Company retreats are a smart way to bring people together, spark creativity and strengthen culture. In 2025, with teams spread out more than ever, an off-site retreat can achieve what virtual meetings can’t – genuine connection and lasting momentum.
But planning takes more than choosing a scenic location. Your corporate getaway should align with your business goals, give your team the right amount of structure and freedom, and take care of the details so you can focus on the results.
Here’s how you can plan a company retreat that inspires, motivates, and delivers long after everyone’s back at work.
Why Corporate Retreats Matter
Retreats are more than time away from the office. When people come together in person, the benefits flow naturally into the way they work. Conversations feel easier, collaboration is smoother, and creative thinking comes alive in ways that are hard to replicate in the office.
Stepping out of routine allows for fresh ideas while making employees feel recognised and valued. In just a few days, projects can move forward in ways that might take months in a virtual environment.
Choosing the Right Type of Retreat
The best retreats have a clear purpose.
For teams that need to connect on a deeper level, shared activities – whether that’s a cooking class, a walk through the vines, or an outdoor challenge – can spark genuine bonds.
Leadership and strategy events allow managers and executives to step back, align and focus on the bigger picture. Hybrid gatherings offer in-office and remote staff the chance to meet as equals, creating a level field for collaboration.
And when a lighter touch is needed, a one-day experience can still provide focus, clarity and valuable in-person time, without the added complexity of extended travel. Each format has its place, and choosing the right one makes all the difference between a good retreat and a transformative one.
Planning Your Retreat: 6 Simple Steps
Define Your Goals
Move past vague objectives like “team bonding”. What do you really want to achieve? Clear goals shape the success of your retreat.
Set Your Budget
Factor in travel, accommodation, dining, meeting spaces and activities – but don’t forget to leave a buffer for extras.
Pick Your Location
Accessibility matters, and your team should arrive refreshed, not exhausted. Choose venues that balance inspiring surroundings with the practicalities of meeting spaces and ample accommodation.
Balance Work and Free Time
Avoid cramming their schedules. The best retreats mix workshops, structured activities, and downtime.
Communicate Clearly
Share the “why” behind the event, set expectations and give people time to prepare.
Follow-Up Post-Event
Collect feedback, capture action points, and share highlights to keep momentum flowing.
The Best Victorian Conference Venues
Victoria offers some of the most inspiring locations for corporate retreats, with venues that combine natural beauty, exceptional service and facilities built for corporate groups.
Lancemore Macedon Ranges
Tucked away in 274 acres of natural bushland, the conference spaces at Lancemore Macedon Ranges are built for inspiration. Filled with natural light, the stunning modern conference facilities and 72 guest rooms make it ideal for leadership retreats or large team gatherings.
The setting is private yet accessible, only one hour from Melbourne’s CBD.
Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park
Melbourne conference venues don’t get much better than Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park. Manicured gardens, heritage architecture and expansive lawns invite a glass of wine after a big day of strategy sessions.
Inside, you’ll find elegant event spaces and 91 boutique rooms – perfect for overnight retreats that blend work with a sense of occasion. Just 30 minutes from Melbourne, it’s a venue that makes corporate gatherings feel anything but ordinary.
Lancemore Milawa
Set in the heart of King Valley wine country, Lancemore Milawa’s conference spaces make slowing down feel easy.
Surrounded by vineyards and panoramic mountain views, it’s a retreat where work sessions flow naturally into shared dinners and fireside chats. With 40 guest rooms and flexible conference areas, it’s an excellent fit for smaller teams who want focus and privacy without sacrificing comfort.
Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill
Just an hour from Melbourne, you’ll find Lindenderry Red Hill – a conference space on the Mornington Peninsula with fresh coastal air, vineyard views, and a sense of calm.
Four adaptable meeting spaces and 40 boutique rooms create a venue designed for deep focus, whether you’re hosting a large conference or a small leadership retreat. With all-inclusive packages and seamless planning, your team can arrive, connect and leave inspired.
Start Planning Your Future Retreat
A company retreat is an investment in your people and your culture.
With the right planning and the right regional Victorian conference venue, you’ll bring your team together in a space away from the hustle of the CBD. If you’re ready to start, contact the Lancemore team to find the perfect fit for your business.
