The Ultimate Guide to Unique Retreat Ideas
In the wake of a pandemic, retreats are even more necessary. However, you might be feeling the pressure to make this retreat one of the best. Well, lucky you, you’ve come to the right place. We’re talking unique retreats with epic team bonding experiences. Seriously, we mention fire dancing and lions. Now, that’s how you come back from the pandemic with a bang.
Still looking for a retreat theme, skip here for retreat themes:
Or if you already have your theme you can jump straight to some epic retreat activities.
EXECUTIVE
FIND YOUR ZEN
Let’s be honest, as c-suite you’re probably feeling the stress. It might not even be that big of a stretch to say you’re running on cortisol and caffeine.
Align your chakras, cleanse your aura, channel your inner zen, and most importantly just f*cking relax with this retreat. That’s right we’re going full yogi on you with a wellness retreat. And the best part is you don’t have to plan it.
Stay: Bali, Croatia, Iceland, you can relax wherever you want. With companies like The Travel Yogi and Om & Flow, you can book a fully planned yoga retreat or you can just incorporate a local class into your day.
Do: Whatever your heart desires, and some—okay a lot of— yoga
HACKATHON
But sometimes the best way to cope with stress is just to get things done. And that’s exactly what a hackathon is for. This retreat might not be included in our epic category, but you’ll walk away feeling so much better. We recommend having this executive offsite at the end of the quarter that way you can finish up last-minute projects while also aligning on goals for the next quarter.
You may be thinking, “okay, but where does the team bonding come in?” And to that I say, haven’t you read any of our blogs? Team bonding is all about working together and of course we also recommend sprinkling in a few extra team-building activities.
Stay: Since you’re going to be grinding, there’s no point and spending lots of flights, so we recommend finding a cute workspace nearby.
Do: Mockumentary, Learning Lunches, Brew Tour, Brainstorming Session
HIT THE SLOPES
Tired of working? Why not shred some board? Whether you’ve got your pizza and fries down, skiing is a guaranteed good time. And when you get tired of skiing, you can always relax with spiked cocoa.
Stay: Valais, Switzerland or Columbia Falls, MT or Colorado Springs, CO or Anchorage, AK
Do: Ski & Board, Hot Sauna, Bonfire, Snowmobiling, Sledding
WILDERNESS
When’s the last time you got out in nature, truly?
Well, I’ve got some news for you: the mountains are calling and all that jazz. So, zip up the duffel it’s time to go. Don’t worry, for all our spray-tan wearers and ice-coffee drinkers, we’re doing it in style. Yup, we’re staying at a luxury wilderness retreat in the middle of a national park.
So get your soccer mom's speech prepared, the one where you say how much those three days at the retreat completely changed your life because it’s about to be epic.
Stay: Zion National Park
Do: Hiking, Bonfire, Biking, Meditation, Spa Day
UNPLUGGED
Full disclaimer: I’m about to go full-blown Grandpa Jones on you.
“Back in my day, we didn’t have those cellular devices. We had to find ways to entertain ourselves. We’d go out in the woods and find some sticks. Back then I we needed was our imagination.” I’ll stop before he gets to the part about calcium and almond milk.
Well, Grandpa Jones is normally the one to ruin Thanksgiving, he does have a bit of a point. It’s nice to unplug every now and then. Don’t get me wrong I’m one Apple Watch away from a subpar robot, but by the third time Carol responds to the email using reply all I’m ready to give my phone an ice bath.
Okay, but in all seriousness, challenge your team to unplug for the retreat. Not only will you be more likely to talk to people you wouldn’t, but you’ll also finally be able to take advantage of your OOO.
Worried you won’t have self-control? Staying on a private island like Aerial will make you forget you even have a phone.
Stay: British Virgin Islands
Do: Team Olympics, Glow in the Dark Paddleboarding, Guided Beach Workouts, Pony Feeding + Riding
COMPANY WIDE
EXTRATERRESTIAL
“Get in b*tches, we’re going” to outer space.
That’s right, Elon Musk, you’re not the only one. Put that hair into space buns, grab the glitter paint, and let’s go.
