In recent years, company retreats have taken a significant turn, with new trends emerging as businesses adapt to the post-pandemic landscape. Before COVID-19, popular retreat destinations were bustling cities like Barcelona and Lisbon. These were the places companies flocked to for their offsite gatherings. But things have changed. Today, businesses are gravitating towards quieter, more nature-focused settings.

Insights from Surf Office reveal a clear shift in preferences. Retreat locations are increasingly about serenity and calm rather than the urban buzz. 

In this article, we’ll explore Surf Office data and give insights into why there is such a surge in countryside retreats. 

👉 Oh, and are there any retreat organizers among us? If so, we'd love for you to contribute your thoughts to our new State of Company Offsites Report survey. It only takes 3 minutes to complete!

Now, back to the main event.

What did the Surf Office data show pre-pandemic?

Before the pandemic, city destinations like Barcelona and Lisbon were the go-to spots for company retreats. The appeal was obvious; vibrant culture, great restaurants, and plenty of activities to enjoy after a day of meetings. Cities provided the perfect balance of business and pleasure. But after COVID, demand for city retreats has dropped significantly.

The pandemic, coupled with the shift to remote and hybrid work, has changed the way we view company retreats. Rather than the excitement of a big city, companies are now prioritizing more meaningful, focused experiences. Urban environments, once seen as exciting, are now perhaps viewed as too busy and full of distractions.

Instead, more businesses are opting for quieter, nature-based retreats where teams can unwind, connect, and focus without the noise and rush of city life.

But what about the allure of the beach setting?

While city retreats have seen a decline, beach destinations continue to be popular. Southern European locations like Spain, Portugal, and Greece remain top choices for their great weather and delicious food. In fact, for many years, beach retreats have been a reliable favorite for businesses wanting a relaxed, refreshing setting for their team gatherings.

Aside from Europe, Central American destinations like Costa Rica and Mexico have also gained traction as emerging hotspots for company retreats. These areas offer a blend of adventure and natural beauty that’s hard to beat.

However, as much as the idea of a beach retreat is appealing, there’s a growing sentiment that it might not always be the most practical option. Sure, the beach is nice, but you’re probably not going to use it much during a company retreat. Retreats are primarily about team-building, workshops, and strategic discussions, which are activities that don’t necessarily always benefit from being next to the ocean.

The rise of Surf Office’s countryside retreats

One of the biggest surprises in the post-pandemic retreat scene has been the rapid rise of countryside locations. According to Surf Office data, bookings for countryside retreats shot up by over 200% between 2022 and 2023, and the trend is still going strong.

So, what’s fueling this shift?

In one of my recent LinkedIn posts, Marian Skvarek, founder of Realpad, asked me why countryside retreats have become so popular. I gave a quick response at the time, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized this topic deserves a deeper dive.

Here are my thoughts:

1. The need for calm and reflection

The calm of the countryside offers a peaceful environment where teams can escape the constant hustle of urban life. Unlike beach or city retreats, where the atmosphere is often busy and overwhelming, the countryside offers a serene backdrop conducive to deeper thinking and relaxation.

It’s also beneficial for:

Focused workshops

Many companies host retreats to conduct intensive workshops or strategy sessions, and these require a calm environment free from distractions. The open spaces and quiet nature of the countryside allow teams to focus, reflect, and engage in thoughtful discussions. 

Wellness activities

Increasingly, companies are incorporating wellness activities such as yoga and meditation sessions into their retreats. The tranquility of a countryside setting enhances the effectiveness of these activities.

Mental breaks

The natural surroundings also encourage mental breaks between meetings or sessions. Instead of stepping out into crowded city streets, employees can take a walk in nature, which has proven to boost creativity and problem-solving abilities.

2. Practicality over glamour

Although retreats in glamorous locations like beaches or luxury hotels might seem appealing, they don't always serve the intended purpose of a retreat. While beautiful surroundings are important, the focus of most corporate retreats is on activities that build team cohesion which don’t necessarily require a lavish location.

Here’s a deeper look at how the countryside can benefit team cohesion: 

Team-building activities

Corporate retreats include team-building exercises but it doesn’t necessarily mean the setting has to be of a particular genre. These activities can be done just as effectively—if not more so—in the countryside. For example, outdoor team-building activities like hiking or abseiling are perfectly suited to open, natural landscapes.

