What is an Executive Retreat?
An executive retreat is a dedicated getaway for leadership teams to step away from the daily routine, refocus on greater goals, and strengthen their connections. Unlike typical meetings, these retreats are held in settings that encourage new perspectives, collaborative problem-solving, and time to recharge. The goal? To drive company growth and alignment.
But What About Corporate Retreats? Are They Not the Same?
While both types of retreats - corporate and executive - aim to improve team dynamics and increase productivity, executive retreats are specifically tailored for top leadership, focusing on strategic issues, while corporate retreats are more inclusive, targeting broader team-building and engagement across the organization.
What is the Purpose of an Executive Retreat?
The purpose of an executive retreat is to provide a focused environment where leaders can step back from their routines to engage in strategic thinking and collaborative problem-solving in a new environment. These retreats allow executives to align on vision, set priorities, and solve complex challenges as a cohesive team.
In the book Retreats That Work, the authors Liteman and Campbell write that “two or two-and-a-half day events (...) allow participants time to create the climate of trust necessary to make genuine progress. During these executive retreats, leaders have time and space to explore issues thoroughly and build commitment to change. Executive retreats can significantly improve team dynamics and communication, leading to more effective decision-making processes. With a space for reflection and connection, leaders feel empowered to navigate their organizations towards future success.
7 Best Locations for Executive Retreats
1. The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa: A Haven of Tranquility Just a Stone’s Throw From Vegas
The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa combines tranquility and convenience, great features for executive retreats seeking balance between work and relaxation. Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, this lakeside location allows leaders to retreat into a peaceful atmosphere while still having easy access to the city’s resources.
For team-building, the resort provides extensive amenities, including treatments at the Aveda Spa Lago, a two-level pool, and access to two championship golf courses—for leisure and networking. Spacious, well-equipped rooms and suites with views of Lake Las Vegas provide a comfortable setting for rest and focus. The on-site Marssa Steak and Sushi restaurant will delight you with upscale dining and mountain/lake views, making it an excellent option for group dinners or celebratory meals.
With over 100,000 square feet of event space, including 35 event rooms and 12 breakout rooms, The Westin Lake Las Vegas accommodates executive meetings, workshops, and large gatherings with ease. The combination of peaceful surroundings, modern facilities, and high-quality recreational options makes this resort an outstanding choice for executive retreats.
📍 Location:
- 101 Montelago Blvd, Henderson, NV 89011
🛫 Logistics:
- 12 miles from Boulder City Municipal (BLD) Airport
- 12.8 miles from Harry Reid International Airport
🏠 Property feature:
- Spa
- Fitness center
- 2 swimming pools + whirlpool
- 35 event rooms/12 breakout rooms
- 109,521 sq. ft. of total event space
- Largest event space with a capacity of 2100 guests
🔎 What to explore:
- Tee off at nearby Reflection Bay Golf Club
- Explore Lake Mead National Recreation Area
- Boating on lakes Mead and Mohave
- Kayaking on Lake Mead and Lake Mohave
- Horseback riding on backcountry roads
- Hunting
2. Hilton St. Louis Frontenac: A Standout Location in the Heart of St. Louis
As a prime choice for your executive retreat, Hilton St. Louis Frontenac combines classic elegance with modern amenities, making it a standout location. Located near upscale shopping and dining at Plaza Frontenac, with quick access to St. Louis landmarks like the Missouri Botanical Garden and The Gateway Arch, this hotel has everything your team leaders need.
With over 29,000 square feet of event space, including the grand Ambassadeur and Clayton Ballrooms, the hotel provides ample room for meetings, workshops, and breakout sessions. For down-time, the hotel’s outdoor pool and fitness center are great for between sessions, while the Provinces Restaurant offers a French bistro dining experience, ideal for team meals or casual meetups.
Nearby activities include brewery and food tours, a river cruise at the Gateway Arch, and peaceful retreats to Des Peres City Park, all excellent options for team-building and connecting outside the meeting room. This location’s versatile amenities and proximity to St. Louis’s attractions make it an outstanding spot for productive and memorable executive retreats.
