Why Invest in an Original Company Retreat?

Far from traditional work sessions, a successful retreat leaves a lasting impression on a team. Reinvigorated employees invest more in their work and forge bonds that go beyond the open-plan office. This dynamic explains why companies are increasingly drawn to this unifying format.

An original company retreat is a shared time away from the office that produces tangible effects on company life:

• Stronger cohesion: hierarchical barriers come down and cross-functional communication improves;
• Talent revealed: personalities emerge outside the usual professional setting;
• Embodied company culture: values are transmitted more effectively through experience than through speeches;
• Lasting engagement: the sense of belonging is consolidated over several months.

The choice of activity remains decisive in this process. It must appeal to the greatest number, take everyone's physical abilities into account, and reflect the company's values — without ever excluding a single team member.

Holding a retreat outside the company's premises means placing all participants in a small bubble for a few days. And to make this event truly memorable, originality is essential.

How to Organise a Successful and Original Company Retreat?

Define the Objective and the Audience

Every retreat project starts with a clear intention. Ask yourself why you want to organise this type of event: unveiling a strategy? Celebrating an annual review? Strengthening bonds between colleagues? The answer shapes every subsequent decision.

Practical questions follow: who is taking part? The entire workforce, management only, a specific department? What duration is appropriate, keeping in mind travel time that is often underestimated?

Expert tip

‍Write a brief before approaching any supplier. In this document, try to answer four questions: why, for whom, when, and with what budget. This initial clarity streamlines the entire organisation.

Set a Precise and Balanced Retreat Programme

A successful company retreat relies on a well-timed schedule. Brainstorming sessions, debriefs, cultural outings, physical activities — every moment deserves its place in the day.

The balance between professional content and informal moments makes all the difference. Building in a few free slots lets participants breathe and make the experience their own. Surprises are planned; the unexpected is anticipated.

Choose the Ideal Venue for Your Retreat

The setting determines the atmosphere. Some conventional venues offer meeting rooms, catering and accommodation all on one site. Practical, but sometimes predictable.

Unusual and unique venues change the game entirely. A château, a wine estate, a seaside location, a forest — a change of scenery stimulates collective creativity and breaks down hierarchical routines.

Renting a marquee or an event tent opens a third option. These elegant structures make it possible to occupy a site you already own or a completely original location, while guaranteeing comfort and protection from the elements. The space can be personalised to match the chosen theme.

Atawa Experience

‍For the company FAGUO, Atawa designed an original company retreat in the heart of nature, centred around a large campfire. Tipis housed the team members and a central tipi served as the hub for group discussions. A total immersion, made possible by bespoke logistics.

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Encourage Exchanges Between Colleagues

The chemistry between participants determines the success of the event. That is why it is important to create spaces and activities that encourage interaction and stimulate creativity.

Interactive digital tools make meeting sessions run more smoothly. In the evening, a cocktail-style dinner encourages cross-table conversations far more naturally than an assigned-seating sit-down meal. A lounge area or a vintage game corner — table football, pinball — naturally extends the evening.

A green, open-air setting provides that extra breathing space teams often crave. Atawa installs the necessary infrastructure to optimise the configuration of unique venues, right down to the comfort of each participant.

7 Ideas for an Original Company Retreat

To keep a memorable impression of a company retreat, nothing beats an original activity that appeals to everyone. Whether built around a specific theme or simply for the pleasure of getting together somewhere other than the office, there is no shortage of ideas to delight your teams. It is of course essential to take everyone's physical abilities into account so that no colleague is left behind.

Here are some original activity ideas for a company retreat that are sure to win over your employees.

1 – Outdoor Activities

• Treasure hunt
• Buggy rides
• Paintball
• Escape game
• Murder mystery
• Hiking
• Picnic

These outdoor activities allow colleagues to have fun while exploring their surroundings, encouraging conviviality and relaxation while strengthening team bonds. Excursions in nature offer the chance to recharge and share authentic moments together.

2 – Creative and Playful Experiences

• Creative workshops (collective street art mural, embroidery, painting aperitif, etc.)
• Giant escape games
• Themed evenings (90s, gala, all-white, masquerade ball, time travel, etc.)
• Murder mystery
• Theatrical improvisation

These activities stimulate creativity, problem-solving and social interaction. Playful moments encourage informal communication between team members and strengthen cohesion through fun challenges.

