Team Building & Retreats tips
Published on
October 23, 2024

5 Best Ranch Retreats locations for 2024

If you want to treat your team with a unique destination for your next corporate retreat, the US ranch scene should be at the top of your list. Ranch retreats offer teams a chance to escape the hustle of the city and reconnect with nature. Wide-open spaces of Arizona’s deserts and the valleys of Napa are just some examples of destinations that provide a range of experiences your team will love.

Fun fact: Ranches are often set in remote, tranquil environments, where teams can truly unplug. These properties allow for activities such as horseback riding, archery, fishing, and even hot air ballooning. Plus, ranch retreats often present a rare combination of comfortable amenities and rugged outdoor experiences—perfect for any team looking to unwind while staying active.

This article will take you on a journey through the best ranch retreats in the US. From the 18,000-acre Rancho de los Caballeros in Arizona’s desert to Calamigos Ranch in Malibu’s Wine Country, there's something for every team! Enjoy an 18-hole championship golf course in Southern California or explore the hiking trails around Rancho Bernardo Inn. For a Napa Valley vibe, book your stay at Stanly Ranch, where hot air ballooning over the vineyards and fishing in the Napa River will delight your team.

Explore activities like horseback riding through Wickenburg’s desert, archery competitions, or hiking the Santa Monica Mountains.

Ranches are a paradise for corporate teams, providing endless activities and the chance to rejuvenate in nature. Morning hikes, team barbecues, and much more: ranch retreats are a surefire way to give your team an experience they’ll never forget. So, saddle up—your next retreat is waiting!

In This Article
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1. Rancho de los Caballeros: The Ultimate Cowboy Haven

Discover the perfect combination of wild west charm and luxury at Rancho de los Caballeros, in Wickenburg. Spanning 18,000 acres, the location offers an Arizona desert experience with ranch activities and a golf course. Stay in private casitas and relax in ranch spas. Just a 10-minute drive from town, at this resort you can engage in yoga, tennis, shooting, or horseback riding.Challenge your team to a Hot Air Ballooning trip over Bradshaw Mountains or go on a Sonoran Desert safari. ‘19’, curated by Chef Jacob Ellis, serves farm-fresh meals. Gather in the 9,000 square feet of meeting space with 79 rooms and suites for business retreats.Dive into downtown’s gourmet food and traditional western bars. Rancho de los Caballeros is the ultimate destination for your retreat!

📍 Location: 

  • Wickenburg, Arizona

🛫 Logistics: 

  • 68 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

🏠 Property feature: 

  • 79 hacienda style guest bedrooms and suites
  • 9,000 square feet of meeting space
  • 18,000 acres of private land
  • On-site swimming pool & fitness center

🔎 What to explore:

  • Sonoran Desert safari (jeep tour)
  • Horseback Riding in Wickenburg
  • Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena
  • Hot Air ballooning over Bradshaw Mountains
  • Desert Caballeros Western Museum
A ranch-style resort with ranch activities and a golf course? Yes, we have it!


2. Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch:
A Palm-Fringed Resort with Ranch Vibes

Experience the vibrant Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch in the heart of Arizona! Here, modern architecture meets southwestern charm, with 162 suites and five venues boasting 8,200 square feet of meeting and event spaces!The Terrace Bar, located in a palm-fringed lawn, is the perfect spot for team drinks! On-site dining options are plenty and suit everyone’s taste.Explore nearby points of interest like OdySea Aquarium, TopGolf Scottsdale, or Casino Arizona at Talking Stick, just a stone’s throw away.Make the most of the poolside service or discover nearby art galleries nearby. Sonesta Suites strikes the ideal balance between productivity and fun! Discover the desert’s magic vibes at Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch.

📍 Location: 

  • Scottsdale, Arizona

 🛫 Logistics:  

  • 14 miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
  • 5 miles from Scottsdale Airport

🏠 Property feature: 

  • 162 spacious studios
  • 5 meeting spaces for up to 250 people
  • 8,200 indoor/outdoor meeting space
  • 2,500 sq. ft of indoor meeting space
  • On-site Fitness and Wellness center

🔎 What to explore:

  • McDowell Mountain Ranch Park
  • OdySea Aquarium
  • TopGolf Scottsdale
  • Casino Arizona
  • Day Trip to Sedona
A palm-fringed resort with a stunning poolside and top-notch location!


3. Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection
: Where Ranch Life Meets Napa Luxury

Located amidst nature and wildlife, Stanly Ranch is a corporate retreat haven on the Southern edge of Napa Valley.Surrounded by a stunning vineyard blanket, Stanly Ranch has sustainably sourced and seasonally driven menus at the Bear, curated by chef Anthony Stagnaro. Unwind by the pool at Basin Bar after a long day of hiking at Hudson Ranch or fishing on the Napa River. The place offers hot-air balloon rides, birdwatching, and a campfire. Gather your team for a strategy-setting session in one of the eight event venues while tasting wine and exploring nature! This is the perfect opportunity to escape city life and embrace nature at its finest!