📍 Location:
- 1335 South Lindbergh Blvd., Saint Louis, Missouri
🛫 Logistics:
- 9 miles from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
🏠 Property feature:
- 263 guest rooms
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness center
- Business center
- 29,373 sq. ft. of total event space
- 13 meeting rooms
🔎 What to explore:
- Discover Saint Louis on a scavenger hunt
- Embark on a Saint Louis food tour
- Join a brewery tour
- Visit Missouri Botanical Garden
- Unwind at Des Peres City Park
- St. Louis Arch and River Cruise
3. Fairmont Grand del Mar: A Mediterranean-Style Executive Retreat in Beautiful Carmel Valley
Check in at The Fairmont Grand del Mar, a Mediterranean-style estate boasting a premier golf course in Carmel Valley, ideal for your upcoming executive retreat.
With four heated pools, a 5-star spa, and exceptional dining options, including Michelin-starred Addison, the resort stands as an icon for corporate retreats.
Discover local nature with an equestrian trail ride or hike the Grand View Trail. Tom Fazio’s golf course awaits both amateurs and professionals, complemented by tennis courts and yoga sessions that will take your offsite to the next level.
Fairmont Grand del Mar ensures an excellent executive retreat experience, where upscale amenities and natural beauty go hand in hand!
📍 Location:
- San Diego, California
🛫 Logistics:
- 21 miles from San Diego International Airport
🏠 Property feature:
- 249 guest rooms and suites
- Flexible meeting spaces
- On-site fitness center & spa
- 4 swimming pools
- Tennis courts and Golf course
🔎 What to explore:
- Tom Fazio golf course
- Horseback riding at Fairmont Grand del Mar
- Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve hiking trail
- La Jolla Cove
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
4. Miraval Austin Resort & Spa: A 220-Acre Wellness Retreat in the Texas Hills
Located in Texas Hill Country, Miraval Austin Resort & Spa is a prime spot for executive retreats with a 360-degree approach to wellness.
Featuring 117 rooms and 13 separate lodges, choose from accommodations overlooking the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve or Lake Travis.
Here, meals celebrate Austin’s tastes, featuring fresh ingredients. Balanced dining options are at the core of a mindful lifestyle. Unwind at the award-winning Miraval Life in Balance Spa for a personal approach to wellbeing, meditate in the Quiet Room, or relax by the pool, in the hot tub, or sauna.
Whether as a way to decompress or as a means of bringing leaders together, Miraval Austin makes your executive retreat effective, hosting groups from 15 to over 30 guests in multiple event spaces, including the Sensory Garden and Live Oak Lawn. Together, you can take part in wellbeing programs, fitness classes, yoga, and meditation.
📍 Location:
- Austin, Texas
🛫 Logistics:
- 27 miles from Austin Bergstrom International Airport
🏠 Property feature:
- 117 rooms and 13 lodges
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Multiple meeting spaces
- Mindfulness facilities, including: Quiet Room, Sauna, Hot tub, and Hydration Station
🔎 What to explore:
- Blue Heron Challenge Course (on-site)
- Photography Stroll (on-site)
- Sacred Sounds Massage (on-site)
- Explore Zilker Park in Austin
- Head to the Escape Game Austin
- Discover McKinney Falls State Park
5. Carneros Resort and Spa: A Luxurious Countryside Getaway in Sacramento, California
Located in the countryside amidst rolling vineyards, Carneros Resort and Spa offers a collection of rustic cottages, suites, and luxury homes that perfectly suit your executive retreat needs.
The on-site Culinary Garden provides fresh, organic herbs, vegetables, and eggs from the chicken coop. FARM restaurant, helmed by Chef Chris Bianco, creates a warm and inviting dining experience.
With 28 acres of vineyards, pickleball clinics,and 35,000 square feet of meeting space across 9 venues, including the Napa Ballroom and Vineyard Lawn, the resort is an ideal setting for events of up to 500 guests.
Carneros Resort and Spa is an outstanding spot for leaders to unwind, brainstorm, and create lasting memories after a day of hard work!
📍 Location:
- Sacramento, California
🛫 Logistics:
- 13 minutes from Napa County Airport
🏠 Property feature:
- 94 cozy cottages and suites
- 35,000 sq.ft of event space (up to 500 guests)
- Three on-site restaurants
- Two on-site swimming pools
- On-site spa & fitness center
🔎 What to explore:
- Explore Carneros wineries
- Bike through the vineyards
- Hot air balloon ride
- Downtown Napa and Sonoma Square
- On-site wine blending
6. Water's Edge Resort & Spa: The Top New England Beachfront Resort for a Coastal Retreat
Escape to Connecticut's Water's Edge Resort & Spa for a luxurious coastal retreat. Enjoy views of Long Island Sound while you work and relax.
