The Rise of Corporate Strategy Retreats

With brighter signs unraveling for the year ahead, organizations have received a much-needed boost for their business confidence. Albeit slowly, the rebuilding process has begun. Businesses are now picking up the pace, recognizing the importance of planning new strategies to navigate their way successfully in the new normal. 

In light of this latest mindset shift, recent trends see senior leaders and strategy consultants regrouping off-site for strategy retreats, designating one to two days to solely focus on discussing current strategies and planning for their next steps forward. By taking people outside their comfort zone, not only does it provide an ideal opportunity for team building, but motivating experiences that can facilitate better perspectives, exercise creativity, and stimulate fresh ideas.

At Marriott International, we enable people to connect with confidence by providing safe environments through our dedicated commitment to rigorous hygiene regimes with advanced cleaning technologies and a wide variety of redesigned food and beverage options. Moreover, Marriott's recently launched initiative, The Time is Now, supports meeting and event organizers with more flexible terms and offers for events. To further elevate the overall event experience and while travel restrictions are still in place, the new Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy program offers meaningful travel excursions within local communities with lasting positive impacts that can be considered for corporate retreats. 

Read on for ideas as to how you can plan a unique event locally with Marriott International: 

India

Overflowing with symphonic diversity, India has an abundance of experiences that make it prime for hosting any type of event. From architectural marvels to regional cuisine, each Marriott property is designed to offer an elevated, authentically distinct experience. 

The ITC Rajputana in Jaipur echoes the regal history of the pink city with its rose-colored exteriors, while the Sheraton Grand Palace Indore allows guests to experience a touch of royalty. For a more luxurious affair, travel through the misty clouds of the Himalayas to the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa. Commonly referred to as the 'Queen of Hills,' Mussoorie is the epitome of a quaint little hillside town nestled amongst glittering valleys, towering oaks, and beautiful walking trails, sure to provide your guests with an utterly rejuvenating retreat. The Good Travel program currently invites guests to join the hotel's afforestation initiative, planting saplings to conserve vital topsoil eroding from the Garhwal Range at the foothills of the Himalayas.

China

In the last decade, China's booming economy has flourished in the global spotlight. With explosive urban growth across many Chinese cities, it is often forgotten that China is home to a significant wealth of beautiful landscapes as the world's second-largest country.

Famous for its palm-fringed, white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and tropical climate, Sanya is known as the 'Hawaii of China' and is the perfect destination for inspirational corporate retreats. Aside from enjoying a plethora of water sport activities, The Sanya EDITION, in partnership with SEPA (Sanya Environmental Protection Association), invites guests to participate in beach clean-ups to reduce the impact of marine garbage found on the island as part of their Good Travel program. For those unable to escape the city, teams can still immerse themselves in an unfamiliar environment and instead, be reminded of their rich cultural roots. In the heart of China's ancient capital, The Ritz Carlton, Nanjing, offers a legendary luxury experience from 38-floors above the city. Cultural stories are weaved throughout one's stay, including a sunset lantern ritual, or guests can immerse themselves at the local Yunjin Brocade Studio with local artisans and weavers producing fine materials such as silk, gold, and peacock feather yarn.

Southeast Asia

Urbane and affluent, colorful, and culturally diverse, Singapore is an energetic island nation boasting conspicuous city happenings. If you seek a break from the bustling metropolis but still feel the need to stay connected, a 40-minute ferry ride teleports you to an unforgettable getaway, Batam, Indonesia[WP1] . Perfectly balancing business with pleasure, Batam has become popular for its varied water activities and cultural attractions around the city and its surrounding islands. Newly opened, the Batam Marriott Hotel Harbour Bay offers an idyllic, luxurious waterfront setting, while the Four Points by Sheraton Batam is located downtown for prime access to some of the best shopping malls, famed for its designer discounts.  

Thailand, also known as the Land of Smiles, is famed to have some of the best holistic retreats globally – so why not take advantage of it? During these quieter times, treat your team to an uplifting wellness journey to experience what Thailand is all about. Escape to the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, a 5-star luxury resort boasting an award-winning spa that can reinvigorate your team or get involved in marine conservation. Marriott Bonvoy Good Travel hosts a tour of the hotel's turtle shelter for guests to learn about sea turtles and the environmental issues impacting their survival. 

Australia

Home to a wide variety of attractions and activities, Australia offers endless exploration and adventure that promises unique and diverse experiences. Numerous studies suggest reconnecting with nature and activities in a natural setting have significant stress reduction and restoration effects. 

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas, is enveloped within lush tropical gardens, sparkling saltwater lagoons, and an 18-hole golf course. Situated between two UNESCO World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the latter is an extraordinary wonderland dating tens of millions of years older than the Amazon waiting to be explored. Opening just in time for summer 2021, The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart, is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Set in the heart of Tasmania's capital, inspiration surrounds the destination with its breath-taking scenery and culture and reimagined hotel interiors. 

Strategy retreats can be a powerful way to bring about innovative ideas and growth. Being outside a work environment can encourage teams to think outside the box, be more creative, and adapt more comfortably to change. During these unprecedented times where traveling overseas may seem impossible, it is essential to remain a traveler and not a tourist. Look beyond what is right in front of you, try new things, meet new people, and see the world through a new set of eyes. By preparing and planning out a purpose for your team to focus on outside the office, a corporate strategy retreat can become a vital tool for reassessing and resetting you in the right direction for the year ahead.