Latest news with #retreats
Forbes
7 days ago
- Forbes
Hotels With Stories: Three Openings With Main Character Energy
These three new hotels and retreats give guests more than just a place to stay for the night. Immersing you in the heritage and culture of the destination, you'll leave with wonder for the world around you. Imperial Hotel, Kyoto and the restoration of Yasaka Kaikan. (Credit: Yasaka Nyokoba Gakuen) Opening in Spring 2026, Imperial Hotel, Kyoto, is the fourth property from Japan's esteemed hospitality brand, which is renowned for its hotels found in cultural landmarks. The first new Imperial Hotel to debut in three decades, it adds to the brand's portfolio of properties in Tokyo, Osaka and Kamikochi. The new hotel has been carved out of the historic Yasaka Kaikan, a 90-year-old former theater and community center, with architectural ties to Frank Lloyd Wright. A sensitive restoration has seen the heritage building reimagined for a modern day traveler with sustainable luxury at its heart. Interior design at The Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has been led by the New Material Research Laboratory. (Credit New Material Research Laboratory) Originally built in 1936, by renowned architect Tokusaburo Kimura, the Yasaka Kaikan has long served as a cultural gathering place in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Breathing new life into the building, the boutique hotel fuses historic preservation with modern elegance, whilst celebrating the cultural importance of Yasaka Kaikan. In a full-circle moment, the transformation, from cultural icon to characterful hotel, was overseen by the Obayashi Corporation, the same Japanese construction company that built the Yasaka Kaikan nearly 90 years ago in 1936. The restoration has preserved much of the building's original character, including 16,387 original exterior tiles. While traditional Japanese techniques, such as ikedori or 'live capture', where materials are carefully removed without damage for reuse, have been honored throughout the design. The meticulous restoration uses modern-day technology for accurate preservation. (Credit: Obayashi Corporation) 'Some parts retain their 88-year-old look, while others use 88-year-old preserved materials,' says Masahiro Inoue, executive manager of the Architectural Design Department at Obayashi Corporation. 'The building significantly weaves together an aesthetic integrity and preserved memories. That was our top priority.' The exterior renovation included salvaging approximately 10% of the original decorative tiles and reproducing fragile terracotta ornamentation, using 3D scanning for accurate surveying, to restore the original, enabling the hotel to maintain continuity with its cultural roots.' The hotel will offer guests a choice of 55 guestrooms and suites, with interiors designed by architect Tomoyuki Sakakida, director of New Material Research Laboratory, whose creative direction embraces the ethos of 'Old is New'. This philosophy reinterprets Japan's architectural past through a contemporary lens while honoring Kyoto's climate, materials, and traditional sensibility. The design features Japanese marble, Ōya stone, and Tamina-ishi, to give a nod to Japan's nature and the tactile elements of much of its architecture. The Kyoto Imperial Suite with views over the city. (Credit: New Material Research Laboratory) 'Kyoto cherishes old things but also embraces new culture,' said Sakakida. 'That contrast is the soul of this project. Since the Industrial Revolution, artistic and cultural shifts, such as the Arts and Crafts movement in the UK and the Mingei folk craft movement in Japan, have marked a return to hand craftsmanship,' he explained. 'Now, more than a century after the advent of Modernism, there seems to be a certain sense of stagnation in the air, and a renewed appreciation for the old is taking hold. That, I believe, is why the concept of 'Old Is New' is resonating with people.' Other design features are tied to Japanese ideas of wabi-sabi : understated beauty and impermanence—with natural Japanese tatami-mat flooring, minimalist furnishings and handcrafted textures in earth tones showcased in some of the bedrooms. Other rooms retain original beams, pillars and window frames of the Yasaka Kaikan—gently restored to show their age and patina, not conceal it. In several rooms, private balconies open onto the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo grounds, with guests able to hear the traditional melodies of shamisen and kouta music , creating an atmosphere of cinematic intimacy. These spaces are immersive by nature—giving guests the sensation of stepping into a story that began nearly a century ago. Imperial Hotel, Kyoto has retained a theater and community center. (Credit: Yasaka Nyokoba Gakuen) As well as a wellness offering, restaurants and a bar, the hotel is also committed to supporting local artisans and promoting immersive cultural experiences with its community centre and revamped theatre. It aims to contribute to Kyoto's tourism growth while mitigating environmental strain and overcrowding through sustainable practices. Penicuik House & Estate, Scotland Found on Penicuik Estate, one of Scotland's finest, rural landholdings, is Penicuik House, a historic