3 – Relaxation and Wellbeing

• Meditation
• Yoga
• Sophrology
• Amma massage
• Healthy cooking classes
• Guided relaxation
• Conscious breathing

These wellness activities help employees manage stress and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. They foster a healthier work environment and strengthen bonds through calming, shared experiences.

4 – Culinary and Gastronomic Activities

• Local produce tastings
• Vineyard visits
• Chocolate tasting workshop
• Team cooking competition
• Mixology class
• Blind tasting experience

These types of activities bring participants together around unique local flavours, sparking informal conversations and moments of sharing.

5 – Virtual Activities

VR opens up new horizons without leaving the retreat venue. Participants share immersive adventures that add a technological, modern dimension to the event — particularly appreciated by digital teams.

6 – High-Energy Activities

• Smash Room
• Boxing class
• Axe throwing
• Reverse bungee jumping
• Primal scream session

These ideas allow participants to unwind, let off steam and shake off built-up tension in a fun and safe environment.

7 – Travel and Exploration

Trips within the country or abroad offer an exceptional opportunity to discover new cultures, strengthening open-mindedness and intercultural understanding within the team. Exploring a new environment together creates lasting memories and consolidates bonds.

Discover the best destinations for a company retreat in France.

How to Immortalise Your Original Company Retreat?

Does the retreat live up to all your expectations — and are your team's compliments the proof? While everyone has a smartphone to capture the highlights of this extraordinary professional event, don't forget that a small gift is always greatly appreciated.

• A video capture of key moments allows you to relive the emotions, the laughter and the surprise effects of the retreat.
• A photobooth is an excellent activity during a banquet or festive evening.
• Useful branded goodies in your company's colours are also a great way to delight your employees.

Key Takeaways for Your Original Company Retreat

Organising an event that stands out from the ordinary is not something you improvise. Here are the key points to guarantee the success of your project.

• Objective first: clearly identify whether you want to strengthen cohesion, onboard new talent or boost motivation.
• Originality through activity: whether it's an escape game, a virtual reality immersion or a culinary workshop, choose an activity that breaks the office routine.
• The venue as a lever: step out of conventional meeting rooms. Renting an ephemeral structure (nomadic tent, tipi, marquee) in the heart of nature instantly transforms the atmosphere and encourages exchanges.
• A balanced programme: alternate between strategic sessions and informal downtime (cocktails, games, relaxation).
• People at the centre: ensure inclusion for all employees and prioritise internal communication to create a genuine sense of belonging.
• Logistical anticipation: plan your event 3 to 6 months in advance to secure the best venues and suppliers.

Because organising an original company retreat takes time, ideas and a great deal of organisation, professional experience and expertise are real assets. With the Atawa experts by your side, nothing is left to chance — so your unique retreat is a complete success.

FAQ – Your Questions About an Original Company Retreat

What is the ideal time to organise an original retreat?

Plan the organisation 3 to 6 months in advance to maximise participation. Spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) remain the most popular periods for an outdoor or unique-venue retreat. An event scheduled Tuesday to Thursday often makes it possible to negotiate better rates on accommodation and suppliers.

Why choose an ephemeral venue over a traditional one?

Renting an event tent or marquee allows you to create a bespoke environment on a site you already own or in a completely original location (château grounds, seaside, forest). This reinforces the element of surprise and immediately breaks down hierarchical barriers, unlike a standardised conference setting.

What is the average cost of a company retreat?

A retreat budget is always tailored. Several factors influence the final amount:

• Number of participants: the headcount determines the size of the infrastructure and catering volumes;
• Duration: a one-day event, a two-day retreat with an overnight stay, or a longer three-day format;
• Type of activities: a creative workshop, an outdoor adventure or a VR experience do not require the same resources;
• Choice of venue: a wine estate, a château or a natural site all imply different logistical costs;
• Layout chosen: a nomadic tent, a marquee or an open-air installation all impact the overall budget.

A personalised quote — including logistics, catering and activities — remains the only way to obtain a reliable estimate tailored to your project.

How can you foster team cohesion?

Team cohesion relies on a subtle balance between work and relaxation. To strengthen the collective spirit, prioritise activities that stimulate collective intelligence (escape games, artistic murals) over simple competition. Creating informal social spaces and choosing an immersive setting also helps open up internal communication and encourage people to speak freely.

Organise an original company retreat in Nantes.

Article updated on May 21, 2026.