6 exciting company retreat destinations to bring your team to

There’s no better way to reward stellar teamwork than with a fun-filled company retreat. After countless days of slogging it out together, nothing says relaxation like a group getaway where everyone from the tech guys, to the designers can let their hair down.

Planning a company retreat can be a drag for both the planner and those embarking on the trip. Here at Glints, we’ve helped to narrow down a few destinations guaranteed to refresh your team. Forget your boring desks, the locations in this list offer everything from posh pampering to exciting adventures. Whether it’s somewhere close to home, or a land far away, these six locations will rejuvenate you and your team.  

1. Bali: Retreat into the wilderness on your team retreat

With its vast beaches and scenic sunsets, Bali is the ideal travel destination if you’re looking for a team retreat location that’s close to home. This beach vacation promises an interesting mix of adventure and relaxation, great for all members in your team. From Kuta to Ubud, Bali is an island perfect for you and your team to unwind and get some sun!

Cost:

• Flights: From $250 on airlines such as KLM and Scoot, depending on the period of travel  
• Accommodation: Bali boasts a huge number of vast villas perfect as company retreat venues! Starting from $350 a night on Airbnb , most of these villas are able to sleep up to 10 people, making them the most convenient and budget-friendly option when in Bali. If you’ll be travelling in a big group, hotels might be a better option!

Top 3 things to do:

• Chill out on the beach at Potato Head Beach Club — This swanky beach club is the best place to sip cocktails and coconuts. Sway along with the palm trees to chill tunes with your fave team while watching the sunset—the best time to visit.
• Climb Mount Batur — This is a must do activity when in Bali, and doing it in a team makes a world of a difference! Start the day with an early morning hike to the summit, and catch the stunning violet-hued sunrise over the horizon. The trek is relatively easy, but be sure to bring a jacket as it gets chilly near the top!
• Zen out with Yoga— Rejuvenate by going for a team yoga class! Located in Ubud, The Yoga Barn is one of the island’s most famous yoga studios. Embark on a journey of zen and return to the city ready to tackle work again!

Total cost: From $600 for 3D2N

2. Yogyakarta: A company retreat with an exciting twist

Affectionately known as Jogja, this beautiful city is chock full of culture and crazy-ness! As the cultural heart of Indonesia, Yogyakarta (or as I call it—yogyland) boasts majestic temples, forests and mountains, great for bonding during your company retreat. This location is the best for those seeking adventure close to home.

Cost:

• Flights: From $222 on AirAsia, depending on the period of travel
• Accommodations: Lie back in luxury in Yogy-Land at The Phoenix Hotel (from $57 a night) or the Queen of South Resort (from $80 a night for a double room). If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, boutique budget hotels at this location are also available from $30 a night.

Top 3 things to do:

• Temple Hopping—Look out for the top three temples: Borobudur, Prambanan Temple, and the Ratu Boko. You’ll feel as if you’re in a real-life Temple-Run game whilst at these stunning locations.
• Cave Tubing at Goa Pindul—Make a beeline for the Goa Pindul caves and channel your inner Indiana Jones. Bob along the vast water channels and explore these gorgeous caves in comfortable rubber tubes.
• Timang Beach Gondola—This is one for the books! If you have an adrenaline junkie on board, this activity is one that cannot be missed. Made out of wood, this little cable car is hooked to a pulley system, allowing riders to glide across the crashing waves below.

Total cost: From $500 for 3D2N

3. Tokyo: Get your dose of inspiration on this team retreat

The land of the rising sun is a popular destination if you’re looking to take your company retreat little further away from home. A bustling metropolis, Tokyo might just incite new ideas and provide inspiration for your team. Whether it’s stuffing your faces with top quality ramen or going on a hunt for the weirdest vending machines, this city is thrumming with life.

Cost:

• Flights: From $450 on Skyscanner
• Accommodation: Tokyo accommodation is slightly pricier due to the city’s density. Other than the usual hotel rooms, try looking for alternatives such as capsule hotels to get the best bang for your buck. Prices start from around $36 SGD a night.

Top 3 things to do:

• Street Go-Kart Tour—What better way to kick off your company retreat with a city tour? Dress up as your favourite characters and cruise through Shibuya and Shinjuku in a kawaii go-kart!
• Eat Sushi at Tsukiji—This iconic fish market is the number one place for Tokyo’s freshest sushi. Wake up early to catch the famous tuna auction and be awed by the gigantic fish on sale. The must-try stall is the oishi tamagoyaki store located at the corner—trust me, you won’t regret it.
• Onsen it up—There’s no better way to loosen up with your team than with a visit to the hot springs! This location is also an ideal location to bond with your team members during your retreat. Onsens are abundant in Tokyo, and are relatively inexpensive.

