Top 15 places for an awesome company retreat: Europe

11 Nov 2024 · 14
If you enjoy bringing colleagues together to connect, get inspired, and improve team communication, corporate retreats offer the perfect opportunity for bonding between team members.  
We created this guide to show you why corporate retreats matter, along with 15 company retreat locations to reconnect and recharge.
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Why are in-person company retreats important?

Whether you’re staying at a boutique hotel, in cozy rentals, or in bungalows by the sea, corporate retreat experiences are an opportunity to bring co-workers together for bonding, brainstorming, and more. The wide-ranging benefits include:

Employees can connect outside of the office

Nothing builds camaraderie like sharing real-world experiences. Connecting outside the office allows employees to build trust that is hard to forge at their desks. It boosts a sense of belonging and increases engagement, motivation, and retention in the long term.
Discover how TravelPerk streamlined Hotjar's retreat planning, empowered team members to customize travel plans, and saved them valuable time!

They help teams form stronger human connections

Taking your team away from their inboxes and into new environments can help break down barriers, helps them learn more about their team members, and connect on a deeper, more personal level.
"Magic and energy burst when we get together in person. Bursts of understanding, when we can read beyond someone's words."
Avi Meir- TravelPerk CEO

They reignite team enthusiasm

Company retreats offer the chance to reflect on your business's progress. Without taking the time to acknowledge how far you've come, it can be difficult to motivate employees for what’s next.
Celebrating achievements and showing gratitude and recognition to the teams responsible is key to future success.

They foster creativity and productivity

We all need to hit refresh from time to time, especially remote teams. Company retreats allow employees to step away from their daily routines and reset. This can inspire and motivate teams, and revitalize their creativity, focus, and dedication when they return.
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Our top 15 destinations for an incredible European corporate retreat

Ready to get stuck into retreat planning? If you’re dreaming of a European getaway for your next corporate event here are our top 15 retreat ideas for inspiration.

1. Gran Canaria

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Whether your team seeks adventure or prefers something more sedate, this volcanic island has you covered. From zip-lining through the island’s national park to relaxing on the sand in idyllic coves, it's perfect for immersing teams in nature without going off-grid.
Along with stunning landscapes, the island has the longest sunshine hours in Spain. If Gran Canaria doesn’t work for your dates or budget, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is another great option.
Looking for a secluded retreat venue where you can focus on business? Then this sprawling hacienda is perfect. Perched above the clouds, it offers breathtaking views that will inspire your team.
After team-building exercises in the fresh mountain air, guests can indulge in massages at the spa or take a short trip to Pico de la Gorra for panoramic island views.

2. Madeira

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Madeira has it all: impressive panoramas, rich culture, delicious food, and an enviable climate! 
After catching up on company updates, teams can enjoy unforgettable experiences like whale and dolphin spotting from a luxury catamaran or swimming in volcanic lava pools along the coast.
For team bonding, pair employees for a ride on a traditional Monte toboggan. Glide through the streets with a local guide — no snow involved!
Perched on a clifftop with stunning ocean views, this palatial venue will make your team feel part of something special! Located in Funchal, just 20 minutes from the airport, you can get the party started right away.
With 3,800 square feet of event space, there’s plenty of room for large groups to gather before enjoying a decadent champagne afternoon tea.

3. Limassol (Cyprus)

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Reflecting on past performance is key to a meaningful corporate retreat, and Limassol’s ancient charm is a perfect backdrop. With a history dating back to the Neolithic era, teams can explore ancient ruins before toasting their success in Omodos, a mountain village renowned for its wine.
For relaxation, unwind on sandy beaches or enjoy delicious Greek Cypriot cuisine by the calming Mediterranean waves.
Part of the Marriott family, Parklane is a fantastic base for your company retreat in Cyprus. With 6 restaurants, 3 outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a state-of-the-art health club, there's plenty to keep your team occupied onsite. Amathus Beach is also just a short hop away.
Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points while enjoying 11 meeting rooms, including intimate boardrooms and conference center-sized spaces; there’s a space for groups of every size.
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4. Highlands

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The seclusion and rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands will revitalize your teams for the year ahead. Away from modern distractions, teams can bond by hiking the peaks of Cairngorms National Park or exploring the region's famous lochs.
For something extraordinary, head to Speyside for salmon fly fishing, before unwinding with a whisky tasting at a local distillery.
For a peaceful retreat, look no further than the Invergarry Hotel. Built in 1885 beside the River Garry on Macdonnell clan land, this is no ordinary corporate event venue.
Picture your teams bonding over group icebreakers and lawn games, then celebrating by a roaring fire with a glass of Highland whiskey!

