is famous for its sweet, fortified wine—don’t leave the island without booking a wine tour or tasting.
Water Sports: Your more adventurous team members can dive into snorkeling, paddleboarding, or surfing along the island’s rugged coast.
Provence, Southern France – Retreat in the Heart of the French Countryside
The Allure of Provence for Leadership and Executive Retreats
Let’s talk about Provence—a place so picturesque, it feels like a Pinterest board come to life. Between the lavender fields, charming villages, and rolling vineyards, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve stepped into a dream. Provence is the perfect retreat destination for teams who want to take things slow, sip some wine, and enjoy a very French reset.
Top Accommodations:
La Bastide de Gordes: This historic 5-star château offers breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley, luxury spa treatments, and rooms that blend modern amenities with Provencal charm. If your team needs a break from the stress of corporate life, this is the place to unwind.
Château de Berne: Nestled in the heart of a vineyard, this chic hotel offers wine tastings, cooking classes, and spa treatments that will leave your team feeling pampered and refreshed.
Must-Do Activities:
Wine Tastings: Provence is home to some of the best wines in the world. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the local vineyards—and a glass or two of rosé, obviously.
Lavender Field Tours: Provence is famous for its lavender fields. Schedule a tour during peak season (June to August) for that perfect Instagram shot and a calming stroll through fields of purple.
Hot Air Ballooning: For a truly magical experience, take your team on a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards and rolling hills of Provence. It’s as dreamy as it sounds.
Tuscany, Italy – A Timeless Destination for Corporate Retreats
Why Tuscany is a Top Choice for Executive Getaways
If Tuscany were a person, it’d be the kind of effortlessly chic, wine-loving individual who invites you over for dinner and casually serves you a five-course meal. With its iconic rolling hills, medieval villages, and world-class wine, Tuscany is the perfect retreat destination for executives who want to blend work with a little bit of la dolce vita. Team bonding over truffle hunting, anyone?
Top Accommodations:
Castello di Casole: This restored 10th-century castle is nestled in the Tuscan hills and offers everything from vineyard tours to luxurious spa treatments. It’s the ultimate backdrop for a leadership retreat with a touch of old-world glamour.
Il Borro Estate: Owned by the Ferragamo family, this estate is the definition of Tuscan luxury. With its own vineyards, olive groves, and cooking classes led by world-renowned chefs, Il Borro is perfect for a team that appreciates the finer things in life.
Must-Do Activities:
Wine Tours: Tuscany is known for its Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines. Schedule a tour of the region’s vineyards and treat your team to tastings that will make them feel like wine connoisseurs.
Tuscan Cooking Classes: Bond with your team over a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make traditional Italian dishes like handmade pasta and tiramisu. Who knew making pizza could be such a great team-building activity?
Truffle Hunting: Channel your inner foodie and take the team truffle hunting through the Tuscan countryside. It’s like a treasure hunt but with gourmet food at the end.
Santorini, Greece – A Breathtaking Mediterranean Escape
Why Santorini is Perfect for a Corporate Retreat
With its white-washed buildings, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned sunsets, Santorini is the kind of place that looks like it was made for postcards. It’s an ideal destination for executives looking to unwind in style, combining luxury with a touch of Mediterranean magic. The perfect spot for a retreat that blends business and pleasure.
Top Accommodations:
Katikies Hotel: Perched on the cliffs of Oia, this luxury hotel offers stunning views of the caldera, private terraces, and a world-class spa. Your team can unwind in infinity pools that seem to melt into the sea.
Canaves Oia Hotel: Known for its elegance and impeccable service, Canaves Oia offers an idyllic escape with its minimalistic design, infinity pools, and the breathtaking backdrop of Santorini’s caldera.
Must-Do Activities:
Sunset Sailing Tours: Take your team on a private yacht tour around the island to soak in the famous Santorini sunset—because a retreat in Greece without a sunset sail is practically illegal.