house available for holidays and short-stays, due to open its doors next month. Just a 30-minute drive from Edinburgh, and set against the magnificent backdrop of the Pentland Hills, the estate's 400-hectare grounds were originally designed to inspire its visitors through the marriage of nature and architecture, becoming a hub of the Scottish Enlightenment during the 18th century. Penicuik House is an exclusive-use hire home in the middle of a vast Scottish estate. (Credit: Penicuik House) The main hub of the estate is Old Penicuik House. Built in 1760, it served as the family home until it burned down in 1899. After being left in ruins for over a century, it was saved from collapse through an eight-year conservation project. Completed in 2014, it is one of the largest projects of its kind in Scotland and has become a major heritage attraction with over 150,000 visitors a year. Having been under the stewardship of the same family since 1654, the estate is now entering a new chapter with the opening of its flagship property, Penicuik House, allowing visitors to be able to stay on the estate in glorious surrounds. There is also an initial collection of restored cottages and lodges, with many more planned over the next few years. The House is ideal for group gatherings, for weddings or special occasions. (Credit: Penicuik House) Carved out of the estate's stable block, Penicuik House sleeps 32 across 16 en suite bedrooms. Its characterful interiors have been overseen by designer, Charles Orchard, and feature antiques and art sourced from Old Penicuik House. Two grand reception rooms and a formal dining room make it perfect for special occasions, such as weddings or private events. Nearby is High Pond Reserve, a waterside location where guests can go wild swimming and use the 'natural sauna' which will include a sauna, cold plunge and hot tub. Smaller cottages offer cosy interiors. (Credit: Alexander Baxter) The collection of smaller cottages have interiors designed by Edinburgh studio Fantoush. Each property includes a state-of-the-art kitchen, sitting room with a wood burner and en suite bedrooms. Outside, there are private terraces with outdoor wood burners, Big Green Egg barbecues, and secluded cedar hot tubs. On offer are hand-delivered food services, including organic breakfast and BBQ hampers, and private chefs to prepare tailor-made meals in the houses. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, activities include 20 km of walking and cycling trails and hiking in the Pentland Hills. Colours in the cottages reflect the nature outside. (Credit: Alexander Baxter) Currently under development at the estate is also a range of nature and heritage-led experiences, including whisky and gin tasting with local distilleries, spa treatments, yoga classes, mountain biking, wild swimming, and private heritage tours around the estate, which will be available soon upon request. Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, Tanzania Opening at the end of this year is Obuyu, the first African safari park from hospitality group, Banyan Tree. Found at the heart of Tanzania's Ruaha National Park, a stay here allows guest to embrace the vast wilderness of Southern Tanzania. It is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations, the world's highest concentration of lions, and one of the last refuges for the endangered African wild dog and more than 570 bird species. Ubuyu takes its name from the Swahili word for the fruit of the baobab tree, Africa's iconic Tree of Life, and the new outpost symbolically has baobab trees framing its entrance to greet you. Revered for its resilience and longevity, the baobab has offered shelter, nourishment and healing for generations. Ubuyu, A Banyan Tree Escape, Tanzania is the brand's frist African safari outpost. (Credit: Banyan Tree) Made up of six artisan-crafted villas, the hotel has been designed to blend into the surrounding terrain with sweeping views over the savannah. One- and two-bedroom villas draw inspiration from traditional Maasai circular dwellings, featuring open-air showers, private plunge pools and decks positioned to capture sunrise light and wildlife movement. The three-bedroom Retreat follows the organic curve of the Ruaha River and is centred around a firepit with a rooftop terrace designed for stargazing and storytelling. Each villa is solar-powered and constructed using natural materials including timber, thatch, clay and locally-carved Mninga wood furniture, crafted by local artisans. At the heart of the retreat lies the Living Room, a free-flowing communal space, while the Open Kitchen presents a plant-forward, zero-waste menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients sourced from nearby farms and villages. Above, the rooftop Mganga Bar serves elixirs infused with native botanicals, paired with sweeping views of the river and surrounding bushland. Set along the riverbank and open to the breeze, the Maji Spa invites restoration through rituals grounded in indigenous healing, using local oils and herbs to soothe, balance, and renew. Since it was founded in 1994, Banyan Group has long been a pioneer of sustainable, purpose-driven hospitality and the new opening looks set to continue that drive rooted in regenerative tourism.
