10 unusual destinations for your next team retreat (without breaking the bank)

It’s no secret that in today’s world, in which remote and hybrid work are here to stay and continue growing, team retreats are one of few moments in which distributed teams get the chance to connect face-to-face.

Managers are recognizing the importance of bringing everyone together, but this comes not without challenges. Organizing and booking a company offsite can be time-consuming and far from cost-effective. Today, we are bringing you 10 destinations to serve as inspiration for your next team retreat.

1. Cerdeira, Portugal

Set in a picturesque valley just a couple of hours away from either Porto or Lisbon, Cerdeira is a haven in which your daily stress just seems to float away. Stay with your team in a traditional “Schist” house in the Serra da Lousã mountain range, follow a hiking trail deep into the forest, learn how to cook traditional Portuguese dishes or go kayaking in the Mondego River.

No trip to Cerdeira would be complete without attending a workshop organized by the Cerdeira Home for Creativity in which you can build your very own miniature Schist house.

2. Castello di Gargonza, Tuscany, Italy

Staying in a castle set on top of a Tuscan hill, surrounded by acres of forest and vineyards can’t be a bad idea. But if you add homemade pasta and local wine served at the aptly named “Tower of Gargonza”, it’s a no-brainer.

It feels like renting an entire village. Teams can participate in wine tasting competitions, unwind at the pool, gather for meetings in their conference rooms or go on a day trip to Florence, just to name a few of the things a retreat in this part of Tuscany can offer.

3. Park City, Utah, USA

Conveniently located for remote teams that are based across the USA, Park City has something to offer for your company retreat in any season. Avoid crowds and high prices by going in November or February if your intention is to hit the slopes, or go in June or early September if you are planning a summer retreat.

Take your team skiing, biking or hiking and hold productive meetings back at your lodge. Other activities such as ATV rides, horseback riding or snowmobiling are also available around the area, making it a great spot to get together and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

4. Mont Tremblant, Canada

Visitors delight at the amazing views this area boasts, along with outdoor activities that are second to none. You can take your team karting, ziplining, rafting or skiing, but the hikes to the lakes within the national park trump them all in our opinion.

There are no shortage of chalets, lodges and hotels to accommodate your team. If skiing is not your thing, travel in the warmer months to get a better deal, or in autumn to witness the show of colours that the trees put on. The colourful village is home to restaurants, shops and galleries, making it a perfect spot for a retreat.

5. Brac, Croatia

A short & scenic ferry ride away from Split, the island of Brac is full of picturesque villages by the sea, white sandy beaches and nature hikes that lead to breathtaking viewpoints. There are many inexpensive houses that prove to be the best bet for accommodating teams, as hotels in the area tend to have higher prices.

6. Ponta Delgada, Portugal

With direct flights both from the USA and Europe, the beautiful island of Ponta Delgada in the Azores proves to be an interesting meeting point for teams based in both continents. There are several guesthouses and hotels with enough capacity to accommodate small and medium-sized teams.

Not-to-miss activities include whale spotting, hikes to the lakes, and canyoning, which consists in travelling down a river using different techniques, including slides, rappels and small jumps.

7. Ocho Ríos, Jamaica

Ocho Ríos is about 90 minutes away from the main airport in Montego Bay, which receives (inexpensive) flights from the USA and Canada and also has direct connections with Europe. The best time of the year to go is November until mid-December, as you’ll get warm temperatures and avoid high prices of the peak season.

There is plenty to do, from bamboo rafting and snorkelling, to national park hikes and taking a dip in the Blue Hole. If you don’t go during the high season, you can get yourself a nice exotic getaway without breaking the bank.

8. Kališta, North Macedonia

Lake Ohrid is one of the world’s oldest and deepest, lined with beautiful villages and cave churches. But for some reason, it is off the radar and receives little international tourism.

The village of Kališta can be used as a base to explore the region, in which you can hike to a monastery to taste some wine, visit Ohrid’s old town and do paddle surf in the lake. We can recommend Hotel Izgrev near Kališta, as it is big enough to accommodate all kinds of teams, has decent sized meeting rooms and even a water park.

9. Gosau, Austria

One of the most scenic places on Earth can be found in the Austrian Alps, near the German border. Skiing, hiking and biking are activities that can be done in Gosau, but the best thing to do is not tie yourself to a single location when visiting this region. Nearby is the more well-known town of Hallstatt, with its skywalks and viewpoints that are out of this world.

You can either use any of the charming towns as a base, or stay in different places as you go. For the more adventurous teams, this region is a haven which is not easy to say goobye to.

10. Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Best suited for teams based around Europe, visiting the Faroe Islands is the nature trip of a lifetime, and not as expensive as you would think. Torshavn, the capital city, should be used as a base to explore the rest of the islands. Having said that, Torshavn in itself has plenty to offer, such as exploring the streets lined with wooden turf-roofed houses, riding a horse on the hills above the city or attending music performances at the Nordic House Cultural Center.

When you do head out of town, take your team to marvel at spectacular waterfalls, wander around remote villages and even watch Sorvagsvatn Lake “floating” above the sea.

Ready to plan your unique & affordable team retreat?

Choosing the perfect destination is just the first step. We Offsite simplifies the entire corporate event planning process for distributed and remote companies, ensuring unprecedented savings, 80% time savings, and 100% compliance for your next team trip.

Don’t let the complexities of organizing a company offsite hold you back. Our expert planners provide end-to-end planning, from venue sourcing and flight bookings to team building activities and budget control.

Schedule a call with us today to get customized proposals for your ideal, budget-friendly team retreat!

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