📍Location:

  • Napa, California

🛫 Logistics: 

  • 12 minutes from Napa County Airport

🏠 Property feature: 

  • 78 standalone guestrooms, villas, and suites
  • 8 event venues for up to 450 guests
  • On-site restaurant & Bar
  • On-site swimming pool & sauna
  • On-site Fitness center

🔎 What to explore:

  • Hot air balloon ride over Napa
  • Fishing on the Napa River
  • Hudson Ranch Hike
  • Cycling at Stanly Ranch
  • Olive Oil, Wine & Tea Tasting at McEvoy Ranch
Enjoy the perfect blend of ranch life and Napa luxury!


4. Rancho Bernardo Inn:
A Ranch Experience with Nature Views and Excellent Event Spaces

Rancho Bernardo Inn is another gem in Southern California's corporate retreat scene. With a famous 18-hole championship golf course, it’s an oasis for sport-loving teams!This 265-acre property, a ‘Recommended Resort’ by Forbes Travel Guide 2024, features flexible indoor and outdoor venues, perfect for hosting all-sized groups. The Ballroom can host up to 1,100 guests, whereas The Lawn caters 450 guests. There are also courtyards, patios, and conference rooms available.At Avant, try the selected seasonally-driven menu, always fresh from sea, farm, or garden. Reserve a poolside private cabana after a long day exploring the ranch with your team, or indulge in the award-winning spa!

📍 Location: 

  • San Diego, California

🛫 Logistics: 

  • 36 minutes from San Diego International Airport (36 minutes)

🏠 Property feature: 

  • Flexible meeting spaces (patios, ballrooms, courtyards) for up to 1,100 guests
  • On-site restaurant & bar
  • Three on-site swimming pools
  • 18-hole championship golf course

🔎 What to explore:

  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Bernardo Winery
  • San Rafael Catholic Church
  • Heritage County Park
  • Explore Rancho Bernardo’s hiking trails
A championship 18-hole golf course, a stunning pool, and lush gardens for an unforgettable stay


5. Calamigos Ranch:
A Spacious Oasis in the Santa Monica Mountains

Situated in the heart of Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu Wine Country, Calamigos Ranch is a prime destination, with over 5,500 acres of private land.It ensures a tranquil setting for corporate retreats, offering yoga, meditation, team picnics, and activities like tug-of-war, cornhole, horseshoes, paddle boating, and swimming. Guests can gather in lush accommodations or sunbathe in private beaches.Unwind at the local spa and indulge in delightful farm-to-table meals by chef Rosie Gyulasaryan.A top pick for corporate retreats near Los Angeles, Calamigos Ranch offers versatile meeting spaces for up to 500 guests.The ranch promises a remarkable, unique corporate experience along the Malibu coast.

📍 Location:

  • Malibu, California

🛫 Logistics: 

  • 47 minutes from Oxnard Airport

🏠 Property feature: 

  • Multiple meeting spaces (for up to 500 guests)
  • On-site restaurant & Bar
  • On-site swimming pool & spa
  • On-site Fitness center
  • Equestrian center

🔎 What to explore:

  • Horseback riding
  • Archery 
  • Wine Tastings at Malibu Cafe
  • Hiking in Santa Monica Mountains
  • Waterfall hiking trail
Whether you prefer poolside afternoons or canyon hikes, there's no better Malibu base than Calamigos Ranch!


Want to Plan your Next Team Outing in a Ranch Adventure? Ask Our Retreat Gurus!

Excited to organize an outstanding team retreat in the US? At TeamOut, we’ve handpicked the finest ranch getaways across the country, making your planning process as smooth as it is exciting! Whether your team prefers a tranquil offsite, a nature-filled escape or a cowboy-style experience, we’ve got the ultimate ranch retreat to suit your needs.For a luxurious ranch experience, head to Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, on the southern edge of Napa Valley. Take in the views on a hot air balloon ride, or enjoy more relaxed activities like fishing on the Napa River or a leisurely olive oil tasting at nearby McEvoy Ranch.

For a more rugged desert adventure, Rancho de los Caballeros in Wickenburg, Arizona, offers 18,000 acres of wide-open desert, horseback riding, and even a world-class golf course—a true cowboy’s paradise!Eager to enjoy warm weather and modern amenities? Sonesta Suites Scottsdale Gainey Ranch is located in the heart of Arizona, providing your team with comfort and outdoor fun.

Explore McDowell Mountain Ranch Park, or take your group for a hike through the Sonoran Desert. Want to keep things coastal? Calamigos Ranch, in the Malibu Wine Country, offers over 5,500 acres of private land, ideal for team-building activities, from wine tasting to trail hiking.For groups wanting something a bit different, Rancho Bernardo Inn in Southern California offers spacious event venues, a serene atmosphere, and proximity to excellent hiking trails.Regardless of your team’s style—adventurous, laid-back, or a little bit of both—TeamOut has you covered!

From the vineyards of Napa Valley and the deserts of Arizona to the mountains of Malibu, the US is teeming with ranch retreats that are perfect for team-building, bonding, and fun. Cycle around Stanly Ranch, explore the Everett Bowman Rodeo Arena, or indulge in a wine and tea tasting experience at McEvoy Ranch - We’ve curated the best activities to match your team’s vibe, goals, and budget.Let’s make your dream ranch retreat a reality—book a free call with TeamOut today!

About the author
Thomas Mazimann
Update on
23/10/2024
Thomas Mazimann, a French entrepreneur and former international kayaking athlete, transitioned from sports to tech after moving to the U.S. He co-founded TeamOut, revolutionizing team gatherings.

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