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Travel + Leisure
08-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These Are the 10 Best Resorts in Arizona for 2025—and No. 1 Is an All-inclusive
Arizona has long been one of the country's favorite wellness destinations. For decades, travelers have come to the Grand Canyon State seeking rest and rejuvenation in a delightfully warm, dry climate while enjoying stunning desert landscapes. In the last few years, however, a new generation of modern wellness retreats has emerged, from mega-resorts to petite boutique hotels. Many of these give guests the ability to find their center through amenities such as mineral spring-fed soaking tubs, in-room massage services, and meticulously groomed golf courses. In this year's "World's Best Awards" survey, wellness getaways dominated the list, and Travel + Leisure readers singled out the very best of the best. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 T+L readers completed the 2025 survey. A total of more than 657,000 votes were cast across over 8,700 properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.). Hotels were classified as either resort hotel, city hotel, inn, or safari lodge based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically rated on the criteria below: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses. A cozy firepit outside the Sky View Cabins. While resorts in Scottsdale dominated Arizona's World's Best Awards last year, 2025's winners are scattered around the state in cities such as Sedona, Tucson, and Phoenix. Still, four of the 10 reader-picked hotels are located in Scottsdale, which has a long-standing reputation as a retreat destination. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale (No. 2), which ranked eighth last year, was praised for its 'amazing service, views, and staff,' by one reader. And while many properties on this list tout their wellness offerings, some hotels, like The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa (No. 8) are focused on providing family-friendly experiences, too. 'My kids love the Kids Club at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa,' one reader shared. 'They have been to many kids clubs and this is by far their favorite. Janet and her staff are very attentive and fun. The only bad thing about the kids club is that my children never want to leave when I pick them up." Over in Sedona, known for its red-rock buttes and mystic vibes, L'Auberge de Sedona (No. 3) offers another solid choice for a relaxing Arizonan retreat—one person described it as a 'one-of-a-kind property.' And while children are welcome here, it might be better suited for older (or at least very well-behaved) kiddos. In fact, another review recommended it as the perfect venue for a romantic stay. 'Incredibly relaxing and romantic hotel with beautiful views, a great spa, and delicious restaurant,' the reader said. 'The perfect place to stay in Sedona.' But one property definitively claimed the top spot on this year's list, and it's a hotel that's been on our readers' radars for some time. Keep reading to learn who cinched the top spot, and to see the full list. Castle Hot Springs: Morristown, Arizona The interior of the Spring Bungalow at Castle Hot Springs. The service is outstanding, the grounds are amazing, and the food is terrific. There is no place like it, and [I] highly recommend. — T + L Reader This year's winner also came in first place in 2024: Castle Hot Springs in Morristown, Arizona. The 31-room, all-inclusive resort is located about an hour north of Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert. Most of the accommodations are stand-alone, and some are kitted out with outdoor soaking tubs, cozy fireplaces, and private patios. However, as the name implies, this property is perhaps best known for its three on-site hot springs, the hottest of which bubbles away at a toasty 106°F. Guests can also expect a full roster of standout experiences such as a via ferrata-inspired climbing course, guided farm tours (where the hotel's restaurant sources much of its ingredients), archery, and sunrise yoga. One thing to keep in mind: Children are not allowed, which may seal the deal for some guests. 'This is one of the most unique and beautiful properties in the country,' a T+L reader wrote. 'The service is outstanding, the grounds are amazing, and the food is terrific. There is no place like it, and [I] highly recommend.' 1. Castle Hot Springs: Morristown Reader Score: 96.71 2. Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale Reader Score: 93.45 3. L'Auberge de Sedona: Sedona Reader Score: 93.17 4. Royal Palms Resort and Spa, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: Phoenix Reader Score: 92.63 5. Enchantment Resort: Sedona Reader Score: 92.62 6. Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, a Gurney's Resort & Spa: Scottsdale Reader Score: 92.16 7. The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain: Marana Reader Score: 91.81 8. The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa: Tucson Reader Score: 90.86 9. Hotel Valley Ho: Scottsdale Reader Score: 90.00 10. Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows: Scottsdale Reader Score: 89.68
