It’s one thing to book a beautiful venue. It’s another to know it’ll help your team connect, recharge, and actually enjoy being together.
That’s why each month, we ask the experts—People leaders, operations pros, and culture champions who’ve actually hosted their own retreats at these venues. They know the ins and outs of planning their own retreats which includes: floor plans, food quality, A/V setups, travel logistics, and how the space supports team dynamics.
These aren’t just pretty places. They’re proven offsite picks.
With our momentum from July’s favorites, we have August’s favorites, straight from recent guests on the Pioneers in Culture podcast. Each one has been field-tested by fast-growing teams with culture at the core.
Let’s check out their choice in venue locations!
🌿 Kore Tulum Resort & Spa – Tulum, Mexico
📍 Tulum, Mexico
🏨 All-suite, adults-only resort
🧘 Yoga, spa, and wellness programs
🍽 2 restaurants, 3 bars
⭐️ Recommended by Scott Rencher at AQai
AQai helps organizations build adaptive intelligence—a way to measure and develop resilience, mental flexibility, and long-term thinking across remote teams. Director of Partner Success, Scott Rencher, plans one retreat a year for his fully remote crew—and they’re not just about getting away. They’re designed to unlock something deeper.
Kore Tulum stood out for its energy reset potential. It offered just the right mix of wellness, creativity, and structure-free inspiration. Think yoga, spa time, design thinking exercises, and quiet space to reflect.
Note: We’ve also got a great case study on them if you want a fun read, or care to know how they planned their retreat.
💬 “We look for experiences that stretch us—physically, mentally, and spiritually.”
🎧 Listen to Scott in Episode 43
🌊 Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Iadera – Zadar, Croatia
📍 Zadar, Croatia
🏨 210 rooms
🧖 Spa with sea views, outdoor + indoor pools
🍽 4 restaurants, 3 bars
⭐️ Recommended by Maja Mušura Malatestinić at Fonoa
Fonoa builds global tax infrastructure for digital-first companies—and with a distributed team across continents, retreats are core to how they stay connected. Maja, their Executive Assistant (and de facto retreat lead), organizes a few offsites a year, including a full-company gathering where team bonding is the priority and activities was the priority.
This venue in Zadar hits the sweet spot: beautiful, functional, and people-first. Falkensteiner Iadera is where colleagues become friends—and where connection unfolds organically, inside and outside of meeting rooms.
💬 “The key is putting people first—and having the right team around you to bring it all together.”
🏖 Hotel Pinija – Petrčane, Croatia
📍 Just outside Zadar
🏨 307 rooms
🌲 Pine forest + seaside setting
🏛 Renovated Congress & Events Center
⭐️ Honorable mention by Maja at Fonoa
This one’s personal. Maja grew up visiting this coastline—and now, she sees it with fresh eyes. Hotel Pinija recently upgraded their Congress & Events Center, making it a hidden gem for midsize teams who want beautiful surroundings, walkable venues, and a slower pace.
Quiet. Practical. Loved by locals. It’s a strong option for teams looking for something authentic and well-equipped.
🏄 Kali Surf Villa – Lisbon, Portugal
📍 Lisbon coast
🏨 Boutique surf villa
🌞 Ocean views, outdoor hangouts, group meals
🍽 Private chef available
⭐️ Recommended by Victoria Vipond at Sons
Sons is a UK-based men’s health brand reinventing how men access treatment for issues like hair loss and energy. As Office & People Manager, Victoria plans an annual retreat for their fully remote team. Her goal? Spark deeper connections and keep the momentum alive once everyone’s back at home.
Kali Surf Villa gave them just that. From surf sessions to feedback circles, it created space for real conversations and relaxed bonding—plus some pretty epic group dinners with a view.
💬 “We ask: who did you talk to that you hadn’t before?”
🎧 Catch Episode 45 with Victoria
🌅 Grand Velas Los Cabos – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
📍 Cabo, Mexico
🏨 307 oceanfront suites
🏖 Infinity pools, luxury spa, private beach
🍽 7 gourmet restaurants
⭐️ Recommended by Carleen Doan at Simplicity Group
Simplicity Group serves financial professionals across the U.S., helping them deliver life insurance, retirement, and wealth planning services with confidence. Carleen, their Events Director, plans four retreats a year—often large-scale and multi-stakeholder.
In 2024, she hosted 220 people at Grand Velas Los Cabos—including clients, partners, and internal teams. What made it memorable? The ability to connect without a packed agenda. This venue gave her group time to breathe, enjoy the setting, and have real, lasting conversations.
💬 “If you’ve got great people in a great place, you don’t need to over-plan.”
🎧 Listen to Episode 46 with Carleen
Why These Picks Matter
These venues weren’t chosen from a Pinterest board.
They were picked by people like you—leaders building culture in fast-moving, remote-first companies.
Whether you’re gathering 10 execs or 200 teammates, these venues have been there, done that, and delivered real impact.
✨ Need help narrowing it down?
Visit RetreatsAndVenues.com to start your search or reach out to our team.
🎙 And if you want the full stories?
Subscribe to Pioneers in Culture—new episodes drop weekly.