At this resort, you’ll find gardens, acres of grounds overlooking the water, a private beach, and much more.
Featuring 185 accommodations, including guest rooms, villas, and condos, this is the perfect resort for your upscale executive retreat! Dine with the best water view in Connecticut at Seaview Bistro, Sunset Bar & Grill or Dattilo Fine Italian.
With 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor/outdoor space, the hotel accommodates up to 300 attendees in 12 meeting rooms, including the Royal Ballroom and Grand Ballroom. A 24-hour business center is available to add to your success.
Relax by the pool, hit the fitness center, head to the private beach or challenge your team of leaders to a game of tennis. Off-site, visit the Lyman Orchards, head to Gillette Castle State Park and visit Mystic Seaport!
📍 Location:
- Westbrook, Connecticut
🛫 Logistics:
● 59 miles from Bradley International Airport (BDL)
🏠 Property feature:
● 185 rooms
● 12 spacious meeting room (up to 300 people)
● On-site indoor/outdoor pool, sauna & hot tub
● On-site fitness center
● Tennis court
● Private beach
🔎 What to explore:
● Lyman Orchards
● Gillette Castle State Park
● Mystic Seaport
● Coastline Brewing Company
● Chamard Vineyard
● Essex Steam Train
7. Montage Healdsburg: A Transformative Hideaway in Sonoma Wine Country
Set in Northern California's wine region, Montage Healdsburg is a gem surrounded by 258 acres of vineyards and oak trees.
With one-third of each space dedicated to outdoor living, 130 bungalow-style guest rooms, including 34 suites show-off conscious design.
From treatments inspired by the land to yoga classes, Spa Montage offers a retreat for the mind, body and soul. Indulge in California cuisine with a light French touch at Hazel Hill, sip cocktails at Scout Field Bar and savor fresh seafood at Hudson Springs Bar and Grill. Relax by one of the two pools, featuring private cabanas and poolside dining.
Montage Healdsburg, near Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries, offers private tastings and tours with Alexander Valley Wineries. With multiple indoor/outdoor event spaces, hosting up to 600 guests at the Great Lawn and 330 in the 3,520-square-feet Grand Ballroom, the resort boasts other event venues - galleries, courtyards, and terraces. Montage Healdsburg offers an outstanding executive retreat in Sonoma’s beautiful wine country!
📍 Location:
- Healdsburg, California
🛫 Logistics:
- 13 miles from Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS)
- 86 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
🏠 Property feature:
- 130 bungalow-style guest rooms, including 34 suites
- On-site spa and wellness center
- Two outdoor pools & poolside cabanas
- Multiple indoor/outdoor event venues
- 7,980-square-feet Grand Lawn (largest event space)
🔎 What to explore:
- Wine tastings and tours with Alexander Valley Wineries and Dry Creek Valley Wineries
- Visiting Santa Rosa’s Charles M. Schulz Museum
- Explore Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society
- Stroll around Healdsburg Plaza
Final Thoughts
An executive retreat offers leaders a chance to step away from the office and immerse themselves in big-picture thinking. Crafted to encourage strategic planning, foster leadership relations, and promote networking, these retreats contribute to a company’s long-term success. Unlike broader corporate retreats, executive retreats are designed specifically for senior leaders, creating a focused, high-impact environment for decision-making and innovation.
If you’re looking to elevate your team’s potential, an executive retreat may be just what you need. Whether you’re drawn to the luxury of Northern California’s wine region with bungalow-style accommodations in Sonoma Wine Country or prefer a coastal experience in New England’s Connecticut with private beach access, TeamOut has plenty of options awaiting you. For those looking to unwind in the countryside, the Carneros Resort and Spa in Sacramento promises comfort and privacy. In Texas, Miraval Austin Resort & Spa’s 220-acre wellness retreat combines mindfulness with outdoor adventure in the Texas Hills.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar in Carmel Valley is a sophisticated setting, while Hilton St. Louis Frontenac offers a tranquil atmosphere in the heart of St. Louis. And if Vegas is calling, but you prefer a peaceful escape, The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is your lakeside location just a short drive from the Strip.
With the right location, an executive retreat can make a profound difference! Book a free call today and start planning your high-end executive retreat with TeamOut.
.png)