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Forbes
The Four Seasons Ocean Club Doubles Down On Wellness With Nora Tobin-Led Retreats
Nora Tobin is the wellness expert behind a new series of retreats at The Four Seasons Ocean Club. Long gone are the days when a luxury getaway was defined by poolside piña coladas and sleeping in, or even sunrise yoga and a never-ending cascade of green juices. Today's travelers want more than a brief reprieve from their busy lives; they crave experiences that reboot their energy, shift their mindset, and leave them feeling noticeably healthier at checkout and beyond--without sacrificing the indulgence that makes vacation feel like an actual escape. It's this precise balance that wellness expert Nora Tobin had in mind when crafting a new summer retreat series at the legendary Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, in the Bahamas. The retreats pair immersive, evidence-backed programming with the kind of sun-drenched paradise that naturally calms the mind and resets the body to tackle common ailments, like high stress, low energy, and restless sleep. But don't expect a rigid, all-work-no-play itinerary that's become standard at so many other wellness destinations. 'I have found the most rewarding results come from a place of indulgence,' Tobin says, recalling a childhood where dinners were never short on meat and potatoes. 'I believe we can look and feel our best without experiencing deprivation.' And she brings that philosophy to every detail of her partnership with The Ocean Club. At the core of Tobin's retreat concept are her four pillars--restore, perform, nourish, and glow--with each addressing typical challenges faced by guests of all ages and lifestyles. Despite the widely applicable goals, though, the programming is designed to have a flexible, à la carte approach that allows guests to personalize the experience to their own needs. 'Each person has a personalized approach to wellness. It could be as simple as a 20-minute walk daily or a specific nutrition program,' Tobin explains. 'With many different routes to choose from, I have found common themes most of us experience on a weekly basis, including disrupted sleep, high stress levels, and depleted energy.' Tobin wanted to ensure guests could enjoy The Ocean Club's many traditional offerings alongside her ... More retreats. Unlike many intensive wellness getaways that demand strict schedules and early wake-up times, this series takes a more balanced approach and is in fact meant to slot seamlessly into a traditional luxury vacation. Guests can opt in to as many or as few sessions as they wish, allowing for a more laid-back experience and dispelling any feelings of missing out on relaxation. There's no programming before 9 a.m. (Tobin practices what she preaches when it comes to quality rest), and mornings start with options: an energizing 'Silhouette Sculpt' or 'Train Like A Pro' session, or a gentler restorative yoga flow or athletic stretch. Post-workout, guests dive into workshops like 'Abs Are Made in the Kitchen' and 'Smart Sleep.' Afternoons are intentionally fluid, offering a customized approach with opportunities for one-on-one nutrition coaching, personal training, and guided meditation. 'This is also a great time for guests to enjoy time with their families, experience the spa, or head out on an outdoor adventure,' Tobin adds. Evenings then kick off with the wellness expert's 'Beverages with Benefits' activation, which features a vibrant course of clean cocktails and mocktails that utilize botanical herbs and pure fruit extracts and a discussion on longevity and routine enhancements that can lower oxidative stress. Nightly dinners, and really all dining, however, is enjoyed by guests on their own, offering an opportunity to try the property's award-winning restaurants, Dune by Jean-Georges and Ocean Blu. Tobin's retreats with The Ocean Club mark her latest in a decade of collaboration with The Four Seasons. Following a successful partnership with the brand's Santa Barbara property in 2015 to launch the 'Fit For All Seasons' media series and on-site programming, it was clear that modern travelers were seeking deeper experiences that supported wellbeing in ways that felt approachable and joyful. Since then, Tobin has worked with multiple Four Seasons resorts around the world, but The Ocean Club offered something unique: a storied property steeped in Bahamian beauty, intimate by design, and run by a legacy team renowned for its warm, personalized service. The Ocean Club's new retreat series draws inspiration from the beachfront property and its ... More surroundings. 'The intimacy of the property along with the exceptional natural beauty evokes a sense of wellbeing. Upon arrival, there is an immediate familial connection and warmth,' Tobin says. 