5. Lake District

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For a real escape, take your team to England’s Lake District, a national park that inspired both William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter alike. The Lake District is the perfect setting for your team to refresh its creativity while enjoying an outdoor adventure.
Perched on the edge of Lake Grasmere, The Daffodil Hotel & Spa provides a luxurious base for your team to enjoy the Lake District landscapes. Here, you can set your teams off on a scavenger hunt around the expansive grounds before retiring to the spa for well-deserved treatments.
For the adventurous, horseback riding in the Lake District is a perfect choice! After a few days of fresh air and peaceful surroundings, your teams will be refreshed and ready to hit the ground running.
Ready to master your event finances? Get started with our complete guide to creating an event budget

6. Seville

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The jewel of Andalusia, with pretty streets lined with orange trees and striking architecture, Seville will win your employees' hearts. You can wander the palatial surrounds of the Real Alcázar or navigate the waterways of the Plaza de España; there are plentiful opportunities to unwind and connect.
Finish the day in true Spanish style; sample local sherry and jamón while enjoying the passion and flair of a flamenco show.
Looking for the best corporate retreat venues? How about a stay in an 18th-century palace right in the heart of Seville? Located a stone's throw from the Real Alcázar, this grand abode blends historic character with modern comfort.
After a day of team building, teams can take a dip in the rooftop plunge or unwind in the sauna. As evening draws in, gather at the rooftop bar for a toast overlooking the city skyline.

7. Galway

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For an authentic Irish getaway, look no further than the medieval streets of Galway. This quaint fishing town full of restaurants, bars, and plenty of Gaelic culture, is ideal for companies with a young company culture that loves outdoor activities. 
Spend your days exploring Connemara's wilds with team-building activities before unwinding at a pub with traditional folk music.
Spend your days escaping into nature with team-building activities in the wilds of nearby Connemara before heading back for a night in the pub accompanied by the sound of traditional folk songs.
Nestled on 700 acres in the heart of Connemara National Park, Ballynahinch Castle is the ideal backdrop for an outdoor corporate retreat. Hold alfresco meetings on the lawns before indulging in a champagne picnic or a spot of archery.
Afterward, explore the enchanting forests that have inspired artists for centuries.
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8. Prague

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A magical city with a bohemian past, Prague makes an excellent setting for an unforgettable corporate getaway. Oozing with historical charm, teams will not forget a scavenger hunt through the picture-perfect streets of the Old Town.
As the nights draw in, admire the mesmerizing skyline and toast your wins with a cold pint of Czech beer (or a glass of absinthe if you dare!).
This decadent bolthole is located in the heart of the capital, just minutes away from Charles Bridge and the enchanting Astronomical Clock. Teams will love navigating the city’s charming streets.
Back at the hotel, celebrate your achievements in style at a venue that has played host to historical icons such as Beethoven, Wagner, and its namesake, Mozart.

9. Lisbon

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Your team will fall in love with Lisbon’s charm. One of Europe’s oldest cities, it offers stunning views and cobbled streets to explore. Perfect for inspiring creative teams, it’s also a foodie’s dream with renowned local delicacies and world-class wine — ideal for bonding over wine tasting.
A short walk from Rossio Square, the Palácio da Anunciada is a peaceful haven in the Portuguese capital. With five meeting spaces onsite, there’s plenty of room for unique events before exploring Lisbon's vibrant streets.
After a day of making memories, relax in the rooftop pool before enjoying dinner at Condes de Ericeira, one of Portugal's trendiest gourmet spots.

10. Tuscany

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For design-focused teams, a trip to Italy’s wine country will reignite those creative flames. Culture vultures seeking a quintessential Italian experience won’t forget the sight of Florence's magnificent Duomo or the winding streets of Pisa.
Celebrate your team's achievements by tucking into Italy's gourmet delights under the Tuscan sun. Here, you’ll never run out of incredible dining options.
For an unforgettable retreat, treat your team to a luxe stay at the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena. With 64 individually decorated guest rooms just a five-minute walk from Piazza del Campo, it’s the perfect spot to rekindle ambition and inspire your team amidst historic beauty. 
Make booking hotel rooms for large groups a breeze: Follow the five tips in our detailed guide!