Total cost: From $700 for 3D2N

4. Seoul: Satisfy your cravings on this food-filled team retreat

Annyeonghaseyo! Home to your favourite Korean dramas, Seoul is stuffed with activities for you and your colleagues to indulge in. Besides the usual shopping sprees, take a step back and see Seoul at a much slower pace this company retreat. Delve into the scenic parts of the city, we promise that it’ll be oh seoul shiok!

Cost:

• Flights: From $483 by Cathay Pacific
• Accommodation: Hostels such as Hostel The Style offer 8-Bed dorms at $19 per night, the average rate for hostels in the area. Alternatively, guesthouse stays in traditional Korean houses are another popular choice for groups.

Top 3 things to do:  

• Eat your weight in street food—Don’t miss out on the insane amounts of street food available around the Hongdae and Dongdaemun area. Fill your tummy with spicy rice cakes and pancakes, and if you’re up for a challenge, go for some fresh octopus!
• Gyeongbokgung Palace—Climb into your own Korean drama fantasy by dressing up in hanboks (korean traditional costumes) and going on a trip to the palace. This activity is extremely #instagrammable and will push your team up the ranks of #bestteamever!
• Have a Picnic along Han River—Instead of jostling with the crowd along packed shopping streets, bring a picnic mat and crack open a cold one with the pals along the city’s iconic sparkling river. The huge park along the river is also a great place for some company retreat activities!

Total cost: From $700 for 3D2N

5. New Zealand: Push your limits this company retreat

Home of The Hobbit and picture-perfect mountain views, New Zealand will transport you and your team to a whole new world. Mammoth-sized national parks are sure to provide an escape into the wilderness for a few days, allowing you and your team to truly unwind. The adventure capital of the world, New Zealand promises a fruitful team retreat chock full of sights and sounds.

Cost:

• Flights: From $818 to Auckland (direct flight)
• Accommodation: Hotels in New Zealand start from $120 a night, with Airbnb homes going for an average of $300 for an entire home.

Top 3 things to do:

• Visit the Waitomo Caves—Immerse yourself in this unique experience by going on a group tour into the world of glowworms. The extensive cave systems ensure that your entire team will have a unique experience exploring the vast caverns.
• Take a Walk—New Zealand is most famous for its breathtaking scenery. Traverse the country’s best landscapes as an introductory team retreat activity, and rejuvenate with the sounds of nature. The best part? Walking tours are usually free of charge.  
• Sip on some bubbly—New Zealand is one of the world’s top wine producing countries, so be sure to knock on the cellar doors of vineyards in Auckland for some of the best tasting wines.

Total cost: From $1,600 for 3D2N

6. Morocco: A company retreat that’ll bring your team to a whole new world

The city of Marrakech is one full of mystique and character. Whether it’s the medieval architecture or the chaotic and colourful markets, this city is sure to inspire and awe. Perfect for teams needing a new burst of inspiration, this Morrocan marvel is one you’d wouldn’t want to leave.

Cost:

• Flights: From $1,380 to Marrakech by Qatar Airways
• Accommodation: Hostels are the way to go in Marrakech, with dorm beds in traditional Moroccan riads (a traditional moroccan house) going for £12, and bed and breakfast rooms from £60. Alternatively, booking a whole riad for your team retreat will be a better option for those looking to have their own space.

Top 3 things to do:

• Bargain in the Souks — Fulfill your Aladdin fantasies in the bazaars! Bargain your best in Souk Semarine for everything from textiles to spices.
• Explore the Medina—The peaceful old town promises surprises in every nook and cranny, away from the crowd of tourists. A walking tour will be great for relaxation, and a chill way to bond with your team.
• Float over the Horizon—Rise up above Marrakech’s vast mountains on a hot air balloon ride. Best taken during the sunrise or sunset, escape from the streets of Marrakech to enjoy a peaceful ride with your team.

Total cost: From $2300

With a wide range of locations and prices to choose from, you’ll be sure to find activities suitable for all members of your team. Company retreats are an essential part of the team bonding experience. After all, a good and refreshed team is the first step to tackling the next hurdle. Leave your work at home, and reward both your team and yourself with a fun-filled memory!