Corporate retreats boost morale and company culture. In addition, they provide training in a new environment and bring people together. The decision to hold a corporate retreat isn’t difficult. It’s the planning that can be a challenge for many people.
The location plays a significant role in the success or failure of the retreat. For this reason, many companies choose to hold their retreats at Snaresbrook Manor in the Bahamas. The beauty of the location inspires employees while rewarding them in a major way for their hard work and dedication to the organization. Why should a company consider spending the money to host a retreat? What are the benefits?
Why Host a Corporate Retreat?
When looking into a corporate event space rental, the business must understand the benefits of retreats and what they wish to accomplish by hosting this event. In many cases, the company is looking to boost team-building within the organization. Moving the team to a new location removes the formal elements of the workplace. This allows for informal bonding that may not happen in the conventional workplace.
A company may also use a corporate retreat to reward VIP customers for their loyalty and patronage. This retreat allows business executives to connect with high-value customers, stakeholders, and prospects. Having the retreat at a luxury destination makes these individuals feel valued by the organization. The Bahamas is a preferred choice of many, making it an ideal location for the event.
Hosting an Outstanding Retreat
Quality must be emphasized over quantity when hosting a corporate retreat. Some work should be done at this retreat, but there also needs to be time for the participants to enjoy the location. Share event timelines early, so individuals can plan other activities and enjoy their time in the new location. With plenty to see and do in the Bahamas, those taking part in the retreat will appreciate this free time. They can explore, try new activities, and more.
Book a Keynote Speaker
Get people excited about the retreat by booking a keynote speaker. This speaker may be a celebrity or a major figure in the industry, Another option is to invite this individual and have a fireside chat with them. This option allows the participants to meet and interact with this individual and have an experience they will never forget. The size of the retreat often dictates which option is best, but both choices should be considered. The individual will appreciate visiting the Bahamas and be more open to attending.
Consider Amenities
When choosing a location for a corporate retreat, consider the offered amenities. Wi-Fi is necessary for a corporate retreat, as guests will want to stay connected with others during their stay. A workspace and meeting rooms are beneficial and ask if an AV setup is offered for presentations.
However, the retreat must offer amenities for when participants have free time. The Bahamas is ideal for a corporate retreat for this reason. People can take part in water activities, explore the islands, enjoy time at the pool, or just relax in a quiet space and wind down, as they aren’t dealing with the pressures of everyday life.
The Leon Levy Plant Preserve is an enjoyable day trip, and the event planners may want to schedule a group trip or leave enough time for participants to visit on their own. The Haynes Library is another favorite tourist destination. Guests love the Bahamian decor and the local atmosphere while visiting this historical landmark.
When to Plan this Retreat?
Consider the weather when planning a retreat to ensure guests can make the most of their free time. U.S. News and World Report recommends visiting the Bahamas from mid-December to mid-April. Although the temperature rarely drops below 60 degrees on the islands, guests will not want to be visiting during the Atlantic hurricane season. This lasts from June 1 to November 30.
Many places close during hurricane season, so consider this when planning the retreat. Guests won’t have access to as many amenities during this period. This inaccessibility to amenities may make the trip less enjoyable, so plan around this season and avoid any issues.
However, prices tend to be highest from mid-December to mid-April, as the weather is perfect. If budget is a consideration, consider planning the retreat between mid-April and June 1. It will be wetter during this period, but people can still have an outstanding time without worrying about a natural disaster striking the islands.
Why the Bahamas?
The Bahamas is the perfect location for a corporate retreat for several reasons other than those previously mentioned. Guests can rent a car to get around the island, as taxis are expensive in this part of the world. They will need to drive on the left side of the road, but most people easily make this adjustment.
American and Canadian cell phones work on the islands, so guests can remain in communication with those back home. However, each guest needs to determine if their cell phone provider will charge international roaming rates when they use their phones. Charging electronic devices is easy because the outlets are the same as those in America.
Groceries stores are easily accessible for guests, so people can prepare their meals when they don’t want to visit one of the many dining establishments. When choosing a retreat location, ask about drinking water. It isn’t safe to drink the water on most parts of the island, so guests will need to bring bottled water. However, the corporate retreat location may have treated water on site, so guests can fill water bottles before exploring, saving time and money.
Consider the Bahamas when planning a corporate retreat. There is much to see and do on the 30 inhabited islands in this region. Guests will never be bored when they visit. This retreat is an excellent way to combine work and pleasure and a trip that everyone will remember fondly. A well-planned corporate retreat can increase employee, stakeholder, and customer loyalty, so plan this retreat today. This event will pay for itself in the long run.