'I always believed wellness should feel joyful, and The Ocean Club delivers that feeling in spades.' And in true Four Seasons fashion, the natural surroundings are indeed part of the healing process. The Ocean Club's turquoise waters and lush gardens aren't just backdrops--they're reminders to slow down, reconnect with nature, and carry that calm home. Tobin's retreats are crafted to meet guests where they are, a notable departure from many wellness programs that cater exclusively to seasoned health nuts or solo travelers. Business professionals looking to recharge, families seeking to add enrichment to their stay, and wellness beginners testing the waters can all find value in the retreats' accessible structure and customizable nature. 'The incremental approach to health and wellness allows for a dynamic array of attendees, seeking tools to ease stress, enhance deep sleep, power longevity, and glow on the go,' Tobin says. The retreats also promise sustainability--not just for the planet, a continued focus for The Four Seasons brand globally, but also for guests' own routines once they leave the comforts of The Ocean Club and return home to their busy lives. Rather than expecting visitors to overhaul their entire lifestyle, Tobin encourages each person to select three practical strategies that feel manageable and meaningful. 'Take what serves you, and leave the rest,' she advises. For some, this might mean adding more healthy fats to brighten the skin; for others, it may be journaling a few pages each morning to foster calm and intention. To help guests maintain this momentum, the retreat includes an option for continued support through virtual coaching, weekly online classes, and direct communication with Tobin and her team. Tobin encourages guests to choose three meaningful but manageable wellness strategies to bring home ... More with them and incorporate into their normal lives. Tobin's new Ocean Club retreat series will run throughout the summer, with sessions taking place June 6-8, July 18-20, and August 3-5--but this is very much just the beginning for the collaboration. Upcoming additions include golf-focused getaways that combine sports nutrition and recovery sessions with time on the course, longevity events featuring guest experts, and next-level spa treatments with results-focused protocols. In an age when time has become the most precious luxury, experiences that combine measurable wellness benefits with world-class hospitality feel more relevant than ever. 'This is an extraordinary moment in the evolution of travel, with brands strategically investing in meaningful experiences that transcend traditional hospitality and deliver lasting enrichment,' Tobin notes. And with her newest offering at The Ocean Club, it's clear that the future of luxury travel is not about choosing between self-care and indulgence, but about creating space for both to coexist beautifully.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Forbes
How Britain Quietly Became The Next Big Destination In Wellness
Yes, the UK is quickly becoming a go-to wellness destination. getty Bali has the sun. California has smoothies. Costa Rica has the jungle shaman who'll realign your spleen and sell you ayahuasca in a biodegradable pouch. For years, the global wellness crowd—those flushed, limber people sipping turmeric lattes in loose linen—have floated between a predictable loop of palm trees, plunge pools, and polished Instagram serenity. Britain? Not even on the map. At best, it was 'cozy' or 'quaint'—a nice place for a rainy walk and a Victoria sponge. Wellness, in the traditional sense, was not part of the national brand. And yet—somehow, quietly, and very much on its own terms—the UK is becoming one of the most exciting wellness destinations in the world. Yes, really. The land of biscuits and drizzle is now home to red-light therapy lounges, surf-lagoon saunas, and off-grid retreats so bespoke they come with their own sheep. It's high-end, it's wildly diverse, and it's often delightfully strange. One of the most audacious examples: the Belmond Britannic Explorer, launching in July 2025. A luxury sleeper train with a wellness agenda, it offers three-night itineraries through Cornwall, the Lake District, and Wales. There are forest bathing rituals inspired by the landscapes you pass through, as well as treatments that draw directly from the natural elements outside your window. Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan handles the food, of course—every meal is seasonal, foraged, and plated like edible origami. The train isn't just a method of transport. The kind of place where you can take a meeting in the morning, a magnesium plunge in the afternoon, and a nap inside a flotation tank before dinner. Somewhere between the spa and science lab, the space is packed with all the usual suspects—cryotherapy chambers, steam rooms, flotation pods, red light therapy lounges, Finnish and bio saunas, whatever that means. It's like someone built a high-tech spaceship and stocked it with eucalyptus towels and organic eye masks. Then there's Six Senses Place, tucked upstairs at the new Six Senses London. A wellness club meets co-working experiment; it's designed for people who want to network between breathwork sessions and maybe have a kale-based epiphany over lunch. Whether it's sustainable, spiritual, or slightly absurd depends on how skeptical you are—but it's hard to argue with a place that lets you do your