Collaborative sessions

Many retreat agendas are packed with collaborative sessions that need a quiet, undistracted environment for brainstorming or group discussions. A countryside location is typically better suited for this purpose than a beach or busy city, where distractions abound and the environment may not encourage productivity.

Work-life balance

The practicality of the countryside also ties into the growing trend of promoting work-life balance. The slower pace of life outside urban settings supports this balance, allowing employees to unwind and engage in meaningful interactions during retreat downtime.

3. Affordability without sacrificing experience

Retreat budgets are always a key consideration. Countryside venues could potentially offer a more cost-effective solution compared to coastal resorts or city hotels. This affordability does not come at the cost of a rich and memorable experience.

There are also these areas to consider, too:

Customizable experiences

Countryside venues often offer more flexibility in terms of space and activities. Whether companies want to organize large-scale group activities, set up outdoor stages for talks, or hold team-building exercises, there is more room to do these things in a countryside setting.

Local partnerships

Many rural venues also work closely with local businesses to offer activities like wine tastings or artisan workshops, both of which provide unique experiences that may not be available in urban settings. These local collaborations could further reduce costs while enhancing the retreat’s overall appeal.

Longer stays

With lower costs, companies can extend their retreat duration, allowing for more in-depth team-building and strategic planning. This extended time in a peaceful setting can lead to more meaningful outcomes than a quick, expensive getaway.

4. Unique venues for a memorable experience

One of the major advantages of countryside retreats is the variety of unique and interesting venues available, offering more character and creativity compared to the standard hotel conference room.

Memorable locations

Companies can host their retreats at historic venues, like castles or manors, or opt for modern rustic experiences like glamping sites. These locations not only break the monotony of traditional office settings but also add uniqueness to the entire retreat.

Inspiring settings

The unique architecture and natural beauty of countryside venues can serve as an inspiration for teams. These settings can spark creativity and innovation, especially when paired with outdoor activities like hiking or nature walks, which encourage fresh perspectives and new ideas.

Cultural integration

Some countryside retreats can also immerse teams in local culture, offering opportunities to experience rural life, new, unexplored local foods, or traditional crafts. These culturally rich activities add depth to the retreat and can strengthen bonds between team members through shared new experiences.

Looking ahead…

The landscape of company retreats is evolving, with more businesses opting for nature-filled, peaceful environments over the traditional city or beach retreats of the past. This shift reflects broader trends in corporate culture, where well-being, work-life balance, and sustainability are becoming key priorities.

As remote and hybrid work models continue to grow, company retreats will remain essential for fostering connection, collaboration, and team spirit. The rise of countryside retreats is a clear indicator that businesses are prioritizing calm, focused environments where their teams can come together and recharge.

Looking ahead, we can expect the trend toward countryside retreats to continue, with companies embracing more serene and unique locations for their offsites, not to mention the eco-friendly benefits that come with this setting.

We need your input!

To wrap up, we'd love your input on a survey we've recently launched. While the data shared here comes from Surf Office, we're eager to hear from companies that organize retreats outside of our platform as well. We’re looking for insights not just on retreat locations, but also details like the ideal number of nights and other retreat preferences.

If you organize company retreats, it would be epic to have you participate! 

The survey takes less than 3 minutes to complete. Find it here.

Your input will help shape "The State of Company Offsites," a report set to be released later this year. It’s sure to provide valuable insights for everyone involved in planning company retreats.

Just before you go…

Has all this company retreat talk got you riled up but you’re not sure on how to execute the idea?

Allow Surf Office to lend a hand.

We’ve had the pleasure of organizing over 700+ retreat experiences, including remote teams, for many different companies. Here’s what we offer:

• Stress-free transfers? We got you! ✅
• Quality-assured accommodations? Check! ✅
• Engaging team-building activities? Our speciality ✅
• Restaurant reservations? That's on us! ✅
• Expert retreat planning assistance? Of course, we have this covered! ✅
• Onsite support, tailored to your needs? Absolutely ✅

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Not only this but we also have access to 160+ locations around Europe, APAC, the US, Latin America, and now Africa, meaning the sky is your limit when it comes to choosing the right location for you and your team.

Make sure you choose the right retreat for your company with the help of Surf Office. Contact us for more details!