You might be thinking, that’s definitely not in the retreat budget, but don’t worry, we know just how to get that “out-of-this-world” feeling. For starters, what says space, like a dramatic race to escape. And if you’re thinking what? May I present to you Case 1: Star Wars, Case 2: Guardians of the Galaxy, Case 3: Gravity. Need I continue?
Anyways, there’s simply no way to have a space-themed retreat without an escape room, and lucky for you we even have a space-themed one available for you.
And if you’re really into the spirit, you can even name a star after your company. Capitalism at its finest, guys.
Stay: Galaxy Pod
Do: Aliens & Peanutbutter, Escape Room, Planetarium
SURVIVOR
Speaking of a race to escape, have y’all ever seen the ultimate race, Survivor?
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to book Jeff Probst, but don’t worry there will be an immunity idol.
The thing that we love about this retreat is that you can easily pair it with other events. We recommend dedicating at least the first day of the retreat to Survivor. However, if you’re super into it, you can make it the whole duration and keep score with each team-building activity. Make sure to have a variety of challenges including both those that rely on physical strength and others that depend on mental abilities.
Take it to the next level and even hide an idol around the venue.
Stay: San Diego
GAME ON
“Where a kid can be a kid.”
Okay, so I’m not saying you should take your team to Chuck E. Cheese, but they do have arcade bars.
There’s nothing like kicking it back with some games, whether that’s Sorry, Ski Ball, or a personal favorite BS.
We especially love pairing this event with a 90s theme party, because if you’re going to embrace the good ole days might as well go all the way.
Stay: You can do this anywhere as long as there’s an arcade bar close by or a conference room for you to set up your own games. However, if you’re like us and like to go all out, why not take a flight to Amsterdam and stay at this arcade hotel.
Do: 90s party, arcade bar, karaoke, dance class
CARNIVAL
This retreat is going to have the same feeling as flying trapeze and cotton candy: weightless, sweet, and magical.
And what place combines those feelings more than Vegas— well, maybe Disney, but we’ll get to that later. Like an arcade retreat, this theme is all about letting go, so encourage your employees to dress up. Think Coachella.
Stay: Las Vegas
Do: Cirque de Soleil, face painting, carnival games: horseshoe, etc.
LUAU
If you follow our socials, you might know we’re a bit partial to this one, because our last retreat was seriously fire (get it?). So we think it’s only fair to share. The luau was the perfect place for coworkers to relax while still sharing a memorable experience. I mean when’s the last time you saw fire dancers?
The luau is enough by itself, but you can even have your team learn to dance—you know without the fire though.
We recommend spending the rest of the retreat relaxing on the beach with bonfires, beach-style team Olympics, and snorkeling.
Stay: Is there any other place to spend your luau retreat besides Hawaii?
Do: fire dancer, hiking, barbecue, beach games
USA BASED
WILD WEST
What do you think we were going to do US-based retreats and not mention cowboys?
Nope, saddle up, because this isn’t our first rodeo. By now you might be beginning to get that the key to a good retreat is going full-out, so why would this western story be any different? Rodeos, horseback riding, old saloons, you name it, we got it!
Stay: Do we even need to tell you that for a retreat this big, it’s got to be Texas?
Do: Rodeo, Horseback riding, Pig Race, Horse Shoe Throwing
WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE
A lot of our retreats have to do with embracing your inner child, and I dare you to come up with a place more magical than Disney?
While Magic Kingdom is always a crowd favorite, we would highly recommend bringing your team to Epcot. Not only can you drink around the world, but if you have a highly multicultural team, you can use this as a launching point to learn more about your coworker's backgrounds.
Stay: While Orlando has plenty of stunning hotels like Gaylord and Peabody, why not go all the way and stay at the resort?
Do: Watch live music at Disney Springs, Explore Epcot, See ICE
JACK SPARROW
Hit the open seas with this epic company offsite.
While knowing how to swim is recommended, you don’t have to be a sailing expert. Work with your crew and build communication skills while sailing away from work.
Bonus points if everyone gets a pirate name and there’s a treasure chest.
Stay: On a boat, silly
Do: Snorkeling, Treasure Hunt Island Hopping, Sailing, Game Night
CORPORATE CASTAWAY
So we suggested a sailing-themed corporate retreat, but what if you didn’t have a boat? What if all you had was cardboard and tape.