emails in a robe. Of course, not all of Britain's wellness wave is polished to a West London shine. Some of the most compelling stuff is happening out in the wild—places where the spa is a tent, the therapy comes on four legs, and nobody cares what you're wearing. Just outside Edinburgh, in what used to be an industrial quarry, you'll find Lost Shore—Europe's largest inland surfing lagoon, improbably reimagined as a surf-meets-sauna retreat. It's all clean breaks and controlled waves, followed by long, satisfying sweats in the Spear Sauna, a glass-fronted, wood-fired cocoon that stares out over the water. It's rugged, elemental, and blissfully removed from any kind of influencer energy. And then you've got Wales, which has taken the idea of wellness and run it through a sheep field. At the Sheepy Sleepover in the Highlands (yes, that's really what it's called), you can do guided meditation, practice yoga, and bond with two actual sheep named Fergus and Finn. They live on-site. They're dignified. They're shockingly therapeutic. Somewhere between the sound baths and the fresh hay, it starts to make sense. Down on Anglesey, things get saltier. Literally. At Halen Môn, visitors soak in steaming seaweed- and sea salt-infused baths—set inside old whisky barrels perched above the Menai Strait. It smells like the sea, warm wood, and something vaguely medicinal. It works. Elsewhere in Wales, people are walking with alpacas through heather-covered hills, trying out equine therapy, or standing very still while dolphins do their thing offshore. It's not flashy. But it's deeply human. Back in England, the Cotswolds offer a slicker version of pastoral escape. The Lakes by Yoo features treehouses, floating yoga decks, paddleboarding, and lakes so calm that they appear Photoshopped. It's all beautifully curated but never in-your-face. Just nature and a very good mattress. Head north again, and it gets wilder. At Glen Dye, in the Scottish Highlands, there are cabins with no reception, wood-fired hot tubs beside cold rivers, and stars so bright they feel hand-painted. There's also bread-making forest hikes, and no fixed schedule. It's the kind of place where you forget your login password—and don't miss it. This new era of British wellness doesn't really care if you've done a juice cleanse. It's not trying to sell you enlightenment. It's muddy boots and breathwork, hot tubs and moss, sheep and stars, and a surprising amount of silence. It doesn't ask you to be a better person—just a calmer one. And maybe that's the whole point.
Entrepreneur
19-06-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Downtime Drives Success — Even For Founders Like Bill Gates
If you're looking for a way to shake up some of the stagnant thinking and difficult roadblocks you've faced as a founder, then retreats could be the answer for you. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. I've spent years working with startups and scaling businesses, and one of several trends I've seen consistently create lasting impact is the strategic use of retreats. In more than 20 years of reporting and producing at TV stations, and editing and writing for different websites, I've actively participated in retreats organized by the organizations where I've advised or worked. At these gatherings, beyond the usual work-related content — I've hiked trails, done silent meditations and have taken part in metaphysical book reading groups. After participating in company retreats, I can say that they are an excellent tool for growth. Although they sometimes feel like general vacations disguised as meetings or seminars, they often act as deliberate pauses, pushing the company forward. Besides strengthening team cohesion, they also help unlock new layers of creativity and clarity in decision-making. Strategic retreats are becoming a key element in the strategies of growth-minded leaders, especially during the summer months, when a shift in pace can lead to transformative breakthroughs. More and more founders are starting to recognize the value of startup and company retreats. Here are five reasons why I think founders should schedule retreats. Related: Open Conversations Are Often Stifled at Work — Here's How to Break That Silence and Reach Your True Potential 1. Retreats build deep, lasting connections I have built plenty of valuable connections in retreats I've attended. I have also seen founders, co-founders and company executives participate in retreats targeting people in those roles. Those experiences created new relationships and strengthened ones that existed already, and even led to eventual business deals. Ups and downs are a given during the entrepreneurial journey, and your network is a huge basis for support. Most entrepreneurs have attended a mid-week networking event that lasts an hour or two and probably doesn't result in new connections that truly help build their network. Unlike this more superficial networking, retreats give a more immersive experience that forges stronger bonds between participants, helping build a trusted support network that founders can rely on during tough times, where support and guidance may be needed. These connections aren't just limited to founders. Team members attending a retreat often develop stronger working relationships, too, as the programming at retreats provides them with a space for open conversations and interactions. Enjoyable activities and a relaxed setting can break down barriers and help employees build honest, deep connections they usually don't find at fleeting networking events. 