Where Great Teams Are Going in 2026

Choosing a retreat location is about more than scenery. The best destinations balance accessibility, atmosphere, and the kind of shared experiences that pull a team closer together. Here are the five locations we're most excited about for 2026.

1. Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon continues to be a favorite for its rare mix of affordability, mild year-round climate, and excellent international connectivity. Teams can pair productive working sessions with coastal day trips to Sintra or Cascais. What makes it work:

• Strong flight access from North America and across Europe
• A thriving food and café culture ideal for informal bonding
• Walkable neighborhoods that keep groups together

2. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

For teams craving nature and renewal, Costa Rica's Pacific coast delivers. Eco-lodges and wellness resorts make it easy to blend strategy with adventure. Highlights include:

• Sustainability-focused venues that align with company values
• Activities from surfing to rainforest hikes that build trust
• A "pura vida" pace that genuinely helps teams decompress

3. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto offers a uniquely reflective backdrop for leadership and culture-focused retreats. Temples, gardens, and traditional craft experiences create space for mindfulness and perspective. Why teams love it:

• A setting that naturally encourages slowing down and listening
• Rich cultural immersion through tea ceremonies and craft workshops
• World-class hospitality and seamless logistics

4. Tuscany, Italy

Few places make connection feel as effortless as the Tuscan countryside. Villa stays and long shared meals turn colleagues into a community. Consider it for:

• Culinary experiences that double as team building
• Scenic, distraction-light settings ideal for deep planning
• Easy access via Florence and Pisa airports

5. Banff & the Canadian Rockies

For an outdoor-forward retreat, Banff is hard to beat. Dramatic mountain landscapes set the stage for adventure and genuine reset. What stands out:

• Year-round appeal, from summer hiking to winter activities
• Inspiring scenery that energizes brainstorming
• A compact resort town that keeps groups connected

Choosing the Right Fit for Your Team

The best destination depends on your goals. Wellness-focused teams may gravitate toward Costa Rica or Kyoto, while culture and culinary experiences shine in Tuscany and Lisbon, and adventure-driven groups will thrive in Banff. Whatever you choose, the magic is less about the place and more about the intention you bring to it.