That’s right, we’re going full Tom Hanks with this one, but you can leave Wilson at home. With team bonding events like the Cardboard Boat Challenge, bonfires, and beach camping, you’ll wish you really were stuck on the island.
Stay: Anywhere on island time
Do: Cardboard Boat, Bonfire & Barbecue, Cornhole, Beach Volleyball Tournament
UP IN THE TREES
Remember how you used to beg your parents for a treehouse? And that one summer you spend days drawing out your treehouse game plan. There was going to be a giant TV in one corner, a trampoline in the other, and of course, a vending machine filled with all the sugar concoctions you could imagine.
So maybe this retreat might not be as inventive as your dream treehouse, but it will be as epic.
Stay: It’s pretty obvious this retreat only has one requirement: a treehouse
Do: Ropes Courses, Movie Night, Stargazing, Team Olympics
INTERNATIONAL
FITZGERALD
There’s a reason it’s the Great Gatsby and not just Gatsby. Lavish costumes, mysterious people, and hidden speakeasies. With a retreat this epic, we’ll have you searching for a time machine.
Pro tip: Mail out personas for the murder mystery dinner ahead of time so everyone can show up in character
Stay: London, England or Prague, Czech Republic or Denver, CO
Do: Ganster & Mobster Tour, Speakeasy, Mixology Course, Murder Mystery Dinner, 20s themed party
WINE & VINE
They say a glass of wine a day is good for your health. Well, we like to argue a winery a day is good for the soul. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself.
And of course, with a retreat this epic, it’s only right that we take it back to where it all began. Yup…we’re going to Europe for this company retreat.
Stay: France or Portugal or Italy
Do: Wine Tour, Grape Smashing, Cooking Class, Hiking
Surfs Up
Whether you have the balance of a yogi or are as clumsy as a blind rhinoceros, you’re going to have a great time on this surfing offsite.
This retreat emphasizes time in nature while also focusing on your health. It’s a bit like a wellness retreat, but with more of a “hang ten” feel. So if you’re ready to let loose, learn how to surf, and focus on some team building, this is the perfect retreat for you.
Stay: Costa Rica
Do: Surf, Luau, Beach Bonfire, Mediation
ICE ICE BABY
It’s getting cold in here.
If we’re being honest, this retreat is the perfect excuse to charge a bucket list item to your company card. Stay in a stunning venue, while exploring the beautiful nature Sweden has to offer. Oh, and don’t forget about the epic team bonding— snowmobiling, hiking, and more!
Stay: The Ice Hotel
Do: Snowmobiling, Skiing, Hiking Ice Bar
WILD ONES
Alexa, play Africa by Todo.
If you have a small team, looking to make a difference this retreat is for you. Work on conservationist efforts by helping to rehabilitate baby animals, participate in outreach, and educate yourself and others. If you’re looking for a relaxing retreat, this isn’t it, but if you’re looking for something rewarding, this is the perfect retreat for your team!
Stay: South Africa
Do: Rehabilitate Rhinos, Safari, Conservation Work
RETREAT ACTIVITIES
SENSORY DEPRIVATION TANK
What would it be like to be weightless? Why wonder when you can find out?
Not only do sensory deprivations tanks match the overall vibe of epicness, but they also have huge benefits for both your physical and mental health.
UNDERGROUND CAVING
While caves have the same vibe as sensory deprivation tanks, they're more engaging. So, if your team is looking for an adventure and a chance to brave the dark, book this unforgettable experience.
PARTY BIKE
The benefits of drinking, without the guilt of a beer gut? Sign us up! Pedal your way to team bonding with this immersive way to see the city.
SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS
Looking for the adventure of our Africa retreat, but with more of a tropical feel? Why not swim with the ocean’s biggest fish?
UNDER THE STARS
Movie nights are great, but why not take it outside? Grab a blow-up projector, snacks, and some blankets and you have the ultimate showing.
Pro tip: find a movie that connects to the theme of your company
Love the themes, but thinking about having a virtual retreat? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
500+ Custom Retreat Packages
500+ Custom Retreat Packages
500+ Custom Retreat Packages
The Offsite Co. partners with each client to design highly curated retreat experiences. Everything revolves around your teams unique goals, vision and budget. Provide some color on your retreat and we’ll be in touch within the hour. Book your retreat today.