2. They cut distractions and help decision-making One of the most underrated benefits of retreats is the clarity that comes from being fully present. They offer a rare opportunity for uninterrupted thinking — away from the constant buzz of notifications, meetings and operational fires. For founders, this means space to engage in deeper, more deliberate conversations about the direction of the business, without the usual digital distractions and mental clutter. I have seen a clear pattern: My creativity improves when I unplug from the regular chaos. And this is in part because I'm away from the usual routine and fully invested in the workshops, group discussions or even outdoor adventures at a retreat. These periods of seclusion give founders and employees the mental reset needed to engage in deeper strategic discussions, party games or even hackathons without as much pressure. The activities create inspiring experiences for workers to share. So, it makes total sense to me why founders like Bill Gates take two-week-long retreats that he calls "Think Weeks," to disconnect himself from work and gain fresh insight. Related: Now Is the Best Time to Consider Offshoring At Least 1 Job at Your Company — Here's Why. 3. Retreats help you share knowledge and solve problems What sets retreats apart from traditional conferences or online courses is their emphasis on actionable learning in real time. Workshops and discussions in these retreats are often led by seasoned operators, investors and domain experts who've been in the trenches. They speak from experience, not theory. So, the advice tends to be specific, tested and immediately relevant. Even more valuable is the knowledge shared founder-to-founder. Since everyone arrives with different challenges and skill sets, this naturally creates an exchange environment. You may hear how someone approached a failed product launch, restructured a team or rethought their pricing, and you're just as likely to share your own playbook in return. This kind of learning encourages founders to think more critically, adapt faster and lead more confidently, making it one of the perfect spots to get realistic insights on leadership and product-driven growth. 4. They promote better mental health and creativity In my experience, retreats with founders have consistently proven just how powerful stepping away from the daily grind can be. For many of us, the constant context-switching and relentless pace of building something from the ground up leave little room for mental clarity or creative thought. But when you intentionally remove yourself from that environment — even temporarily — you create space to reflect, recharge and reconnect. Many founders I've met echo this: The simple act of slowing down, surrounded by like-minded individuals, creates a mental reset that's hard to replicate elsewhere. Another point to consider is that retreats give you a chance to rest and not think about pressing problems. The expert-led workshops and guest speakers may spark new ideas or help you reframe persistent challenges. By the time the retreat ends, you return rested, strategically realigned and creatively recharged. You can come back to the issues and may be more likely to solve them. Related: Effective Networking Requires Mastering These 5 Skills 5. Retreats help you find lasting mentorship and support Some of the most valuable professional relationships I've built didn't start in a boardroom or on LinkedIn. They started at retreats. There's something uniquely powerful about the connections formed outside your usual work environment. They're often like-minded colleagues who understand the hustle of building something from scratch. Retreats create an ideal setting for these relationships to form naturally. Conversations are often less formal and more honest, transparent or grounded because there's far less pressure to pitch or network. Whether it's a fellow founder a few steps ahead of you or an investor offering off-the-record advice, connections often evolve into lasting mentorships. Someone you meet at a retreat may turn into a long-term sounding board that contributes directly to the sustainability and growth of your journey. Should you keep arranging more retreats? The short answer is yes. Beyond the lasting relationships formed, these shared experiences unlock new opportunities, challenge stagnant thinking and provide the support needed to tackle complex decisions head-on. From an investor's perspective, supporting retreats is a smart strategy. It builds stronger founder relationships, deeper trust and a more connected ecosystem where value extends beyond capital. So yes, founders should keep planning retreats, not as a luxury, but as a strategic pause that fuels clarity, creativity and connection when it matters most.
