11 Unique Retreat Ideas to Build Team Bonds

According to a survey, over 60% of employed adults say they’re very satisfied with their relationship with coworkers and their managers/supervisors. It’s also no coincidence that just over 50% say they’re very satisfied with their job overall; when you’re at work all day, the people you’re with can make or break the experience.

It can be difficult to break the ice and get to know your colleagues though, so you can easily spend years in employment without making meaningful connections. However, if you invest in staff retreats, you can facilitate invaluable relationships. Company retreats provide the perfect opportunity for teams to recharge, refocus, and rediscover the essence of teamwork… But what do you do on your retreat to build the bonds? That’s where our list of unique retreat ideas is here to help you!

From thrilling adventures in nature to mind-bending mystery escapes, a work retreat brings teams closer, fosters collaboration, and creates memories that linger long after they end.

We’re unveiling a treasure trove of company retreat ideas that aren’t just about trust falls and awkward icebreakers. No, we’re talking about creating connections that withstand the Monday-to-Friday grind. Because investing in staff retreats isn’t just about ticking off team-building boxes; it’s about creating a workplace vibe where camaraderie rules, collaboration rocks, and meaningful connections happen naturally.

11 Unique Retreat Ideas to Build Company Bonds

Check out this list of 11 unique retreat ideas you can use for your next company team-building weekend.

1.     Human Foosball

Chances are, you’ve already got a foosball table in your office. It can be fun to take a breather, go to the games room, and blow off some steam while encouraging friendly competition. But while you’re in a different room, you’re still in the same work environment.

Get some fresh air and head outside to play some human foosball instead. Retreat providers will set your workforce up into two opposing teams, and they must work together in a regular foosball setup to score goals. 

And yes, this means they’ll be limited in mobility, which means teamwork is of the utmost importance. Without consideration, communication, and coordination, they won’t be successful.

2.     Heroes Challenge

Most people like superhero movies, so this one’s a safe bet. After all, who wouldn’t love the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be their favorite hero?

A heroes challenge retreat will show the participants what training entails for these amazing people. This activity doesn’t just involve physical challenges; there are multiple mental puzzles to overcome too. By the end of the retreat, you’ll know exactly which people gel together.

3.     Boat-Building Contest

If you’re located near a body of water or are planning on traveling to the beach for team building,  then take full advantage by holding a boat-building contest. This is a common activity done in schools, so if anyone’s missed out in their youth, they have another chance at this fun activity.

This is one of the best company retreat ideas because it allows people from different walks of life to come together to not only design a boat, but also construct and even market it. At the end of the day, you can have an exciting race to see which team’s design pays off.

4.     Outdoor Adventure

Mother Nature is rich with possibilities, so you can’t go wrong with an outdoor adventure retreat. For an easier time, go on a simple hike or beach walk; if you’ve got the time, stretch the trip across several days to bond over camping as well. Otherwise, if you feel your workforce is up for a challenge, then go climbing, rafting, or sailing.

Whichever outdoor adventure you choose, the activities will promote teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience while encouraging everyone to (re)discover their connection with nature.

5.     Wellness and Mindfulness Retreat

All too often, we forget about to look after our mental health. As a result, our physical health can deteriorate, leading to worsened productivity at work.

Mental health can be a tough thing to talk about, but you’d be surprised at what strong relationships can form when you’re vulnerable with one another. This is why it’s a good reason to focus on employee well-being with a retreat centered around things like mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and healthy living.

When you book workshops on stress management, nutrition, and self-care techniques, you’ll help your workforce recharge and refocus. Plus, they’ll appreciate the concern you have for their well-being.

6.     Mixology Class

You can always book a room at the snazziest cocktail bar in town for your employees to kick back and relax. They’ll definitely enjoy sipping on the tastiest drinks available.

However, you can take it a step further and make it an interactive experience. A mixology class allows everyone to explore different flavors and bring out their creative sides.

At a retreat, they can split off into various teams to create their own concoctions. Then, they can “market” and “sell” their drink to exercise their skills.

7.     Murder Mystery Dinner

While on a company trip, you’ll need to sit down to rest and refuel. But that doesn’t mean the fun stops there.

Arrange a murder mystery dinner as part of the retreat to further coworker interactions. The team members will work together to figure out clues and find out who the murderer is, all while having the most delicious meals that feature local cuisines.

8.     Make it International

Take your team-building experience to new heights by opting for an international retreat in a vibrant location like Mexico. Breaking away from the familiar office environment and immersing your team in a different culture can be a transformative experience. (And not as difficult to plan as you might think!)

Mexico, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality, offers an ideal backdrop for fostering camaraderie. Activities such as exploring local markets, sampling traditional cuisine, or engaging in cultural workshops not only provide a break from routine but also encourage teamwork and adaptability in unfamiliar situations.

The shared experience of navigating a foreign country creates lasting memories, enhancing the sense of unity among team members.

9. Cake Baking Contest

“The Great British Bake Off” is the perfect combination of quaintness and competition; you can’t help but cheer on the amateur bakers to come up with the most decadent desserts.

One of the best staff retreat ideas is recreating this show. At a retreat, teams will be set up in different stations to design, bake, then decorate their treats based on certain themes. This is yet another unique retreat idea that’ll test creativity and teamwork, all while facilitating friendships between employees.

10.     Host a Game Show

As unique retreat ideas go, this one is as fun as you want to make it. Think about the TV hits you’ve watched throughout the years, such as “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” “Jeopardy,” and “Wheel of Fortune,” and you’ll have excellent formulas for a fun work retreat.

If you don’t want to deal with brainstorming or setting up your game show, then a corporate team-building and event-planning company can assist. All you’ll have to do is tell them how many people are attending, your budget, and any other important details, and they’ll take care of the rest.

11.  Volunteer Work

83% of employees would consider leaving their jobs if corporate social responsibility practices weren’t upheld at work. In addition, many consumers will choose a socially-responsibly company over their competitors, so doing volunteer work has many benefits.

Of course, regular volunteer work can be tedious and not very appealing. This is where the professionals can step in and put together retreats that enable your business to give back to a charity while simultaneously bridging gaps between departments. 

This can be in many forms, from supporting local schools, building bicycles for underprivileged kids, and more.

Volunteering can then motivate your employees to make the same efforts when they go home. They may even organize their own give-back challenges to make your company proud.

Let Grupo Events Organize Your Unique Retreat Ideas

Now that you have an extensive list of unique retreat ideas (or look here for even more options!), you can book a company retreat confidently. With knowledge that there are plenty of activities you can do that’ll strengthen workplace relationships, you can take your workforce on multiple retreats without things getting stale.

Whether it’s a bake-off or volunteer work, you can pick ideas for team retreats that’ll appeal to your workers and encourage them to be the best versions of themselves. And with that, they’ll be determined to help your company succeed for years to come.

Get the most out of your company retreat in Mexico by letting our team at Grupo Events do all the hard work. We plan even the smallest of details, so you can focus on your team.