Wine Tours: Santorini’s volcanic soil gives its wines a unique flavor. Book a wine tour and sip on some of Greece’s finest while taking in vineyard views that stretch out to the sea.
Volcano Hikes: For a bit of adventure, hike up the Nea Kameni volcano and relax afterward in the nearby hot springs.
Reykjavik, Iceland – A Nordic Paradise for Corporate Retreats
Why Reykjavik Is a Unique Corporate Retreat Destination
If your team is craving something completely different, Reykjavik offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blends adventure with stunning natural beauty. From dramatic waterfalls to the famed Blue Lagoon, this Nordic paradise is perfect for an executive retreat that’s equal parts invigorating and relaxing.
Top Accommodations:
The Retreat at Blue Lagoon: This high-end resort is built right into the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal waters. Your team can indulge in spa treatments while soaking in the mineral-rich, milky-blue water, or take part in mindfulness activities against the backdrop of lava fields.
ION Adventure Hotel: Nestled in the Icelandic wilderness, this eco-luxury hotel offers stunning views of lava fields, hot springs, and even the Northern Lights. It’s a perfect base for teams looking for both relaxation and outdoor adventure.
Must-Do Activities:
The Blue Lagoon: Start or end your retreat with a visit to this famous geothermal spa. The mineral-rich waters are perfect for relaxation, and the hotel’s spa offers luxurious treatments.
Golden Circle Tour: Explore some of Iceland’s most famous sights, including Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the geothermal Geysir area.
Northern Lights Tours: If your retreat happens to be in winter, take your team on a Northern Lights hunt. Trust me, this will be an experience no one forgets.
Azores, Portugal – Nature and Adventure for Executive Teams
Experience the Wild Beauty of the Azores for Your Leadership Retreat
If your team’s vibe is less “five-star hotel” and more “whale-watching and volcanic hikes,” then the Azores might just be your perfect match. This island archipelago serves up some seriously epic nature: volcanic landscapes, thermal hot springs, and views that look straight out of a desktop wallpaper. Whether you're bonding over a hike up a volcano or just kicking back in a thermal bath, the Azores offer the kind of team-building activities that actually bring people together (no trust falls required).
Top Accommodations:
Terra Nostra Garden Hotel: Set in the middle of a lush botanical garden, this hotel is the epitome of serene luxury. Your team can relax in the naturally heated thermal pools or explore the garden, which is home to hundreds of species of plants.
Furnas Boutique Hotel: Known for its hot springs and volcanic views, this stylish hotel is perfect for teams looking to unplug and immerse themselves in nature.
Must-Do Activities:
Whale Watching: The Azores are one of the world’s top whale-watching destinations. Schedule a boat tour and catch sight of sperm whales, dolphins, and even the occasional blue whale.
Geothermal Baths: The Azores are famous for their natural hot springs. Head to Furnas for a relaxing dip in the mineral-rich, volcanically heated pools.
Sete Cidades Volcanic Crater: One of the most iconic sights in the Azores, this crater is home to two lakes (one blue, one green) and is perfect for hiking and photo ops.
Canyoning: If your team thrives on adrenaline, take them canyoning through the rugged volcanic landscapes for some unforgettable team bonding.
Your Next European Retreat Awaits
Whether it’s sipping wine in Tuscany or soaking in hot springs in Iceland, these European destinations are calling your name. So what are you waiting for? Ditch the boring boardroom and treat your team to an executive retreat they’ll actually want to attend. Trust me, after a few days in Madeira or Santorini, your team will come back more relaxed, more productive, and maybe even with a newfound appreciation for volcanic landscapes and Mediterranean sunsets.
Ready to Plan Your Executive Retreat? Let Us Help!
We’ve got you covered from start to finish. From finding the perfect villa in Tuscany to setting up whale-watching tours in the Azores, we’ll make sure your next retreat is one for the books. Contact us today to start planning your dream getaway!