Intimate group retreats can create big change. The bonds formed in close-knit groups, the longer stretches of personal time, and the programming focus can result in greater impact when the retreat comes to a close. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, corporate retreats strengthen professional connections, improve company culture, and boost employee morale, leading to successful meetings.
Planning such a gathering requires special attention to details and an understanding of the attendees’ training or learning needs. When you can book a venue that already focuses on small-group retreats, the burden of planning is lessened and the chance of a positive outcome increases. While some venues have specific programming geared toward small groups, others simply provide the ideal backdrop for successful retreats and gatherings.
Before you book, consider the personalities and any special needs of attendees. Outdoor activities or considerable physical exertion might not be the right choice for some, while others will thrive in such environments. Luxurious accommodations could create a special atmosphere just right for creativity, but for some, it could feel stifling or intimidating. Read on to get a look at some ideas for retreat venues in Texas as you decide what’s right for your group.
In Markham, Spread Oaks Ranch stretches 5 miles along the Colorado River southwest of Houston, covering 5,500 acres. The ranch maintains a 500-head Brangus cow-and-calf operation, and it farms both organic and conventional crops. This working ranch provides a special backdrop for corporate retreats, and the staff hosts only one group at a time to create a bespoke experience.
Attendees can stay in its 12 suites and a six-bed bunk room for up to 24 attendees based on double occupancy. The ranch’s on-site chef customizes the menu, and culinary classes are offered, including options such as foraging, egg gathering, craft cocktail mixology, food pairings, and smoking or curing meats. Other activities include clay target shooting, birdwatching, fishing, chuckwagon cookoffs, and GPS scavenger hunts. The ranch is an Orvis-endorsed (a fishing and hunting outfitter brand) wing-shooting lodge and offers other hunting experiences seasonally.
Spread Oaks Ranch has developed a 2 1/2-day leadership retreat that includes programming designed and facilitated by leaders of major corporations who have experience leading large transformations. Offered from December through April, a Spread Oaks Ranch Leadership Retreat can be tailored to 12 attendees and runs from Sunday afternoon to Wednesday after lunch.
If you’re in the market for less structured programming in a more traditional setting, consider a venue that offers attractions in the surrounding area that appeal to your group. Venturing outside the property to local attractions can enhance group bonding and offer opportunities to interact and connect.
For example, the Hyatt Regency Baytown–Houston has 208 rooms and 18,000 square feet of meeting space. The venue is a Green Key-certified property and has achieved Global Biorisk Advisory Council Star accreditation, meaning it has crafted a high-level and sustainable menu of protocols for mitigating infectious disease outbreaks. As a convention venue, the property offers multiple spaces and configurations. But for a small retreat, this waterfront property overlooking the Houston Ship Channel also offers a plethora of team-building activities.
Take a walk along the marina, enjoy fresh seafood at area restaurants, or book a tee time at one of several nearby golf courses. Kemah Boardwalk is a short drive away and offers attendees a fun day of amusement park adventure with roller coasters, a zip line, Ferris
wheel, midway games, an arcade, and more. Or head over to NASA Space Center Houston for immersive experiences, exhibits, and even the chance to have breakfast with an astronaut.
NASA Space Center Houston’s Leadership Training and Development Program, called the Human Performance Accelerator Lab, combines NASA leadership insights with expert strategy, human resource considerations, and business training. Customizable to your group’s needs, this program can help with problem solving, personal leadership, and team building.
If you are looking to give the C-suite some special treatment during the gathering, consider booking a venue that offers an upgradable experience, a club lounge, or executive floor.
The 233-room Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront hotel in Rockwall has nearly 30,000 square feet of function space spanning 16 meeting rooms overlooking Lake Ray Hubbard, several of which are less than 1,000 square feet in size and are best suited for intimate gatherings and board meetings. Following a day of gatherings or networking, attendees can relax at the outdoor pool or grab a bite with fellow eventgoers at the hotel’s farm-to-table outlet Heirloom Kitchen.
The 267-room Blossom Hotel Houston features 9,000 square feet of meeting space. For special experiences, book time at the on-site medical spa, enjoy complimentary Mercedes Benz car service to nearby NRG Stadium, and explore the new executive floor with 15 rooms that provide stocked mini fridges, personalized turndown service, nightly artisanal treats, and living areas filled with natural light.
Next time you book an executive retreat, look for amenities and accommodations that will not only inspire your attendees to learn and lead, but also make them feel special.
blossomhouston.com
hilton.com
hyatt.com
marriott.com
spacecenter.org
spreadoaksranch.com