11. Ibiza

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While Ibiza is famous for its nightlife, this Mediterranean isle also offers laid-back sun-drenched beaches, yoga retreats, a myriad of glamping options, and delicious local fare. 
For active teams, consider a kayaking expedition on the Mediterranean or hire a local guide to organize a pilates, yin yoga, tai chi, or high-intensity fitness class. 
Located t on the beachfront, the Simbad Hotel is a fantastic base for soaking up the Ibicenco sun. With plenty of facilities for free time, your employees can socialize around the pool or rejuvenate with hydrotherapy jets in the wellness center.
At night, spacious suites offer stunning views of Ibiza castle and the clear Mediterranean Sea.

12. Vienna

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If your team enjoys the finer things in life, a trip to one of Europe's most decadent capitals is the perfect choice. This cultural hub in Austria offers an incredible museum district and beautiful architecture.
Kick off the celebrations with a delicious breakfast of traditional pastries and freshly roasted coffee at a local cafe.
With its central location and historical charm this 19th-century palace will impress your team. Designed by renowned architect Theophil Edvard Hansen and opened in 1873, it now offers modern amenities,  Michelin-star dining, and stunning meeting spaces. Don’t forget to sample the apple strudel before you leave!

13. Vichy

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If your team of yogis prefers vinyasa sessions to wild nights out, a wellness experience in this tranquil corner of France could be the dream corporate getaway. Famous for its thermal waters, Vichy has been a detox destination since Roman times. Treat employees to a health retreat, leaving them refreshed and ready to tackle their goals. 
Vichy Celestins is the ultimate wellness retreat, offering customized treatments to help guests meet their goals, from relieving back pain to alleviating stress and burnout. 
Treat hardworking teams with guided meditation sessions and daily yoga classes, ensuring they return to work refreshed and enthusiastic!

14. Bad Ragaz

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Nestled at the foot of the Alps, the historic spa town of Bad Ragaz is perfect for teams seeking adventure or relaxation. With picture-perfect Swiss scenery, adventurous groups can enjoy mountain biking, hiking trails, or skiing during winter months. For something more sedate, treat your team to a luxurious spa break!
Recognized as Switzerland’s best wellness retreat, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers 80,000 square feet of award-winning indulgence. Spa enthusiasts can unwind in thermal waters or sample a revitalizing thalassotherapy session. Outdoorsy types can enjoy downtime in the stunning Swiss mountains or take advantage of two scenic golf courses in the summer.

15. Reykjavik

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The ideal corporate retreat location for nature-loving organizations, your team will never forget a trip to Iceland. From smoldering volcanoes and glacial lakes to rafting tours on the Hvítá River, get ready to take in the spectacular landscapes.  Afterward, enjoy some R&R at the Blue Lagoon, the world's most incredible natural hot tub.
Your teams will be thrilled with the views from their contemporary suites at Fosshotel which blends modernity with natural beauty. Start your day with some mindfulness overlooking the sweeping city panoramas and the bay below.
Settle in for the evening at Haust, the onsite restaurant specialized in local fare. This culinary hub is home to some of Iceland's most revered chefs.

What are the best activities for team-building during your retreat?

Regardless of your destination or corporate retreat venue, these tried and tested team-building activities always go down a storm:

Team icebreakers

Often, departments might not interact much in the office, making it hard to build friendly relationships. That's why incorporating casual icebreaker games, like two truths and a lie, at an offsite can spark conversations, laughter, and unexpected friendships!

Motivational meetings

Preparing your team for future challenges is vital for your next corporate retreat. Planners should include sessions where different departments can share successes and plans for the months ahead to reconnect everyone with shared goals and boost employee engagement.
Foster inclusivity with an open Q&A for sharing ideas and concerns.  When sourcing a company retreat location, choose one with access to a conference room to facilitate these discussions.

Host treasure hunts

A scavenger or treasure hunt is a fun way to promote problem-solving among your team. You can also raise the stakes with a great prize! For the best experience, mix teams with new faces to encourage connections while tackling the challenge.

Get creative in the kitchen

Cooking classes can immerse teams in local culture while making memories. With lots of natural opportunities for teamwork, it's the perfect way to get people out of their usual departments.
Gather participants in groups outside their regular teams and establish a team of judges to select the winners!

Hit the dancefloor

An essential part of any corporate retreat is a special event to celebrate your team’s success Make space in your itinerary to show your appreciation. Organize delicious food, drinks, great tunes, or karaoke, and let your team hit the dancefloor!
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